Brock Purdy put on a show for Monday Night Football. Five touchdown passes connected with four different eligible receivers. A late game interception did little to tarnish Purdy’s 73.5 completion percentage. Purdy played with confidence and authority as he led the Niners to a 48 to 27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Some might point out that the Colts secondary is somewhat depleted. Yet that same depleted Colts secondary held Sam Darnold and the Seahawks to zero touchdowns last week.
Brock Purdy has steadily improved since his return to the field. His improvement has been aided by George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey’s consistency despite question marks at receiver. The perception is that the 49ers lack a number one receiver. Yet, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne are all seasoned veterans. They are all savvy route runners, and they have earned Purdy’s trust. Their true number one receiver is Ricky Pearsall. He is a wonder when he is healthy and on the field. Pearsall’s explosive play is the icing on the cake to this veteran group of receivers.
When I look at the 49ers receiver group I am reminded of some of Tom Brady’s best years at New England. For years he lacked the perceived true number one receiver. Yet, he always had good running backs and a trusted tight end. Brady learned to play with whoever was on the field. Purdy is doing the same.
Brock does his homework. When he shows up on game day, he trusts that the receivers on the roster are going to be where they are supposed to be. When the play breaks down, Brock is making great decisions with the ball. His continued maturation will be vital as the Niners head into the playoffs.
Throughout the year, the one constant for Kyle Shanahan, Mac Jones and Brock Purdy has been Christian McCaffrey. Christian has quietly put together another outstanding season, rushing for over 1000 yards while collecting over 800 yards of receptions. With two more games left this season, he will likely eclipse 2000 yards from the line of scrimmage. McCaffrey has played steady, allowing the Niners offense to thrive.
The 49ers defense continues to grow this season. They epitomize bend but don’t break. On Monday night, they suffered early against the veteran leadership of Phillip Rivers. Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh was able to match wits with him as the game wore on.
With Renaldo Green out for the game, Rivers picked on Darrell Luters Jr. early and successfully. Rivers first tried to test Malik Mustapha, and quickly learned that Mustapha is not just a big hitter, he is good in coverage to. Still, Rivers led his team to back-to-back touchdowns on his first two drives.
The keys to the 49ers victory centered on three specific things. First, Brock Purdy lead his team to score on every drive. The 49ers did not punt. Second, the 49ers special teams played well. They started off the game securing a turnover before the Colts could have a second possession. Eddie Pineiro kicked two field goals while Skyy Moore consistently secured good field position for the Niners offense. Finally, the 49ers won the turnover battle. Late in the game, the Colts were on the Niners 29-yard line. On a first down, Dee Winters stepped in front of the receiver, picked Rivers off and ran it back for a 75-yard touchdown.
Phillip Rivers play seemingly put pressure on Brock Purdy to perform. It is evident Purdy felt no pressure because he was prepared to win. Still, Rivers led the Colts on to the field and scored first. Rivers also scored with relative ease. He looked in command and the game felt like a shootout in the first half. Early in the fourth quarter, Rivers pulled his team within seven points of the Niners. Purdy answered by executing an eleven-play touchdown drive. Rivers hoped to exploit a young defense. Purdy took the pressure off the defense by leading the offense effectively and efficiently. Purdy’s performance is amplified given the headaches Phillip Rivers and the Colts gave the Seahawks last week.
Sunday Night Football features two playoff teams. The Bears will come to Levi’s and attempt to assert their dominance. Caleb Williams has this team flying high with his late game heroics. The Niners won’t sleep on the Bears. Coach Saleh will work to contain Williams, DJ Moore and their great running attack. D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai will test the Niners rush defense. Both backs run with contrasting styles and have collectively rushed for over 1,700 yards this year. Notably, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had rushed for almost 1500 yards, and the Niners defense held him to a mere 58 yards rushing.
Coach Saleh will have his work cut out for him preparing for the Bears. For the Colts, he focused on shutting down the running game and the Colts sensational tight-end Tyler Warren. As the game unfolded, he began to work in exotic coverages and blitzes. Eventually, the Niners defense impacted Rivers.
This week Coach Saleh will have to pick his poison. Williams is an explosive talent, yet he can be frustrated. William’s completion percentage for the year is a mere 57.8 percent. Last week he barely completed 50% of his passes. However, the Bears offensive line is among the best in the league, paving the way for very potent running attack. Hosting the Bears at Levi’s will give the Niners a big boost. I am looking forward to Sunday Night Football!
POST SCRIPT ODDS AND ENDS
- CJ West collected his first SACK!
- Dee Winters collected his first PICK SIX!
- Alfred Collins continues to be an interior menace.
- Kendrick Bourne achieved a bonus check for going over 500 receiving yards for the season .
- Brock Purdy executes his first Five Touchdown game in his career.
- Brock Purdy’s 5 touchdown performance is the first time a quarterback has achieved at least five touchdown’s since Steve Young’s last Super Bowl performance.
- Coach Shanahan and the staff need to work out their challenge system. They lost a clear one, and should have challenged Jake Tonges’s would be touchdown reception.
