SANTA CLARA, Calif. — “Any questions?’’
Brock Purdy didn’t ask that question — at least not in public, because that’s not his nature — after he helped lead the 49ers to Super Bowl 2024 with Sunday night’s gritty 34-31 comeback victory over the Lions in the NFC Championship at Levi’s Stadium.
But you can be damn sure he’d have liked to ask it considering the way he’s been scrutinized by naysayers and haters as the 49ers quarterback, despite winning, winning and winning some more since being the last player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Nothing Purdy has done for the 49ers — despite his 21-4 career won-loss record and 49 TDs to just 16 INTs (in all games) — has seemingly been good enough.
Maybe Sunday night’s gritty — not flashy — performance will change people’s minds.
Maybe, at age 24, becoming the third youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl will earn him some grace.
Purdy completed 21 of 30 passes for 267 yards with a TD and an INT (that came when his arm was hit by a Detroit defender). He, too, rushed for 48 yards on five crucial scrambles that ultimately broke the Lions.
“I think that was the difference between winning and losing,’’ 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said when asked about Purdy’s timely scrambles that kept drives alive. “He made some big plays with his legs, getting out of the pocket, moving the chains, getting us some first downs and some explosives [plays]. He competed his ass off today. He kept grinding and was unbelievable in the second half.’’
Count San Francisco safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. as a Purdy believer.
“When you’ve got a guy like Purdy, my faith never wavered,’’ Gipson said. “You got a guy like that who can control the game and who knows where to go with the ball, man, I’m happy he’s on my team. I never worry. When Purdy needs to put up points, that’s when he’s at his best. He came out and showed it again.’’
Last week, after struggling for much of the NFC divisional playoff game against Green Bay, Purdy was at his best leading the 49ers to the game-winning TD late in the game.
The knock on Purdy has always been that his effectiveness has been a product of the talent around him, rather than any thoughts that he elevates his teammates.
Christian McCaffrey?
Sure, the 49ers running back is arguably the most versatile and dynamic playmaker in the league.
Deebo Samuel?
The 49ers receiver is definitely one of the most fascinating dual-threat receivers/runners in the league.
George Kittle?
He is, without a doubt, one of the beasts among the NFL tight end elite.
Brandon Aiyuk?
One of the most dangerous receivers in the league.
Yes, we know Purdy is surrounded by magnificent skill-position talent and he, too, is coached by one of the most creative and innovative minds in the game in Shanahan.
But this 49ers train doesn’t run without Purdy, and this is a fact his detractors seem to constantly or conveniently ignore as they push the narrative.
Through all the criticism and non-believers, Purdy has quietly gone about his business — the business of winning.
And this one was sweet because he injured his throwing elbow in last season’s NFC Championship game loss to the Eagles, and that cost the 49ers a chance at getting to the Super Bowl.
“When you look back a year ago when I got hurt, it sucked,’’ Purdy said after the game. “I’ve never been the biggest, the best or strongest or anything like that. I feel like I’ve always had to fight for what I get, but God’s always given me an opportunity. Getting drafted last and all that stuff, all you need is an opportunity.
“I put my faith and trust in Him and He’s gotten me to where I am. So, when I’m down 17 at the half, honestly, I was thinking, ‘All right God, you’ve taken me here, win or lose I glorify you.’ That’s my peace. I leaned into that.’’