San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy stepped up big in the 23-19 wild-card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11 at Lincoln Financial Field.
On the road and without George Kittle after an Achilles tendon injury, the 49ers had every reason to fold against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Instead, they responded with resilience, fought through the adversity, and earned the victory.
It was a rollercoaster performance for Purdy, who went 18-for-31 on his pass attempts, recording 262 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite Purdy’s two turnovers, the Niners were able to overcome those issues.
Moreover, former Niners cornerback Richard Sherman didn’t hold back on his analysis after another playoff win from Purdy.
“The narrative that we’ve been hearing for years with Brock Purdy, he’s just a game manager, and he’s just surrounded by so much talent [and] that’s the only reason he’s winning in the playoffs,” Sherman said in a video posted from “The Richard Sherman Podcast” on Jan. 12.
“You can’t say it [after beating the Eagle]. I did not see Deebo [Samuel]. I did not see [Brandon] Aiyuk. My guy, George Kittle, went out during the game, and these guys were getting it done because he can get it done with anybody. He elevated his teammates. He elevated his team. You’re saying he can’t do it without the No. 1 defense? He can. This guy, an elite ball player.”
All Brock Purdy Does In Win Regardless of Style
Moreover, Sherman called out anyone who has a problem with the style in which Purdy is helping the 49ers win games in the playoffs.
“There are people out there that say, ‘Oh, it just doesn’t look like it’s supposed to.’ I don’t care how it looks. How does the scoreboard look? The scoreboard looks like it’s supposed to. There are a lot of guys with a lot of things that look fantastic, all the arm angles, and they are at home watching him not look right, and go out there and guide his team to victories on the road.
“He went out there and did it without all the things that people say have elevated him, and buoyed him, and been a crutch for him during his career. He had a couple of turnovers. You’re going to turn the ball over sometimes when you’re pushing it down the field. Brock Purdy, again, elevated his team in a big way in the biggest game of the season and showed people more than a game manager, he’s a game winner.”
49ers Will Need More Unsung Heroes to Step Up
Moreover, with Kittle out, San Francisco needed someone to step up, and it was Demarcus Robinson. The veteran wideout had six receptions for 111 receiving yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch, and one touchdown.
If the 49ers want to advance to the NFC title game, they will need other players to step up as Robinson did against the Eagles. It might not be the same player next week against the Seattle Seahawks, but as long as it’s someone answering the call when San Francisco needs someone to step up, it’s all that matters.
The Niners will have another chance at revenge against the Seahawks, who defeated them in Week 18 to secure the NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed in the conference, which comes with a bye week. Still, the 49ers did beat Seattle in Week 1, so this will be an even matchup.
Richard Sherman Gets Blunt About 49ers QB Brock Purdy