The San Francisco 49ers weren’t the oddsmakers’ favorites to win the NFC West division this season.
The Los Angeles Rams entered the year as reigning champions.
So, even despite the health concerns, Sean McVay’s team was expected to finish ahead of the Niners, whose quarterback situation was shaky, to say the least.
Things only got more complicated when QB1 Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury, and Jimmy Garoppolo had to take over despite not being around for much of the year.
Kyle Shanahan’s team marched smoothly during the campaign, just to suffer another potentially fatal blow at the QB position.
But the weeks have gone by, and 2022 Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy continues to win and play well for the Niners.
In fact, despite his lack of experience at the pros, he’s now led the team to the Conference Championship Game, joining the likes of Shaun King (1999), Ben Roethlisberger (2004), Joe Flacco (2008), and Mark Sanchez (2009) as the only rookie quarterbacks to take their teams to that stage.
Brock Purdy joins an exclusive list 👏@49ers pic.twitter.com/XRlifqEuWF
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 23, 2023
The Iowa State product had a tough time against the Dallas Cowboys’ stout front seven, but he stayed poised and helped his team march down the field to get the job done and reach this stage.
Thus far, Purdy has gone 8-0 as a starter for Shanahan’s team, throwing for 1,854 yards and 16 touchdowns, and three interceptions, adding two scores on the ground as well.
Scouts may not have been that impressed with him in college or during the combine, but he’s sure earned a lot of praise since taking over.
NEXT: The 49ers Can Tie The Patriots With A Super Bowl Trip