#brock-purdy

#brock-purdy

There is a stubborn narrative in football that insists on placing the most important and dynamic players on the field quarterbacks into neatly defined boxes. There's the devil-may-care Gun Slinger, the veteran (it's always someone over 30) Field General, and, most damningly, the robotic, unremarkable but reliable Game Manager. For the better part of his young, meteoric career, Brock Purdy has been shackled to that last, reductive label.

"Honestly, Thursday night football games, they come quick, so anything can happen," Purdy said. "But I'm still hopeful that I can. We'll see."

The San Francisco 49ers battle the Arizona Cardinals in their home opener at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 1:25 p.m. PDT. The Niners are coming off consecutive road victories to open the season, including a 26-21 win in New Orleans with backup quarterback Mac Jones directing the offense. Arizona comes in at 2-0 on the season, as well, after beating the Saints and Panthers. Brock Purdy just may make his return for the 49ers as he returned to practice this week.

Trailing 13-10 with just 1:43 to go, Purdy pulled a very wild improvisational rabbit out of his hat on a Third and Goal. It was a do-or-die play, and Purdy did, as he ran back about ten full yards from the line of scrimmage, danced around three defenders, and just plain chucked a wing and a prayer up to the end zone, where the triple-covered third-string tight end Jake Tonges somehow caught the jump ball. This would prove the game winning touchdown.