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A second 49ers wide receiver arrived in Brock Purdy’s defense this week after the star quarterback recently came under harsh criticism from NFL analysts.
All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk made his perception of Purdy clear to reporters on Wednesday, sharing his opinion on the negative noise directed at his 24-year-old teammate.
“I’m not really talking or focusing on his critics,” Aiyuk told reporters. “We’re all sitting here because of him, obviously.”
Aiyuk knows firsthand what Purdy means to San Francisco, as the quarterback helped him earn back-to-back 1,000+ receiving yard seasons (2022, ’23).
Aiyuk appreciates the opportunity to suit up on Sundays alongside Purdy, citing three traits he values at No. 13.
“Calm down, dog, just a football player,” Aiyuk declared. “I love playing football with him. (Purdy) is the reason I’m sitting here today feeling like I have a chance this weekend to play my best football because of a quarterback like him.”
On Monday, the 49ers’ other top receiver, Deebo Samuel, adopted a similar defensive stance for Purdy.
The Pro Bowl wide receiver posted an Instagram story criticizing ESPN’s Ryan Clark, who ranted at length that the second-year quarterback could be a product of elite coaches and teammates on “First Take.”
“I’ve never seen so much hate for a QB who leads the league in almost every category, y’all are upset,” Samuel posted on his Instagram Story. “That (tape) doesn’t tell lies.”
While detractors don’t want to admit it, Purdy has the trust and support of all the right people.
Purdy’s receivers are in his corner, plus Hall of Famers Steve Young and Kurt Warner, which means the Iowa State product must be doing something right.
After all, Purdy has the 49ers one home win away from reaching their eighth Super Bowl.
On Sunday, Purdy can seal the deal for San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions at 3:30 p.m. PT at Levi’s Stadium.
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