The San Francisco 49ers are starting a different quarterback under center for their Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With Brock Purdy sidelined, backup quarterback Brandon Allen is set to make his first start of the 2024 NFL season.
Why Is Brandon Allen Starting?
Purdy, who has been the cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense this season, is out due to a shoulder injury. This unexpected development has opened the door for Allen to step in as the starting quarterback.
Allen, a seasoned veteran, has spent most of his career as a reliable backup, previously playing for teams like the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals.
MORE: What Happened to Brock Purdy?
He is in his ninth season in the NFL. His last start came in the season finale of the 2021 campaign when he was with the Bengals.
What to Expect from Brandon Allen
While Allen has limited starting experience, he has proven to be a steady hand in high-pressure situations. His familiarity with the 49ers’ system—thanks to time spent under head coach Kyle Shanahan over the last year and a half—could give the team confidence heading into this crucial NFC matchup.
Allen’s ability to manage the game and limit turnovers will be key as the 49ers face a Packers defense that has shown flashes of dominance this season. According to Pro Football Network’s proprietary Defense+ metric, the Packers have the 19th-best defense in the league, noting that turnovers have been a big part of that success.
“The one area where the Packers have been impressive this season has been turnovers, ranking fourth. Yet, they’ve only forced turnovers in one of their last three games, which has left them somewhat vulnerable in other areas. Turnovers were largely saving Green Bay’s pass defense in EPA per dropback, as their success rate against the pass has been inside the bottom 10 this season.”
The offense will likely lean heavily on its star players, including running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, to support their quarterback.
Brandon Allen’s College Career
Before making his mark in the NFL, Allen built a strong foundation during his college football career at the University of Arkansas. As a three-year starter for the Razorbacks, Allen displayed consistent growth, ultimately leading the team to bowl victories in both his junior and senior seasons.
Allen joined Arkansas in 2011, redshirting his first year to develop his skills. In 2012, he served as a backup, gaining valuable experience before becoming the starting quarterback in 2013. That year marked the start of his partnership with head coach Bret Bielema, who led the program during Allen’s final three years.
In his first season as a starter, Allen and the Razorbacks struggled to find their footing. The team posted a 3-9 record, and Allen faced growing pains, throwing 13 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Despite the tough season, he gained valuable experience that set the stage for his breakout.
The QB took a significant leap in 2014, becoming a more efficient and reliable quarterback. He threw for 20 touchdowns with only five interceptions, guiding the Razorbacks to a 7-6 record. His performance earned him the Offensive MVP award in the 2014 Texas Bowl, where Arkansas secured a decisive victory.
In his final year at Arkansas, Allen delivered a career-best performance. He threw for 3,440 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, leading the Razorbacks to an 8-5 record and a thrilling 2016 Liberty Bowl win. His ability to command the offense and make big plays cemented his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC that year.
When Was Brandon Allen Drafted?
Allen entered the NFL in 2016 when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the sixth round of the draft with the 201st overall pick. As the 13th quarterback taken in the class, Allen’s journey to the league was marked by perseverance and determination.
He was one of 15 quarterbacks selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, a group that included several notable names:
- Jared Goff: Taken No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Goff is now leading the Detroit Lions as their franchise quarterback.
- Carson Wentz: Picked No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz has transitioned to a backup role with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Dak Prescott: Selected in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys, Prescott has become one of the league’s premier quarterbacks and a cornerstone for Dallas.
49ers QB Depth Chart
With Purdy unavailable, the 49ers have reshuffled their quarterback depth chart heading into Week 12. Here’s a look at how the positions stack up:
1. Brandon Allen – Starting Quarterback
Allen steps into the starting role for the 49ers. After serving as Purdy’s backup, Allen now leads the team as they face a pivotal matchup against the Packers. Known for his composure and experience, Allen brings a steady presence under center.
2. Joshua Dobbs – Backup Quarterback
Elevated to the No. 2 spot, Joshua Dobbs provides reliable depth behind Allen. Dobbs, who spent part of last season with the Minnesota Vikings, is a seasoned veteran with starting experience across several NFL teams. His ability to step in and manage the game adds security to the 49ers’ quarterback room.
3. Tanner Mordecai – Practice Squad
Rounding out the depth chart is Tanner Mordecai, a name familiar to Wisconsin Badgers fans. Mordecai joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent after finishing his college career at Wisconsin in 2023. While he remains on the practice squad, his development could make him a future asset for the team.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers Preview (-2.5, 47.5)
The 49ers might be in real trouble. After their fifth loss in nine games, the Niners have a 74% chance of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Shanahan’s closing stretch is just brutal. San Francisco plays the Packers, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals over the season’s final seven weeks.
However, the Niners do have the Packers’ number lately, winning the last two meetings (both by a field goal) in one of the best rivalries in football.
Green Bay will have payback in mind after San Francisco bounced the Pack from the playoffs last January.
“It definitely sits with you through the offseason, and then you obviously move on,” quarterback Jordan Love said this week. “Just knowing that that’s the team that knocked us out, we’re definitely hungry for this game.”
How to Watch Brandon Allen’s First Start in 2024
- Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
- Time: 4:25 PM ET
- Channel: FOX
As Allen steps into the spotlight, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure of leading the 49ers in a pivotal game. For fans, this adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an exciting Week 12 matchup.