Brock Purdy's playoff debut shows NFL what Kyle Shanahan's 49ers are capable of
On any other team, Brock Purdy starting in the postseason may come as a shocking concern. But not with Kyle Shanahan's San Francisco 49ers. He has proven that a player can be plugged into the position and immediatley find success in this system.
That remained true Saturday as the 49ers cruised to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. That's right, the team scored 41 with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft under center. This should have the rest of the NFC terrified as the postseason rolls along.
The success of Brock Purdy makes Kyle Shanahan look like a legend
The rookie signal-caller finished the game going 18/30 for a whopping 332 yards and three touchdowns, along with one on the ground for a total of four. He wisely found Deebo Samuel six times for 133 yards and a touchdown, and was getting the ball out fast and accurately after a shaky first throw in the game.
The first rookie QB with 4 total TDs in a playoff game: @BrockPurdy13
(h/t @NFLResearch) https://t.co/owg3z4hy17
The key for Purdy was to simply be smart. As long as he doesn't throw interceptions, this offense is nearly impossible to stop. Consider the fact Purdy threw for 332 yards before we even mention the contributions of Christian McCaffrey. The star back gashed the Seattle defense for 119 yards on only 15 carries.
There is a clear level of trust put in Purdy by Shanahan, and the lack of turnovers explains why. Caution could be shown if mistakes are made, but until that happens, he is letting his young quarterback cook and giving him confidence in the process. And if things do go south, McCaffrey is right there to carry the ball. Or Samuel is there to catch a quick screen and let his speed do the rest.
Who is going to stop this team? That is a tough question to answer when the offense put up 41 without much of a need to score points late in the game once the decision was clearly headed San Francisco's way.
: #SEAvsSF on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ bit.ly/3H6fD4YDEEBO SAMUEL 74-YARD TOUCHDOWN. @49ers on 🔥
@19problemz #SuperWildCard
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ bit.ly/3H6fD4Y https://t.co/XezJsSHF4B
The scary thing for opposing teams is that the rookie under center may not provide a disadvantage to the 49ers. In fact, it may not matter who lines up under center on this team as long as Shanahan is calling the plays. How does a defense plan to stop Samuel and McCaffrey? Or what about George Kittle? And what is the answer for blocking Nick Bosa or Arik Armstead?
The 49ers could have had a lost season once Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were both out. But Shanahan had a Plan C and it has worked to perfection. At this point, Purdy may feel like a seasoned playoff veteran after looking the part in his postseason debut.