SANTA CLARA – The last time Brock Purdy faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was his NFL debut last season as the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
Things came full circle on Sunday afternoon as Purdy once again led his team to a 27-14 victory over the Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium.
Purdy’s nerves were more frayed in this Week 14 matchup during the 2022 NFL season, but the pressure he puts on himself to play a better game is higher in 2023. Even after completing 21 of his 25 attempts for 333 yards, three touchdowns and a perfect passer rating Sunday, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
“There are still some plays I would like to have back,” Purdy said after the game. “I’m not entirely happy with that, but it was a great game with the guys around me, the coaching and the game instructions. All of it.”
Purdy’s efficiency in the passing game included five of his six attempts hitting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for 156 yards and a career-high 76-yard touchdown play. Purdy’s previous career completion was a 74-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel in the Wild Card Round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks.
Aiyuk’s previous career high was a 54-yard reception from Brock Purdy in Week 16 of the 2022 season in a win over the Washington Commanders. And after Sunday’s win, the wideout believes not much has changed for his quarterback since his first start against Tampa Bay last year.
“I always have the same feeling from him, the same energy from him,” Aiyuk said. “At least not as a player.”
Christian McCaffrey also played a big role on offense with 21 carries for 78 yards while also catching all five of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown. The All-Pro running back believes nothing can shake his quarterback.
“He was great, just like he was every game,” McCaffrey said. “Confident, calm, collected and competitive and made some great plays. He was always the same guy. A competitor, a great leader and a great ballplayer.”
McCaffrey and his quarterback are two heirs in a pod striving for perfection. On a fourth-and-short situation late in the game, McCaffrey was unable to help his team convert and was seen visibly upset on the sideline after failing to gain yards.
This need for perfection may be why McCaffrey was so moved when he learned of Purdy’s perfect rating.
“Damn, he had a perfect passer rating?” McCaffrey said. “That’s unbelievable. He’s a baller. That’s good defense too. It doesn’t shock me, but it’s impressive. I’m happy for him.”
The 49ers face a tough three-game series next, starting with their Thanksgiving matchup against their NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. But Purdy will only enjoy this victory for a short time.
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