If there wasn't a quarterback controversy in San Francisco before the 49ers' "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Panthers in Week 12, there certainly is one now.
For the better part of four seasons, Brock Purdy has been the unquestioned No. 1 option under center in Kyle Shanahan's setup. He garnered MVP consideration in 2023, leading San Francisco to the Super Bowl.
And yet, in 2025, Purdy looks anything but the efficient talent he was in his early years in the league. The 25-year-old endured an abysmal first half against Carolina, giving the ball away with impunity.
As boos rained from the Levi's Stadium stands, some wondered whether Purdy's time in the spotlight was coming to a close -- at least on a temporary level.
Here's what you need to know about Purdy's struggles -- including whether they will cost him his job.
MORE:49ers vs. Panthers live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Monday Night Football' game
Will Brock Purdy be benched?
Purdy's struggles with deep passing came under a microscope on Monday night. On three separate occasions, Purdy attempted to air the ball out. All three landed in Panthers defenders' hands.
Renowned for his accuracy, Purdy's toils with the long ball aren't exactly new. He has seven interceptions on the year. Six have come on throws longer than 15 yards.
The Niners continue to tread water in one of the league's toughest divisions, putting themselves in position to qualify for the postseason despite a litany of injuries on both sides of the ball. It's not inconceivable to believe they could get better production under center. In four starts this season, Purdy has tossed multiple interceptions in three games. They entered Monday night's contest sporting a 2-1 record in Purdy's starts, a reflection of the team's depth and versatility on both ends of the field.
The organization clearly has faith in Purdy's skillset; it rewarded him with a five-year, $265 million deal in the offseason. Still, Purdy's production has clearly fallen off his 2022 and 2023 highs. Shanahan has given no indication that he wants to make a change under center. But Purdy has some work to do to cement his place, especially with one of the league's better backups serving as his understudy.
49ers QB depth chart
Rank Player
1. Brock Purdy
2. Mac Jones
3. Kurtis Rourke (Out)
If Shanahan were to switch things up under center, he has a decent option to go to in the form of Mac Jones. The former first-rounder was one of San Francisco's stars when Purdy was on the mend with shoulder and toe injuries.
Jones tallied 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns to six interceptions in eight starts this year. He's completing 69.5% of his passes, better than Purdy's rate. More importantly, Jones is 5-3 in his starts, a decent return given all the injuries the Niners have endured.