Brock Purdy has become one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL over the past few seasons. The young signal-caller, known for his poise, accuracy, and intelligence on the field, has taken the league by storm after being drafted as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Often referred to as the “Mr. Irrelevant,” Purdy’s rapid rise to prominence has defied expectations, and his performance in the NFL has made him one of the most intriguing players to follow. This article will explore Brock Purdy’s career stats, key performances, and what makes him such an exciting player in the NFL.
Brock Purdy: From Mr. Irrelevant to NFL Star
Brock Purdy, born on December 27, 1999, in Kingwood, Texas, had a standout college career at Iowa State University, where he became one of the most consistent and reliable quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference. However, despite his impressive college numbers, Purdy was selected as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the “Mr. Irrelevant” of that year’s draft class. This title often comes with little expectation, but Purdy quickly proved that he was anything but irrelevant.
Purdy was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, a team with a solid roster and a successful coaching staff led by head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, it was during a series of injuries to the 49ers’ starting quarterbacks that Purdy’s opportunity came. With veteran quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance out with injuries, Purdy was thrust into the starting role in the middle of the 2022 season. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Purdy’s ability to step into a high-pressure situation and lead the 49ers to the playoffs, while showing remarkable efficiency and poise, quickly made him one of the most surprising and promising players in the NFL. His incredible run with the 49ers has garnered widespread attention, and fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this young quarterback.
Brock Purdy’s College Career: A Foundation of Success
Before diving into his NFL stats, it’s important to understand the context of Brock Purdy’s rise by looking at his college career. Purdy played for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2018 to 2021 and established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in school history.
College Stats:
Years at Iowa State: 2018-2021
Games Played: 48
Pass Completions: 1,463
Pass Attempts: 2,233
Completion Percentage: 65.6%
Passing Yards: 12,170
Touchdowns: 81
Interceptions: 33
Rushing Yards: 1,177
Rushing Touchdowns: 19
During his time at Iowa State, Purdy set multiple school records and had a reputation for being a dual-threat quarterback. He was effective both through the air and on the ground, demonstrating his ability to extend plays and keep defenses guessing. His best season came in 2020, when he threw for over 3,800 yards and 27 touchdowns while leading the Cyclones to a spot in the Big 12 Championship game.
While Purdy’s college career wasn’t perfect he did have a few games with multiple interceptions his overall body of work made him a highly respected player in college football. His ability to perform in big games and his consistent production were key factors that allowed him to make the jump to the NFL, despite being selected as the final pick in the draft.
Brock Purdy’s NFL Debut: A Surprising Start
Brock Purdy’s NFL journey began in earnest during the 2022 season. After being drafted as the final pick, Purdy was viewed by many as a developmental project who would likely spend much of his time on the bench. However, injuries to the 49ers’ quarterbacks created an opening for Purdy, and when he was called upon, he responded in a big way.
The 2022 NFL Season: The Mr. Irrelevant Who Took Over
Purdy made his debut in Week 13 of the 2022 NFL season, coming in as a backup to veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who had suffered an injury. The situation quickly escalated, and Purdy was forced to become the starter for the 49ers for the remainder of the season. What followed was a stunning series of performances that quickly earned him respect across the league.
In his first start in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Purdy looked poised and composed, leading the 49ers to a dominant 35-7 victory. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, further cementing his place as the starting quarterback. Purdy’s performance in the game was a clear sign that the 49ers’ offense wouldn’t miss a beat despite the injury to Garoppolo.
Purdy continued to impress throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, leading the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game appearance. Although the 49ers fell short in the NFC Championship due to injuries and an ineffective offense, Purdy’s play was widely regarded as one of the most remarkable stories of the 2022 season.
2022 Stats:
Games Played: 5 (Regular Season)
Games Started: 5
Completion Percentage: 67.1%
Pass Completions: 114
Pass Attempts: 170
Passing Yards: 1,374
Touchdowns: 13
Interceptions: 4
Quarterback Rating (QBR): 107.3
Rushing Yards: 13
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Purdy finished the 2022 season with an impressive 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions, and a passer rating of 107.3. His efficiency, decision-making, and poise in high-pressure situations earned him a lot of recognition. His performance led the 49ers to an impressive 5-0 record with Purdy as the starter, showing that he was capable of leading one of the league’s top teams.
The 2023 NFL Season: Building on Success
Following a breakout rookie campaign in 2022, Purdy came into the 2023 season with high expectations. Having already proven himself as a capable starter, the 49ers and their fans were eager to see how he would handle a full season as the team’s unquestioned leader. Purdy was able to maintain the momentum he had built the previous year, and he continued to deliver solid performances on the field.
