The 2024 NFL season has been a rollercoaster for the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers (5-5). A recent 20-17 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks snapped a six-game winning streak against their NFC West rivals and further complicated their playoff hopes. Now, the 49ers face another hurdle: starting quarterback Brock Purdy’s shoulder injury. With Purdy sidelined, backup Brandon Allen will lead the offense against the Green Bay Packers (7-3) in Week 12. This leaves 49ers fans wondering: who is Brandon Allen, and can he lead the team to victory?
San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs, Brandon Allen, and Brock Purdy in the locker roomPhoto by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
From Arkansas to the NFL: Brandon Allen’s Journey
Brandon Allen’s football journey began at the University of Arkansas, where he spent three years as a backup before becoming a two-year starter. His performance earned him a sixth-round draft selection (201st overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft. After spending his first three seasons primarily as a backup with the Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, Allen finally saw game action in 2019 with the Denver Broncos, starting three games.
In 2020, Allen stepped in for injured Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, starting five games. He completed 90 of 142 passes for 925 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions, but the Bengals won only one of those games. Over the past two seasons in Cincinnati, Allen played in seven games, starting one, completing 20 of 37 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He has appeared in one game for the 49ers this season.
Can Allen Lead the 49ers to Victory Against the Packers?
With Allen under center, the 49ers face a significant challenge against the Packers. His relative inexperience puts added pressure on the offensive line and running back Christian McCaffrey, who recently returned from an Achilles injury. In his first two games back, McCaffrey rushed for 118 yards on 32 carries and caught 10 passes for 95 yards.
The 49ers’ offense will be tested against a stout Packers defense that ranks in the top half of the league in most statistical categories. The pressure is on for Allen to perform, as the 49ers look to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 6-10 finish in 2020, a season marred by injuries to key offensive players, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
A Season on the Brink: Can the 49ers Turn Things Around?
The 49ers’ season hangs in the balance. With Purdy’s injury and a tough matchup against the Packers, the team faces an uphill battle. Allen’s performance will be crucial in determining whether the 49ers can keep their playoff hopes alive. Can he step up and lead the team to victory, or will the 49ers’ 2024 season continue its downward spiral?
