“Brock Purdy is right-handed Tua Tagovailoa”: Colin Cowherd sets ceiling for $265,000,000 QB after 3 INT game vs. Panthers

Colin Cowherd stirred debate on Tuesday by drawing a comparison between Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa.

The FS1 host said the San Francisco quarterback shares the same ceiling and the same limitations as Miami’s passer following Purdy’s turnover-filled performance against Carolina.

Cowherd pointed to Purdy’s inconsistency and turnover trends.

"Brock Purdy's last 20 starts: 30 touchdowns, 19 interceptions," Cowherd said, via "The Colin Cowherd Show." "Pass rating that's equal to Tua. And what did I always call Brock Purdy, a right-handed Tua. A little mobility, not a big arm, little injury. Prone Tua, don't trust him. In cold weather, had ball security issues in wet weather. It's the same guy.

"I think Tua throws a more accurate ball consistently. I think Purdy's a little bit better athlete and a much more aggressive thrower of the football. But in the last 20 starts with injuries and you have to move off people beause you're paying Purdy and other people. Now Purdy's a mid 90 passer rating guy with injuries. ... That's what he is right now."

Purdy signed a five-year $265 million extension in May after guiding the 49ers to consecutive NFC championship appearances.

They defeated the Panthers 20-9 on Monday at Levi’s Stadium despite Purdy throwing three interceptions in the opening half. He has returned from a toe injury that sidelined him for part of the season, and Monday’s game marked his eighth appearance this year.

Brock Purdy went 1-for-8 on throws beyond 10 yards with all three picks coming deep

NFL: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers - Source: Imagn

Brock Purdy’s performance against Carolina highlighted a concerning trend. He was highly efficient on short throws but ineffective when attacking down the field. The quarterback completed 22 of 24 attempts inside 10 yards and 1 of 8 beyond that distance. All three interceptions came on deeper targets when the timing and placement broke down.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan defended Purdy after the game, saying the decisions were correct but the execution lagged. He explained that Purdy’s timing made the throws vulnerable and emphasized that being late over the middle is costly in the NFL.

Purdy acknowledged the emotional impact of three consecutive turnovers, emphasizing that quarterbacks must remain confident and continue to challenge defenses even after mistakes.