San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy has gotten louder. The absences of offensive stars Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel should now put his new skills to the test.

Anyone who has watched Brock Purdy in the first few games of the new NFL season will notice one thing in particular: The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has become louder. His body language is more assertive and he gives clear instructions.

The 24-year-old, who came into the NFL as the last draft pick in 2022, has worked on his communication ahead of what is now his third season. The way he leads the team and the offense.

The former “Mr. Irrelevant” is finally injury-free, he now knows his teammates well and the playbook inside and out. He has proven that he can play a good role in the NFL. So it’s time to shed his reserve.

“When I first came into the NFL, as a rookie and again last year after surgery, I was a little shy,” Purdy told ESPN: ‘Now I feel comfortable with the guys, I speak the language of the offense. ’

Purdy: Commanding the huddle remains a challenge

Purdy, who is a rather quiet person, also admitted that giving orders to the team in the huddle continues to be a challenge for him every day. Making it to the Super Bowl last season gave him extra confidence, though, and Purdy’s manner is well received by his teammates anyway.

“When he talks, the guys listen,” explained star tight end George Kittle: ”And that’s what you want from your quarterback. You want him to be the leader and not just fake it. He’s worked on that and found his voice. “

Failures of McCaffrey and Samuel put Purdy’s leadership to the test

Since Purdy became the 49ers’ starting quarterback, he has battled the stereotype of being a pure game manager whose success is largely enabled by the high-powered offense around him.

In fact, the coming weeks should be a good opportunity for Purdy to disprove this prejudice and prove his new leadership strength. With running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles tendinitis) and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf strain), two top stars will be out for an extended period of time.

The quarterback will be asked to take responsibility more than ever. In Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Purdy is likely to be in the spotlight even more than he already is. In the meantime, however, he feels comfortable in this exposed role.

Purdy: “…that’s why I can say what I think more ”

“We have a job to do,” Purdy said. “There’s a standard we have to play to. I can talk to the guys about anything because I have a real relationship with them. It’s not just about business. We go out there together, we want to play and win. I like these guys, they take care of me. That’s why I can say what I think a little bit more now.”

The challenge of leading the team to the Super Bowl again certainly hasn’t gotten any easier with McCaffrey and Samuel out.

But Brock Purdy seems ready to take on the challenge.