Brock Purdy Shines as 49ers Defeat Cardinals 45-29
By: Sports Reporter
It was a hero’s homecoming both on and off the field for Brock Purdy in the 49ers’ 45-29 win in the desert on Sunday.
The Arizona native received an 86.5 overall PFF grade, bringing his six-week average to a league-leading 92.2 over that span, including a passer rating of 140.4. It wasn’t easy as Purdy’s performance was not without pressure from the Cardinals’ defense.
The quarterback completed eight of his 10 pass attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns and a highest possible 158.3 passer rating when under pressure. When blitzed, Purdy was just as good, completing all four of his attempts for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Purdy continues to leave no doubt about his arm strength with an average depth of target at 13.5 yards, which is a career-high. The Iowa State product literally spread the ball around the field with only six of his 24 throws between the numbers. Fifteen attempts went to the left, while three went right.
Coach Kyle Shanahan has been very impressed by his quarterback’s vision during the game.
“That he can see the whole field and there is nothing that he can’t do,” Shanahan said after the game. “He has a poise out there, you can see it. He can react. When he doesn’t have the time for stuff, he reacts and finds a way to check down and try not to take a sack or he creates and gets someone off-schedule.
“He’s had a great command over the offense just running it, but also the amount of plays he’s made throughout these two years has been as many plays of any quarterback I have ever been around with how much he does.”
Here are the highlights from the 49ers’ Week 15 PFF grades:
– WR Deebo Samuel received a grade of 78.5, catching four of his seven targets for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
– WR Brandon Aiyuk scored 80.2, while also showcasing his run-blocking skills.
– Offensive linemen like Trent Williams (84.9), Aaron Banks (65.6), Jon Feliciano (93.5), and Colton McKivitz (79.7) also had strong performances.
On the defensive side, cornerback Charvarius Ward received a grade of 90.8, not allowing a catch on four targets and intercepting two passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Linebacker Fred Warner also performed well, recording six total stops, allowing only three completions on five targets, and forcing a fumble.
In special teams, Jake Moody continued his perfect record on kicks under 40 yards and extra points.
Purdy’s stellar performance and the strong contributions from other key players propelled the 49ers to an impressive victory, solidifying their position as strong contenders in the NFL.