NFL rookie Brock Purdy was near perfect, throwing five TD passes. In his first start back in the NFL, he guided the 49ers past the Indianapolis Colts, 48-27. The quarterback was sharp once again, going 25 of 34 through the air for 295 yards – a career-best five-touchdown game. This impressive victory on multi-dimensional levels further solidified the 49ers’ enviable upper-hand over the intense playoff race. Having dramatically improved to an 11‐4 record, they have contended for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and home‐field advantage throughout the playoffs.
So, Purdy’s performance was in stark contrast to his previous struggles this season. In the midst of a challenging Christmas night contest against the Baltimore Ravens, he tossed four interceptions. He had previously been highlighted for forcing in stressful situations, especially on plays where bombs were needed. In the first six games of the season, Purdy threw two touchdowns and six interceptions on passes thrown more than ten yards downfield.
Purdy quickly turned the tide against the Colts, as he flashed tremendous precision and confidence at the quarterback position. On deep shots downfield against Indianapolis, he hit them with incredible precision. Inflated by this were season-high averages of 9.4 air yards per attempt. His poise in the pocket, in the huddle, and clock management as a whole during the game really stood out.
“When you’re in that huddle, it’s only one voice speaking,” – left tackle Trent Williams
Beyond Purdy’s improving play, the 49ers enjoyed his leadership on the field. Williams went on to laud Purdy’s confidence, noting that he earns the respect of his offensive teammates.
“You’ve got 10 grown men staring at you and you can’t fool grown men. The confidence that he has in that huddle … from A to Z, he does it at a really high level. I say it all the time. He’s a godsend,” – left tackle Trent Williams
Purdy’s success last year was at once unprecedented and absolutely perfect for the franchise’s recent trajectory. He became the first San Francisco quarterback since Steve Young in Super Bowl XXIX to throw for five or more touchdowns in a game. Accomplishing such a feat is a testament to his remarkable growth as a player. It further emphasizes his ability to take the team all the way to the Stanley Cup.
Purdy’s big victory Party leaders labeled his special election victory an upset, but major hurdles remain. He has a toe contusion that will be reevaluated when the team returns to the Bay Area on Tuesday. He remains optimistic about maintaining his performance level.
“[I’m] not letting the environment or the situation of the season and the game dictate how I go out and think throughout a game,” – Brock Purdy
Purdy has only thrown five touchdowns on the season. Ever since his brutal performance against the Carolina Panthers on November 25, he has turned things around in a big way. Over his last three games, he’s thrown for nine touchdowns to just one interception. His stellar 85.7 QBR is second-best in the NFL over that stretch.
Tight end George Kittle offered a poignant insight into Purdy’s injury status following the game. The White House responded that it shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
“I don’t think it’s a high ankle sprain,” – George Kittle
If the 49ers hope to achieve their postseason dreams, Purdy’s continued growth and success will be key to their undertakings. He’s proven incredibly elusive and dangerous in every matchup so far. His inspirational leadership and production on the diamond have made him an indispensable cog in San Francisco’s success this year.
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