The 49ers weren’t surprised by Purdy’s near-perfect game against the Cardinals
The 49ers weren’t surprised by Purdy’s near-perfect game against the Cardinals originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – While no one at 49ers team headquarters had any doubts about Brock Purdy, the quarterback silenced a few more naysayers San Francisco’s 35-16 win about the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Before Sunday’s contest, the only downside for Purdy was his lack of good finishes in the games. In the 49ers’ win, the second-year quarterback passed the ball several times to receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who caught all the balls six of his targets for 148 yards on that day.
The 49ers’ four longest plays of the game were Purdy connecting with Aiyuk for 42, 34, 25 and 20 yards.
Purdy finished the day completing 20 of 21 pass attempts for 283 yards, a touchdown and a 134.6 rating. The playmaker also let the ball run into the goal towards the end of the fourth quarter, thus securing the victory.
Tight end George Kittle chuckled a little when asked if Purdy had finally dispelled any doubters outside the building.
“System quarterback probably, that’s all, right?” Kittle said. “He’s getting better every week and that’s everything you want from a quarterback, especially a young guy. I think I said the same thing 13 games in a row. He does the right thing every time, gets us in the right formation, is great in the huddle and makes plays.”
Trent Williams has been an advocate for his young quarterback since he took over in Week 12 of the 2022 season. The veteran left tackle was impressed with Purdy’s efficiency and command of the huddle.
“The ball came out pretty quick,” Williams said of Sunday’s performance. “Brock got the ball where it needed to be. He also installed it in some narrow windows. Brock does a great job of getting them the ball and they do a great job turning a four-yard catch into a 14-yard play.”
“From what I see, he is exactly what we need from him. He is exactly who we thought he was. He just keeps moving forward with an even keel.”
The man who works closest with Purdy on the field is also impressed with the quarterback’s improvements since being named the club’s starting quarterback. Center Jake Brendel wasn’t surprised that Purdy only threw one incompletion shot in Sunday’s contest.
“I think he studied exactly what he wanted in the offseason,” Brendel said. “He knows the offense even better than last season. His efficiency on the line of scrimmage and in the huddle has improved significantly and he is getting better every week.”
Purdy and the offense now have a week to prepare for the Week 5 primetime game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
