The San Francisco 49ers dominated Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7, in rookie quarterback Brock Purdy’s first career start in the NFL. There are many questions surrounding the 49ers after an impressive win at home, but the main question is can Brock Purdy lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl this season?
Brock Purdy is QB1 in San Francisco
49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was fantastic in his first start. He was cool, calm, and collected all game. Brock Purdy stole the show against the Buccaneers. He showed poise, comfort, and incredible athleticism all game long. In the first half of his first start, he didn’t look like a rookie or the last pick in this year’s NFL draft. He completed 14 out of 18 pass attempts for 185 yards, no interceptions, and three total touchdowns, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.
Brock Purdy made winning plays and looked like a ten-year veteran quarterback eluding defenders and throwing on the run. He finished the game completing 16 of 21 passes, 185 yards through the air, an 8.6 passing yard average, two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and he finished the game with no interceptions or turnovers.
Brock Purdy’s NFL debut was spectacular for the San Francisco 49ers. He looked poised all day under pressure and made some fantastic plays for a rookie starting his first NFL game. He was able to hit check downs, complete throws under pressure, and make athletic plays with his legs and arm, but the most crucial aspect that Brock Purdy showed was that he could make intelligent decisions under pressure.
Injury Issues
It’s all fun and game until someone gets hurt. One of the main narratives this season for the 49ers has been injury issues, and the 49ers were dealt another major blow to their team. Superstar wide receiver Deebo Samuel left the game on a cart after an apparent ankle injury in the second quarter.
The 49ers may have dodged a deadly bullet. According to Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider for the score, Deebo Samuel might not have suffered a significant injury. They say it might be a twisted ankle for Samuel and nothing more serious. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Focus, the Samuel injury might not be as severe as it seemed in the first half. However, it will be massive news for the 49ers if Samuel can avoid a severe injury this season.
After the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media that rookie quarterback Brock Purdy has an oblique injury, and they are monitoring the situation. If Brock Purdy cannot play next week in Seattle, the 49ers will look to go to journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson,who they brought in last week due to the Garoppolo injury, as the starting quarterback. It will be interesting to see if Brock Purdy can play after a short week.
The 49ers’ Defense is Elite
Many people will say that Brock Purdy and his phenomenal first start was the story of the game, but make no mistake that the San Francisco 49ers defense was just as outstanding as Brock Purdy in his debut. The 49ers’ defense made Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers’ offense look uncomfortable all game.
It was their best performance of the year, being able to shut out Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense for about three quarters until the Buccaneers scored on a fantastic catch by Russel Gage with 2 minutes and 48 seconds left in the third quarter. The 49ers’ defense made a significant statement to the rest of the NFL, holding Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to seven total points in the game. The 49ers’ defense showed that they are the best defense in the NFL and can stop any team in any weather conditions.
Quick Turnaround for 49ers
The 49ers can celebrate the dominant win against the Buccaneers for the next 24 hours, but they can’t dwell on this win for too long. They have a quick turnaround against a division rival. The 49ers next face the Seattle Seahawks in what will be one of the most important games of their season, as Brock Purdy will have the second start of his young career in prime time on Thursday Night Football in Seattle.
It will be interesting to see who is available for the 49ers on a short week and if Brock Purdy can continue his phenomenal debut on the road against their division rival. With this victory today, and the Seahawks losing to Carolina, the 49ers can clinch the NFC West division with a win on Thursday night in Seattle.
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