How 49ers' Brock Purdy Benefits From Last Year's Playoff Experience
It was shocking to see how incredible Brock Purdy was last season.
To be able to lead an elite team to the playoffs as a third string rookie quarterback was unfeasible when he stepped in. However, there was definitely a bit of concern as to how Purdy would look in the playoffs last year. It is one thing to look great in the regular season, but another to maintain it in the playoffs.
The atmosphere and pressure in a playoff game is night and day from the regular season. So, how would Purdy look in his debut? Well, he didn't start off well. The 49ers were at home in the wild card round against the Seahawks. It was a game that should've been an easy game for the 49ers, but it ended up being a first half struggle with Purdy playing a part in that struggle.
Thankfully Purdy would bounce back in the second half and look himself again. Most importantly, he didn't cost the 49ers' the game nor did his initial inefficiencies prove detrimental. It was a learning experience for Purdy, and it is one that benefits him going into the playoffs this year. He now knows what to expect and doesn't make the game bigger than it needs to be. Purdy reflected on his first playoff experience at his press conference on Wednesday.
“I feel like the first game was a little bit tense, just in terms of every play mattered, not trying to turn the ball over," said Purdy. "But at the same time, making plays still and winning and doing what it takes to win. Those were things I sort of had to learn. Watching the film, it's sort of you get back into that feeling of last year and the first time in a playoff game. So it's sort of good to remember those kinds of things moving forward, sort of understanding what to expect for the first playoff game this year for me.”
Purdy should step into the divisional playoff game against the Packers fully at ease. Last year's playoff experience was a fantastic teacher for him. This is why fans and pundits always harp on a team's playoff experience. Going into it for the first time can be mentally taxing as opposed to a team that has been there enough. That will not be a worry for Purdy, and it could even prove to be a boost for him as he reflects on it.
"I got thrown in towards the end of the year and so every single week I was still trying to play good and learn who I was as a quarterback and obviously get more familiar with playing within the system," said Purdy. "Those were all things that were sort of on my plate last year. Then obviously trying to win every single week and get this team to the end.
"So now I guess this year just being more familiar with the offense, who I am and all that, it's a little different. But it's good to sort of watch the games from last year and sort of remember just the feeling and the emotions of playing in a playoff game. It's good. It's huge for me as a quarterback to go back to those moments and sort of remember what it feels like. So, those are things that I'm sort of banking on.”
