It’s not a coincidence that Brock Purdy’s strong start to the 2023 campaign has come at the same time as Brandon Aiyuk’s breakout season. The duo have developed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterback-wide receiver tandems.
While Purdy’s excellent first five weeks (and the ensuing stumbles in Weeks 6 and 7) were one of the NFL’s top early-season storylines, Aiyuk was quietly putting together his best year as Purdy’s go-to target.
The pair have connected on 30 of 43 targets for 511 yards and two touchdowns. Their total expected points added (EPA) is +29.1, according to NFL.com. That mark ranks No. 8 in the NFL ahead of Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase and Dak Prescott-CeeDee Lamb.
Purdy and Aiyuk were producing a total EPA of +30.9 after Week 5, but it’s dipped thanks to Purdy’s struggles the last couple of weeks. Aiyuk caught just four of 10 targets against the Browns in Week 6. One of those targets resulted in Purdy’s first interception of the season. In Week 7 they got off to a great start with Aiyuk catching all five balls thrown his way for 57 yards in the first half. He didn’t have a catch on only one target in the second half.
Perhaps the biggest key to their success as a duo is the intermediate area of the field (10-19 yards beyond the line of scrimmage). That’s where Purdy has been at his best in his career and it’s the area of the field that allows Aiyuk to utilize the breadth of his route-running skill set. Via NFL.com:
Their relationship has generated the third-most EPA on intermediate targets this season (+21.9), behind just Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce (+29.4) and Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs (+26.1).
Aiyuk on intermediate throws this season has hauled in 15 of 21 targets for 274 yards and a touchdown. Pro Football Focus has graded him out at a sensational 98.5 with an average depth of target of 14.7 yards.
His ability to stress defenses vertically and then break off routes to create separation makes him especially good in that area of the field. It makes sense that he’d thrive with Purdy, who lives on intermediate throws.
The next step for Purdy will be ensuring halves like the second half vs. Minnesota don’t happen again. Aiyuk is too dangerous in all areas of the field to only receive one target in 30 minutes of football. The growth of their strong connection could wind up determining just how far the 49ers offense can take the team in 2023.
