SANTA CLARA – Brock Purdy's will to win was on full display in the 49ers' 33-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and while that's mostly a good thing, the quarterback will need to adjust his decision-making going forward.
Purdy uncharacteristically threw four interceptions in the loss, but his third may have been his worst decision. Several penalty flags were already on the field when the quarterback threw the ball up for George Kittle, but it was intercepted by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.
“I saw some flags being thrown while climbing,” Purdy said. “I'm not entirely sure what or who it was, so I tried to act something out in my head. And honestly, I can't make a bad game worse. I need to know that.
“For me to throw across my body in the middle of the field with a guy on George is very stupid of me. So I have to throw the ball away and live to play another play, punt and be ready to punt. This is something I have to learn the hard way.”
At the time, Purdy's desire to make up his two previous interceptions influenced his decision-making. At this point, the 49ers were only five points behind and there was still a lot of game left.
Purdy realizes that it's not all about him to win the game or force plays when they might not be there, but he felt the need to make up for his mistakes. However, sometimes sending the punt unit onto the field is the better decision.
“I think it’s easier when you don’t have as many turnovers or the game is close,” Purdy said. “But when I think about things, all right, you screwed up a few times, then I have to find a way to get the game together.
“That’s where I think I need to grow and be ready. Like I said, a bad play happens, throw the ball away, push the ball, the play is still doable to come back from. These are things I need to get better at and understand.”
Purdy's chance to bounce back will come quickly as the 49ers return to the East Coast in a short week to face the Washington Commanders on New Year's Eve.
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