Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
George Kittle believes college experience helped Brock Purdy rebound 49ers from slow start vs. Seahawks
Jan 16, 2023 at 10:38 AM
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At the start of Saturday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, it looked like the Purdy Magic might be waning. The playoff stage appeared as though it might be too big for rookie quarterback
Brock Purdy, and the San Francisco 49ers entered halftime training 17-16.
Then everything changed.
The Niners outscored the Seahawks 25-6 in the second half on their way to a convincing 41-23 Wild Card Round win over their NFC West rivals. Purdy finished the game 18-of-30 for 332 yards and three touchdowns, adding four carries for 16 yards and a rushing touchdown.
One teammate believes Purdy's college experience at Iowa State benefitted the rookie quarterback on that rainy Saturday afternoon at Levi's Stadium.
"
I think Brock's experience in college really helped him today," tight end
George Kittle told NBC Sports' Peter King. "Everything didn't go well in the first half, but he came out in the second half and was totally confident in the huddle. You could feel it. When he's confident, we're confident, and he just makes us play at a higher level. He's been in a little trouble at halftime before. A lot of times, probably. He's played from behind before; he's played from ahead before. He has all the repetitions. Failure is a big part of learning to play quarterback in the NFL, and he had success and failure in college, so nothing here is really new for him."
The 49ers have not lost a game since October 23, 2022, nearly three months ago. The team has rattled off 11 consecutive wins, with Purdy being a big part of that over the last seven games, since taking over for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo on December 4, 2022.
Nothing comes easy in the NFL. While Purdy stepped into a great situation with one of the NFL's best rosters around him, the rookie quarterback has exhibited the leadership, confidence, and calmness under pressure of a savvy veteran. Purdy's four seasons as a starter at Iowa State have prepared him for this moment.
"Football humbles you a lot," Kittle said. "I think when you've been humbled in college, you kind of realize how hard football is, and you realize what it takes to win. I think Brock has realized that—and he realizes failing is good for you on the road to success."
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