49ers quarterback Brock Purdy attempts to escape Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay in the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas (AP Photo/John Locher)
Despite a 22-25 overtime loss to three-time champion Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Sunday’s Super Bowl, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s performance against the second-ranked defense in the NFL was a bright spot for the team this past weekend. Against the likes of Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, Purdy threw 23-of-38 for 255 passing yards and recorded a TD through the air.
The 2024 Super Bowl saw a defensive deadlock, with a low score of 19 a piece headed into overtime. Prior to the first overtime whistle, in classic Mahomes fashion, the Super Bowl MVP led his offense down the field for a touchdown with just under two minutes on the clock to tie the game.
As both teams clashed in overtime, the 49ers received the ball first but were unable to capitalize and instead settled for a field goal. Purdy made a series of accurate passes, moving the chains for the 49ers with his arm four times. As good as his individual performance was however, Purdy was unable to get the ball in the end zone, leading to the Chiefs taking the game, and the 49ers’ hopes at a sixth championship.
Purdy displayed great potential and promise to be more than just the “system QB” that critics and analysts have labeled him as. While taking just one sack and avoiding any interceptions, Purdy effectively distributed the ball to all his offensive options, avoided prolonged ball possession in the pocket and made the correct reads to move the chains; evidenced by his 255 passing yards and 89.3 passer rating. Altogether, Brock Purdy had a performance in the 2024 Super Bowl that proved that he is more than just a product of the weapons that surround him. He is a weapon himself.