MINNEAPOLIS – After the 49ers’ 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football” at US Bank Stadium, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner had a quiet conversation in the locker room.
Warner, just out of the shower and still dressed only in towels, sat at his locker, head in hand, flipping over the stat sheets, seemingly looking at the evidence of what had gone wrong.
Having just spoken to the media at the podium, Purdy slowly walked back into the locker room to retrieve his suitcase, then paused and made a beeline for the linebacker’s side. The two chatted for about 30 seconds without cameras or members of the media within earshot.
Purdy began the conversation with disappointment clearly on his face after throwing two interceptions in the team’s loss. Then it was Warner’s turn. The All-Pro linebacker’s voice never grew loud enough to be heard, but Warner turned to his quarterback and, looking him directly in the eyes, spoke with a message that seemed passionate and meaningful.
“He’s obviously just being hard on himself and blaming himself for it,” Warner told NBC Sports Bay Area regarding the conversation. “Of course I won’t tell him. It’s not just about him. I have every confidence in Brock and what he brings to this football team.”
Warner is right. There were significant errors in all three phases of the game, including in defense. Still, Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area he was grateful for the veteran’s words of support after a performance he felt needed to be acknowledged.
“He just told me we all need to play better on both sides of the ball,” Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area. “We will get better. Everything will be fine.”
The 49ers only have a short week left before facing the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, but one thing that will help the team get through the two straight losses will be the support the players give each other through the adversities give.
Instead of pointing fingers, the 49ers are taking responsibility for mistakes throughout the locker room, as evidenced by Purdy and Warner’s mutual support.
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