Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott are having similar seasons, claims Jason Garrett – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

After very successful campaigns in 2023, both 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott are experiencing similar issues in the first part of the 2024 NFL season.

Former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett believes the signal callers are dealing with very parallel situations. The former backup quarterback and NBC Football Night in America contributor has been keeping a close eye on both players and believes there are a few things each team can fix to increase their offensive productivity.

“Well, first of all, I love the guy,” Garrett told NBC Sports Bay Area of ​​Purdy. “He is a fantastic player and I actually think he has developed enormously over the last few years and this year too. But it doesn't feel like they're playing with the same rhythm as on offense.” .

“It seems to me that some of the injuries have affected her. With Christian McCaffrey out, obviously some of the receiver injuries and pressure are shifting more to him, and it seems like they're falling back a little more. They don’t have that to keep the game going and keep everyone off balance.”

Garrett praised the play of backup running back Jordan Mason, but believes McCaffrey's mere presence on the field changes the dynamics of the 49ers' offense. Purdy doesn't need to be Superman on the field, but without some of his key playmakers on the field, the quarterback has clearly had to adapt.

Garrett sees similar limitations in the Cowboys' offense.

“It’s really the same story,” Garrett said. “The Cowboys didn't slow people down on defense, so (Prescott) plays from behind a lot. They didn't run the ball very well. They are the NFL's last-place rushing team. And so you get this deal where you feel like you have to do everything yourself on every play.

“That’s not how you want to play quarterback. And he’s played at such a high level, and if he doesn’t, it’s probably because of the pressure he feels.”

In seven games, Purdy has completed 138 of 216 passes for 1,841 yards and nine touchdowns with seven interceptions. Purdy's 63.9 percent completion rate is well below his 69.4 percent completion rate in 2023.

Prescott has completed 142 of 224 passes for 1,602 yards and eight touchdowns with six interceptions and a 63.4 percent completion rate in six games this year, up from a 69.5 percent completion rate last season.

Garrett believes Purdy has all the tools he needs to turn the season around for the 49ers, and one of them is coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive system.

“I think it’s all about playing within the system, first and foremost,” Garrett said. “So if you trust, then you trust the piece and the people around you and make your decisions accordingly. But sometimes, when you fall behind in a game and have to bring the team back, the competitive instinct kicks in; This is what makes you a great player when you compete.

“You want to do everything you can to help the team win and sometimes that can impact your decision making. “So when he's back to himself and the environment around him is good, he'll play as well as any quarterback in this league.”

Purdy will be without Jauan Jennings on Sunday, who is dealing with a hip injury, but both Deebo Samuel (wrist/illness) and George Kittle (foot) are expected to play against the Cowboys. Another week of practice from Ricky Pearsall could also help the rookie wide receiver get involved on the field.

Kickoff is Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PT at Levi's Stadium.

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