Despite garnering extra attention after defeating the Eagles, Brock Purdy intends to maintain his cool, like he always does.
Brock Purdy says “nothing’s changed” now that he’s the favorite to win the NFL MVP award. On at least two instances, he is correct.
One, the 49ers (9-3) continue to win, carrying a four-game winning streak into Sunday’s home game against the Seattle Seahawks (6-6).
Two, Purdy isn’t biting the bait as some “reporters” look for an explosive reply to other “reporters” who have disparaged him.
On Thursday, a loaded question was posed: Do you believe you’re representing the organization well right now, standing at the platform wearing a backwards hat?
“I guess that’s who I am, and I think so,” Purdy said flatly.
Last week, Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd made the “backwards hat” remark, similar to how an online columnist questioned Colin Kaepernick’s tattoos a decade ago, saying they didn’t adequately symbolize the “CEO” skills required to be the 49ers’ quarterback.
“Some guys have told me in the locker room (about Cowherd’s take), but I don’t buy into that kind of stuff,” Purdy was quoted as saying. “I’m just trying to play quarterback and win games.”
Purdy was asked last Thursday if he is the 49ers’ weak link, as “Philly people” accuse him to be. “That’s the first time I’ve heard that, so I’m not sure how I feel about it,” he says. That’s great, they can think that.”
He’s emerged as a possible MVP candidate because he’s helping the 49ers win. Last Sunday, he threw four touchdown passes in a 42-19 triumph over Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.
Purdy has the highest passer rating (116.1), completion percentage (70.2%), and yards per attempt (9.59) in the NFL.
He is 16-4 as a starter for the 49ers, with a 3-0 record versus the Seattle Seahawks, including a wild-card playoff triumph at Levi’s Stadium last year. He anticipates a “dogfight,” as he always does versus the NFC West opponent.
The final question Purdy answered Thursday, before leaving for a scheduled haircut, was more honest, asking if he enjoyed his standing, whether as the NFL passing leader, MVP favorite, or the subject of media hot takes.
Purdy’s response: “I’ve always known that this whole thing, life in and of itself, is a process for me.” You can’t just wake up one day and say, ‘Alright, I’m going to play in the NFL in a couple of years.’ ‘I have to go earn the respect of the men in my collegiate program, I’ve had to start, I’ve got to win games, I’ve got to get experience,’ he says.
“Once I get to the NFL, I’ll have to start all over again.” I’ve just been taking things one step at a time. All I’m concerned with is trying to play quarterback and win games for the Niners, and everything else just happens as it goes.”
In Philadelphia, he not only set up the first score with a 6-yard run to the 4-yard line, but he did so by throwing his right shoulder into two defenders along the way. That’s a job description more suited to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
“I wish I could have seen him slide.” We’d all do it. “Man, he’s a tough dude,” McCaffrey added. “As a competitor, it would be difficult for him to slide whenever he has the option to do so.” I enjoyed it, but I don’t want to see it again.”
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), running back Elijah Mitchell (knee), right guard Spencer Burford (knee), return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (rib), cornerback Darrell Luter (hamstring), and tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) were all held out of practice.
The position of running back A day after clearing waivers, Ty Davis-Price returned to the 49ers, albeit on the practice squad. Davis-Price was released on Tuesday in order for the 49ers to add safety Logan Ryan to their 53-man roster. In the equivalent roster move on Thursday, wide receiver Isaiah Winstead, an undrafted rookie, was removed off the practice squad.
According to this week’s NFL updates, Nick Bosa and Chase Young top all NFC defensive ends in Pro Bowl voting. Overall, Myles Garrett (Browns) and Maxx Crosby (Raiders) led the NFL in defensive end vote, with Bosa coming in third and Young coming in sixth.
Linebacker Fred Warner, left tackle Trent Williams, running back Christian McCaffrey, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk lead the overall polling at their respective positions. Tight end George Kittle is second, long snapper Taybor Pepper is third, returner McCloud is fifth, center Jake Brendel is fifth, Purdy is sixth, cornerback Charvarius Ward is seventh, punter Mitch Wishnowsky is seventh, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is eighth, linebacker Dre Greenlaw is ninth, guard Aaron Banks is ninth, and Armstead is ninth.
