This season, Brock Purdy has shown a lot of promise. Colin Kaepernick was the last starting quarterback to play this well for the San Francisco 49ers. So far this season, Purdy has passed for 2,871 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with a completion percentage of 70%. However, as useful as the figures are, they do not tell the whole story. Purdy is a 49ers optimizing figure, no doubt about it.
Every star player on offense gets to shine unlike any previous quarterback since Kyle Shanahan became head coach. It’s no wonder the offense is putting up 30 or more points a game in almost every win this season. The star talents are being utilized to their potential, and that is thanks largely to Purdy. The 49ers offense is clicking with him being a main factor as to why they are 7-3. In fact, his performances this year have been impressive enough to make the case for him being in the NFL MVP discussion.
So, should Purdy be in those discussions?
Yes, without a doubt, had he performed brilliantly in the 49ers’ primetime victory over the Seahawks. He’s not there yet, though, because he didn’t. If he had performed brilliantly on Thanksgiving night in front of the entire nation, that would have been a statement performance from him. In primetime games, players who perform very well are given more attention. Purdy’s performance against the Seahawks was far from spectacular. In addition to one score (a dime to Brandon Aiyuk), he completed 21 of 30 throws for 209 yards and one interception for a touchdown.
Both the eye test and the stats do not shout “MVP performance” at all. In fact, when he threw a pick six in the third quarter of that game, he contributed to the Seahawks’ life. Christian McCaffrey made a high and foolish throw that resulted in the pass falling to him even though it had left his hands. Seattle scored just one touchdown during the contest. He didn’t play as well as he has most of the season, but he was still competent outside of that quarter.
Furthermore, considering how amazing McCaffrey looked, I would choose him over Purdy to win the NFL MVP. Purdy’s situation is always subject to change, particularly given their impending game in Philadelphia against the Eagles. If Purdy plays well and the 49ers win, he can easily be considered for MVP and even take the lead. With Purdy’s elbow injury, it will be nearly as if history from the NFC Championship game is being written again.
Purdy is still in the running. Since no other quarterback is really taking center stage, it is simpler because he isn’t there right now. His journey there will be aided greatly by the Eagles game.
