Most NFL quarterbacks have the autonomy to call audibles at the line of scrimmage, especially veteran, cerebral quarterbacks such as Purdy.

And yet, on 3rd and 1 in the first quarter this past Sunday against the Chiefs, Purdy walked to the line of scrimmage and saw that Kansas City had nine defenders in the box selling out to stop the run. Instead of calling an audible and passing the ball as most other NFL quarterbacks would do, Purdy simply handed off to Jordan Mason who gained no yards, and then the 49ers punted.

Why didnt Purdy audible?

Usually, we just have an answer built into the play, Purdy explained. And so, if we do have like an all-out blitz or something, we usually have an answer of where I should be hitting or where I should be going. And theres very rare occasions where we walk up to line and we get a look and its, Oh shoot, they got us. And then Im supposed to randomly make up an audible. Theres nothing like that. We usually always have an answer for pressures, all-out blitz and things like that. So thats on me to get to the right guy.

TRANSLATION: No, Purdy is not allowed to randomly make up an audible at the line of scrimmage. Shanahans incredible plays are supposed to have answers for everything the defense can throw at the 49ers. Usually. Except for when Shanahan doesnt have the answers, and all Purdy can do is think, Oh shoot, they got us, and run a play thats doomed from the start. Like the one on 3rd and 1.

Time for Shanahan to hand the reins to Purdy.