Brock Purdy: The Rising Star of the San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy may not be mentioned in the same conversations as Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and the elite group of young quarterbacks in the current NFL landscape. However, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey and starting tight end George Kittle have a different opinion. They believe that Purdy is a phenomenal quarterback, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the NFL recognizes his talent.

From Underdog to Hero: Purdy’s Unexpected NFL Rise

Brock Purdy’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of improbable. As the very last pick of the 2022 NFL draft for the 49ers, Purdy was initially the team’s third-string quarterback. However, due to injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance, Purdy unexpectedly found himself in the starting role last season. And he didn’t disappoint.

Purdy won all five of his regular-season starts and continued his success in the playoffs. He became the first rookie quarterback in 49ers history to start and win a postseason game, leading the team to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. Unfortunately, his magical year was cut short when he suffered a ligament injury in his elbow during the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite the setback, Purdy’s performance caught the attention of his teammates, coaches, and the entire NFL. In just five regular-season starts, he passed for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions. In the playoffs, he threw for 591 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding another score with his legs.

Commitment to Purdy: Shanahan & Company Go All-In for 2023

Despite Purdy’s injury and the availability of other quarterbacks, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization made it clear that they believe in Purdy’s potential. They let go of Garoppolo and traded Trey Lance, solidifying Purdy as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2023 season.

The decision to stick with Purdy is indicative of the 49ers’ confidence in his abilities and their belief that he can lead the team to success. With a roster filled with talent and a strong defense, the 49ers are considered one of the favorites to contend for the Super Bowl in the NFC.

Purdy’s Impressive Start to the 2023 Season

The 2023 season started on a high note for Purdy and the 49ers. In Week 1, Purdy showcased his skills in a commanding road win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

In Week 2, Purdy faced a tougher challenge against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite a few overthrown passes and missed opportunities, Purdy made key plays when it mattered the most. He led the 49ers to a 30-23 victory on the road, recording a rushing touchdown on a goal-line QB sneak.

After two games in the 2023 season, Purdy currently has a QBR of 83.7, tying him for first place in the NFL. This statistic is significant as it measures various factors such as in-game situations, pressure, difficulty of each play, and the strength of the opposing defense.

The Future of Brock Purdy

As Purdy continues to impress on the field, it is clear that he has the support of his teammates, coaches, and the organization. The San Francisco 49ers have placed their trust in Purdy, and he has shown that he has what it takes to lead the team to victory.

While Purdy may not yet be mentioned in the same breath as other top young quarterbacks, his talent and potential are undeniable. As he continues to gain experience and improve his game, it is only a matter of time before he is recognized as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

The future is bright for Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers.

Sean Labar covers the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers for Heavy.com. Based in Fredericksburg, VA, his work has been featured at FOX, On3 Sports, Sports Illustrated, and FanSided. More about Sean Labar