Brock purdy’s incredible journey to the nfc championship
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There has not been a story in the NFL quite like Brock Purdy. The third-string rookie quarterback will play in the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. Since taking over the QB job from the injured Jimmy Garoppolo in week 13, Purdy has not lost a game, going 8-0 in his first stint as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He has thrown for 1,854 yards, 16 touchdowns, only three interceptions, and a QBR of 107.3 in this eight-game stretch. Before Brock Purdy plays in the most important game in the NFC, let’s look at how he got to this point.
college career and draft
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Brock Purdy played college football at Iowa State, where in four years as the starter, he threw for 12,170 yards, 8.1 yards per attempt, 81 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions. In his junior year, he led the Cyclones to a 9-3 record, one of their best seasons in team history, a Fiesta Bowl victory and a number nine ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. When he was evaluated by teams for the draft, one team had two words to say about him, “no interest”. He was also listed as a “priority free agent” by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein. He also said that Purdy would be a “different quarterback when he finds his rhythm.” Purdy was picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft, a spot deemed “Mr Irrelevant”.
1st game: against the dolphins
Purdy’s first start against the Dolphins was way above people’s expectations, a theme that will be common going forward. He completed 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a QBR of 88.8. The 49ers got the win pretty handily in this game 33-17.
2nd game: against the buccaneers
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This game against the Buccaneers was even more lopsided than the previous one. The 49ers won this game 35-7. People were shocked that Brock Purdy was able to dismantle Tom Brady and the Buccaneers so easily, and in his second career start no less! He went 16 for 21 for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and a QBR of 134. Purdy didn’t do as much in this game because Christian McCaffrey rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown.
3rd game: against the seahawks
This was Purdy’s first road game. It was a bit closer this time but the 49ers still got the win 21-13. San Francisco controlled this game for much of it. They lead 21-3 at one point. The Seahawks made a late run with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant with 3:35 to go in the 4th quarter but it was too little too late, and that was as far as the 49ers would let it go. Purdy completed 17 of 26 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. The Niners clinched the AFC West in this game, ensuring that NFL fans would get to see Brock Purdy play further into the season, even if for just a little bit.
4th game: against the commanders
The 49ers returned home for this game. It was another comfortable win, with the final result being 37-20. Purdy threw for 234 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while McCaffrey ran for 45 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud ran straight through the defense for a 71 yard rushing touchdown for the game’s first score with 6:26 left in the second quarter. At this point, fans had to take notice of what Brock Purdy had been able to do with this team, starting 4-0.
5th game: against the raiders
The Niners went back on the road to play against the Las Vegas Raiders for this week 17 matchup. This game was a lot closer than the 49ers would have liked or thought it would be. Nevertheless, they secured the win 37-34. Purdy had another solid game, throwing for 284 yards, his highest yards total yet, along with two touchdowns and one interception. McCaffrey had a big game, recording 19 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown. And wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk put up some big numbers, recording nine receptions for 101 yards and a score, courtesy of Purdy.
6th game: against the cardinals
To close out the regular season, Brock Purdy and the 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals. It comes as no surprise that the Niners won this by a big margin, beating them 38-13. Purdy completed 15 of 20 passes for 178, three touchdowns, and his highest QBR yet of 141.3. George Kittle scored multiple touchdowns this game, recording four receptions for 29 yards and two scores. In this game, Purdy became the second rookie QB in NFL history with at least six straight games with multiple touchdown passes thrown.
7th game: wild card game against the seahawks
In the Wild Card round, it was a rematch of the 49ers and Seahawks. This was a true test to see how the 3rd string rookie QB would do under the bright lights of the postseason. Purdy ended up having his best game yet, throwing for 332 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a QBR of 131.5. San Francisco soared past Seattle 41-23.
8th game: divisional round against the cowboys
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In the Divisional Round, it was more of a defensive battle. Purdy didn’t have his best game here but it still got the job done. He completed 19 of his 29 passes for 214 yards but failed to throw a touchdown. The 49ers instead scored on three field goals by Robbie Gould, a four yard run by Elijah Mitchell early in the first quarter, a 26 yard run by Deebo Samuel late in the third quarter, and a terribly botched last play by Mike McCarthy, Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott to end it. The Cowboys came up short and the 49ers would move on.
It has been a terrific run by Brock Purdy and the 49ers this season. No matter what happens on Sunday against the Eagles, let’s just appreciate what an awesome story this has been, and that this guy has put Mr. Irrelevant’s on the map.