The Green Bay Packers were caught off guard against the movement ability of Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but guarding against the scrambling potential of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy must be a top priority for Sunday’s showdown at Lambeau Field.
Williams rushed nine times for 70 yards against the Packers last week, including scrambles of 16 yards and 13 yards to convert third downs and an option keeper to convert a fourth down.
The Packers must be better defending against quarterback runs this week.
Incredibly, Purdy ranks second among all quarterbacks in scramble attempts this season. His 37 scrambles trail only the 46 attempted by rookie Jayden Daniels through 11 weeks.
Purdy has rushed for 267 yards, four touchdowns and 26 first downs or touchdowns this season, all career highs. His 26 first downs or touchdowns ranks sixth among quarterbacks, and his rushing success rate of 66.7 ranks first at the position.
Purdy isn’t the biggest or fastest quarterback in the game, but he’s quick and creative as a runner, and it’s clear his sense for feeling rush lanes and escaping the pocket is improved in 2024. He’s also more willing to run, although it’s possible he’s turning down completions elsewhere to improvise with his legs.
Last week, Purdy broke contain of the pocket to his right and scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
Brock Purdy lays out for the @49ers TD!
: #SEAvsSF on FOX
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/7OlI7fdb3J
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
Purdy was responsible for two of the three 49ers run gaining 10 or more yards against the Seahawks.
The Packers will need to have disciplined rush lanes and have awareness on the second level when Purdy is about to tuck the ball and run. Against the Bears, rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was just a little late on both third-down scrambles and allowed Williams to get to the edge and convert. Purdy and Williams are probably comparable in terms of quickness and speed as scramblers, so Cooper and the other Packers linebackers won’t have time to hesitate on extended plays.
You can bet the Packers will spend extra time reviewing the mistakes made against Williams and attempt to correct this week. Can the Packers keep Purdy in the pocket and contain his scrambling ability on Sunday at Lambeau Field?