After a disappointing performance in the NFC divisional round, old worries about quarterback Brock Purdy resurfaced, even after he guided the San Francisco 49ers to a game-winning drive in a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Many criticised Purdy’s performance for the 49ers’ apparent drop in offence, particularly after wide receiver Deebo Samuel departed the game with a shoulder injury. However, the All-Pro pass-catcher praised his quarterback’s performance under difficult circumstances.
“He’s never uptight, and no situation is too big for him,” Samuel told KNBR. “He’s always composed and collected. Even though I wasn’t in the huddle, I can see what he’s saying and how the players are reacting to it.”
Purdy struggled against the Packers, going 23-of-39 for 252 yards and a score. However, when it counted the most, he led a 12-play, 69-yard game-winning drive to advance the Niners to the NFC Championship Game.
Samuel is ready to play on Sunday after sustaining merely a deep bone bruise rather than a repeat of the hairline fracture he sustained in Week 6. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that he was off the injured list and would play in the NFC Championship Game.
It’s obviously great news for the 49ers, but analyst Adam Caplan believes that having Samuel healthy throughout the game is critical to the team’s chances of beating the Detroit Lions.
“You witnessed what happened when he left the game after nine plays and did not return. “Their offence sputtered,” Caplan stated on “Ferrall Coast to Coast.” “He’s extremely vital to what they do. He has to finish last in this game.”
Without Samuel, running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle earned the most of the air targets against the Packers, catching 11 of 19 for 111 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the rest of the 49ers caught 10 catches (16 targets), for 114 yards.
