Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy put on a remarkable display as the 49ers secured a dramatic Sunday Night Football 42-38 win against the Chicago Bears, ensuring the 49ers remain right in the hunt for the number one seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC.
Purdy’s Heroics in Santa Clara
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Although his beginning was rocky, as his first pass of the evening was returned for a pick-six by the Bears, he came roaring back to life to eventually end up with five total scores on the evening: three passing and two rushing. This resilience he displayed to start the game would end up delivering one of the most spectacular showings of the year.
Purdy’s ability to lead the team was evident in the way he consistently propelled the 49ers’ offense with measured control in this shootout battle. The 49ers capitalized on the long plays from the offensive stars, including valuable contributions from Christian McCaffrey, who gained substantial scrimmage yards with a touchdown.
A Wild Game With Playoff Implications
There were many lead changes and turns of events throughout the game. The Bears had momentarily gotten some momentum when a late field goal gave them a 38-35 lead. However, Purdy rose to the challenge, completing a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings with just over two minutes left, giving the 49ers the lead. The 49ers defense ended the game with an incomplete pass on the Bears’ final play.
As a result, the 49ers clinched a 12-4 record, keeping their chances intact for the number one seed in the NFC. The 49ers now head into Week 18, where they face a critical contest against the Seattle Seahawks. As a matter of fact, the contest for Week 18 can determine the winners of the NFC West and the number one seed, along with home-field advantage in the entire playoffs, including a possible route to Super Bowl LX.
Purdy’s Rising Stock
Not only was Purdy’s performance impressive, but also historic. He became the first quarterback in franchise history for the 49ers to record three passing and two rushing touchdowns in a single game, something that hasn’t been done since Jeff Garcia in 2003. What’s more, with at least five touchdowns accounted for in back-to-back games, Purdy joined an elite group of quarterbacks who have had similar productivity in consecutive games.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, cannot say enough about Purdy’s resilience and playmaking, praising how the quarterback lifted his teammates when they needed it most. With so many starters out due to injuries, Purdy’s capability to command the offense and make big plays with pressure has been one of the huge reasons the 49ers remain in control of their postseason fate.
Looking Ahead: Week 18 vs. Seahawks
The spotlight will be on Levi’s Stadium in Week 18, as the San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Seattle Seahawks. Expect this finale to be thick with playoff implications. While both teams are focused on securing the No. 1 spot in the NFC, Purdy’s performance gives assurance that San Francisco is geared up for the challenge.