Stephen A. Smith sparks debate claiming Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers are not NFC ready

Stephen A. Smith shared a strong message for the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday during the “First Take” show on ESPN, one day after their 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. The win moved the team to an 8-4 record, but Stephen A. Smith said he does not believe they can win the NFC because of injuries, shaky play from Brock Purdy in recent weeks, and a defense that no longer looks as strong as before.

Stephen A. Smith questions Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ NFC hopes

Stephen A. Smith said on Tuesday that Brock Purdy has shown both good and worrying signs in his last four starts. 

He said Brock Purdy has seven interceptions and eight touchdowns in that time and pointed out that some throws “have a lot of air under the ball” and “no zip.” 

Stephen A. Smith added that Brock Purdy does not have “a rifle of an arm,” and this makes him unsure if the young quarterback can lead the San Francisco 49ers to win the NFC.

He also talked about the injury problems the team is facing. The San Francisco 49ers have been without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on offense and without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner on defense. 

He said losing these “cornerstones of the franchise” has made the team look “softer” than in past years. 

While Mac Jones filled in well for Brock Purdy earlier this season, the overall level of the team has fallen because of these absences.

🚨 Stephen A. Smith sends a clear message: despite a win, the 49ers have serious issues. QB Brock Purdy’s struggles and over-reliance on McCaffrey raise doubts about their playoff potential. Can they step up in the NFC? #49ers #NFL #FootballAnalysis 🏈 pic.twitter.com/iy7STqbjGT

— Ajet USA 365 (@AjetUSA365) November 27, 2025

Stephen A. Smith says Christian McCaffrey cannot carry the load alone

Stephen A. Smith warned that the San Francisco 49ers are asking Christian McCaffrey to do too much. 

Christian McCaffrey had 142 yards from scrimmage on Monday night, and Stephen A. Smith said that kind of workload is “an injury waiting to happen.” 

He said Christian McCaffrey is “electrifying,” but the team cannot depend on him alone if they want to win the NFC. This season, Christian McCaffrey has 796 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on a league-high 217 carries. 

Stephen A. Smith said the team must find more balance in the passing game so the pressure does not fall only on Christian McCaffrey. 

He believes that unless the San Francisco 49ers adjust, they will struggle to compete with the top NFC teams in the final five weeks of the season.