Calais Campbell Prefers to Face Mac Jones Over Brock Purdy

Santa Clara, California – As the Arizona Cardinals prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday, defensive tackle Calais Campbell expressed his preference for who he would rather confront this weekend. During an interview on NFL Network, Campbell, 39, shared that he’d prefer to play against backup quarterback Mac Jones rather than Brock Purdy.

“Do you want a truthful answer? The truthful answer is I’d much rather play against Mac Jones,” Campbell said. “It’s not a shot because Mac is a first-round talent. He just hasn’t been in that offense for a long time, so he is still going through it. But with Brock, he’s a master of that offense. He can make it go.”

This game marks Campbell’s continued presence in the league, as he plays in his 18th NFL season and returns to the NFC West for the first time since his initial spell with the Cardinals from 2008 to 2016. Campbell has faced Purdy just once before, in a game where the Dolphins defeated the 49ers 29-17 last December. In that match, Purdy threw for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Purdy’s health is uncertain entering the Week 3 matchup as he deals with turf toe and a shoulder injury, which sidelined him during the 49ers’ Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Purdy has a chance to play but flagged that he is questionable. “I feel I’m happy with my progress… but I’m trying to be smart with my body,” Purdy said after a limited practice this week.

If Purdy is unable to play, Jones, who had a stellar performance last week with three touchdowns and 279 passing yards, will take the starter’s role. “I’m willing to play whoever they put in front of me,” Campbell said, indicating his readiness for either quarterback while subtly noting the advantage that comes with facing a less seasoned starter.

Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that the difference between Purdy and Jones is minimal, asserting that both quarterbacks possess significant skill. Gannon emphasized, “He’s smart, has talent, and he’s accurate. He’ll stay in there and take shots and deliver the ball accurately.” With the upcoming match-up, Campbell’s remarks accentuate the strategy as both teams prepare for an important divisional clash.