Reports: Analysts Compare Purdy to Brady, Young

Brock Purdy’s 3-0 start to the 2026 season has drawn national attention, with reports citing 789 passing yards, nine touchdowns, one interception and 93 rushing yards through three games. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky compared Purdy’s play to Tom Brady’s peak years in New England, praising how he has led San Francisco despite injuries among the team’s receivers. Former players T.J. Ward and James Jones also compared Purdy to 49ers great Steve Young, pointing to his ability to pass, run and elevate teammates. The praise reflects a shift in the conversation around Purdy, whom critics had previously dismissed as a product of coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.