"I don't understand any of the criticism, Rich," Baldinger said. "I really don't. I think the guy's just a silent assassin. He's so relaxed, and he's so confident, yet he doesn't really relish any of the spotlight. I mean, he'll tell you, 'I'm just good at playing quarterback, but I'm a regular guy.'"
Purdy has played a pivotal role in two playoff comebacks this season. The latest involved erasing a 17-point deficit against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
Following the game, teammate Nick Bosa asked Purdy if he anticipated being this good so quickly. The humble quarterback responded, "Honestly, I could do better, bro."
Purdy etched his name in the 49ers history books. His 4,280 passing yards this season are the most single-season passing yards in franchise history. His critics are running out of excuses.
"I think he's the perfect quarterback for [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] right now in that he can program him, this is what I want, he can coach him hard," Baldinger continued. "If he makes a mistake, he can get on him, like he does during a week in practice. Yet he could take all of that and still go play without any sort of fear about making a mistake."
Purdy's next task is a challenging one. His 49ers aim to beat quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, a feat they could not achieve four years ago. Currently, San Francisco is a two-point favorite in the upcoming championship matchup.