The San Francisco 49ers may be out of legitimate playoff contention. Still, quarterback Brock Purdy is determined to give his all when he steps onto the field on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
With three games remaining on their schedule, the 49ers are focused on finishing strong and building momentum heading into the offseason. While the stakes are lower, Purdy's competitive drive remains as strong as ever. In fact, he can't recall ever playing in a game that didn't matter to him.
"I love the game of football," Purdy told reporters on Thursday. "And then to go out and compete at any chance I can get since I was a kid, it's always been the mindset and the case. I don't know if I've ever played in a game that's ever been meaningless to me."
Reflecting on his first two seasons, where the 49ers were constantly battling for a Super Bowl, this disappointing 2024 campaign feels like uncharted territory for the 24-year-old quarterback.
Purdy is focused on using these final three games to improve and address the areas that have held the team back this season.
"I think, just offensively, just trying to play a complete game for each other," Purdy said of his focus. "Obviously, get the run game going, pass game, everything. Just get it clicking on all four cylinders, and I think just be able to play for four quarters, like a good, legit, complete game.
"Defense is playing great right now. Special teams is playing their best ball. So for us, it's like, all right, offense, let's get this thing going and look like the Niners that we all know."
Purdy hasn't replicated last season's numbers when he set a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. His 2024 statistics will end up being much more modest.
Reflecting on his overall performance this season, Purdy shared, "I think there's some plays out there that I'd love to have back. And I wish I could have been better for my team and for myself. But at the same time, I feel like there's been some growth in my game that has happened. And really, just like leadership-wise with this team, and sort of stepping up when the team needs it, sort of just being a guy that they can hear from."
Purdy added, "In the past, I've been sort of particular about when I speak, and waiting for the right moment. But this year, it's been more than it has. And so, I feel more comfortable in who I am, but also, I think I need to get better and get back to playing with a chip on my shoulder, like it was my first two years, of every game, every down, trying to prove to myself that I'm the guy for this team and I'm capable of doing it."
Purdy acknowledges that he's been consumed at times this season by the pressure to be perfect. In hindsight, he wishes he had focused more on simply competing and leading his teammates through the good and bad moments.
"So, sort of just handling that, mentally, and getting back to that," Purdy concluded.