2023 Stats (Up to Midseason):
Games Played: 9 (Regular Season)
Games Started: 9
Completion Percentage: 68.5%
Pass Completions: 227
Pass Attempts: 331
Passing Yards: 2,530
Touchdowns: 22
Interceptions: 5
Quarterback Rating (QBR): 112.0
Rushing Yards: 40
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Purdy has continued to be efficient and effective in 2023, building on the foundation he established in 2022. With 22 touchdowns to just five interceptions, he has proven himself to be a capable leader who can take control of the 49ers’ offense. His consistency in both the short and deep passing games, as well as his ability to read defenses, has allowed the 49ers to stay near the top of the NFC standings. Purdy has also continued to show his ability to make plays with his legs when necessary. While he is not a primary rushing threat, his mobility and ability to extend plays make him a dynamic option in the red zone.
What Makes Brock Purdy So Effective?
Purdy’s rise to NFL prominence has been remarkable for a number of reasons. There are several key factors that have contributed to his success in such a short amount of time.
Poise and Composure: One of Purdy’s defining qualities is his poise under pressure. Despite being thrust into the starting role unexpectedly, he showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. His calm demeanor in the pocket and his ability to make the right decisions under duress have allowed him to thrive in high-pressure situations, something that is rare for a young quarterback.
Accuracy and Decision-Making: Purdy’s accuracy as a passer has been one of his most impressive traits. He has consistently been able to complete a high percentage of his passes, and he has made smart, well-timed throws that keep the chains moving. His decision-making has also been commendable, as he is rarely reckless with the ball and avoids forcing passes into tight coverage.
System Fit: Another factor that has contributed to Purdy’s success is his fit in the 49ers’ offensive system. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme is built around quick, short passes, run-after-catch opportunities, and play-action. Purdy’s ability to execute this system effectively has made him a perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense, which minimizes the pressure on the quarterback while maximizing the playmaking potential of other players.
Mental Toughness: Brock Purdy has demonstrated incredible mental toughness throughout his career, especially considering the challenges he has faced, such as being drafted last and stepping into a high-pressure situation in the middle of the season. He has shown an ability to block out distractions, stay focused, and continue to improve with every game.
FAQs
What is Brock Purdy’s passer rating?
Brock Purdy’s passer rating in 2023 was consistently above 110, which is considered elite. This statistic measures a quarterback’s overall effectiveness, factoring in completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. A rating above 100 is considered excellent, and Purdy’s performance in 2023 has often placed him among the top quarterbacks in this metric.
What is Brock Purdy’s win-loss record?
Brock Purdy has an impressive win-loss record in his career, especially considering his rookie season. By the end of 2023, his record as a starting quarterback was 22-3 (regular season and playoffs), with several of those wins coming in high-pressure situations, including playoff games.
How many touchdowns did Brock Purdy throw in the 2023 playoffs?
Brock Purdy threw 7 touchdowns during the 2023 playoffs, further cementing his status as a reliable postseason quarterback. His performances helped the 49ers advance deep into the postseason, although they were eventually eliminated in the NFC Championship Game.
How fast is Brock Purdy?
Brock Purdy is not known for his blazing speed, but he has good mobility for a quarterback. He ran a 4.84-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is considered average for an NFL quarterback. His ability to extend plays with his legs is more about his football IQ and quick decision-making rather than raw speed.
What is Brock Purdy’s playing style?
Purdy is known for his quick decision-making, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. He thrives in a West Coast offense, often utilizing short, quick passes and play-action to move the ball down the field. His ability to make plays under pressure, particularly when the pocket collapses, has earned him praise.
What’s Brock Purdy’s contract situation?
Brock Purdy is still on his rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers, which means he is earning a relatively modest salary compared to other starting quarterbacks. His contract is set to expire in a few years, and it’s expected that the 49ers will either offer him an extension or look to rework his deal given his rise in performance.
In Summary
Brock Purdy has quickly become one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL, thanks to his efficiency, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. From being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to leading the San Francisco 49ers deep into the playoffs, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
His strong passer rating, impressive win-loss record, and ability to execute in clutch moments make him a standout player. While some critics argue that his success is aided by the talent surrounding him, his decision-making, accuracy, and composure under pressure have solidified his status as a legitimate starting quarterback.
As Purdy continues to develop, all eyes will be on whether he can sustain his elite-level performance, earn a Pro Bowl selection, and potentially lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory. His journey is still unfolding, but based on his stats and performance so far, the future looks incredibly bright for Brock Purdy.
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