Perplexed by the lack of attention Purdy is receiving, Warner originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Brock Purdy and the 49ers are heading into the NFL playoffs on a 10-game winning streak after the team’s 38-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Purdy has continued to impress since taking the starting job from the 49ers after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. While many are surprised by the 23-year-old’s weekly performances, linebacker Fred Warner is not.
“People keep asking me, man, are you surprised by what Purdy’s doing and all these other things, and I’m really not,” Warner told reporters after the win. “I feel like he’s doing exactly what Kyle and the offense are asking of him. And it’s amazing that a rookie can come and lead this group with such composure and confidence.
“I’m surprised people aren’t being more honest about it. It’s something that “Mr. Irrelevant,” leading the team we have into the postseason, now on their way to winning a Super Bowl, and knowing that we have complete confidence in achieving that with him is really, really impressive. “
The Iowa State product completed 15 of 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to George Kittle. Purdy and Kittle have developed excellent chemistry as the veteran tight end has seven touchdowns in his last four games.
In addition, Kittle laid out the key aspects of Purdy’s game that allow him to thrive.
“So he’s super smart with football,” Kittle told reporters. “He doesn’t turn the ball around. He’s super-fast, gets out of a lot of rushes. And, like I said, he keeps an eye on every single game. He’s always ready to deliver…
“You can also see your hunger. He’s disappointed in some of the games he made today. He spoke about it after the game and said, ‘I just want to be better so we can win’…One thing you love is when a quarterback comes into the huddle and you can feel his confidence; it raises the level of play for everyone in the huddle.”
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Purdy will have an opportunity to turn more doubters into believers when the 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday’s NFC wildcard game at Levi’s Stadium.