Prime-time Purdy? Stat shows 49ers QB cooks when lights are brightest

Prime-time Purdy? Stat shows 49ers QB cooks when lights are brightest originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

As the quarterback on one of the NFL’s best teams, 49ers signal-caller Brock Purdy is no stranger to the spotlight.

When the ball is kicked off Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium for San Francisco’s Week 7 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Purdy will be taking the field for his fourth prime-time game in 12 career starts.

In his three initial prime-time starts, Purdy boasts an impressive record of 3-0 with eight touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a stellar passer rating of 126.6.

Purdy’s prime-time debut came last December in the 49ers’ exhilarating 21-13 victory over the rival Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football,” a triumph that solidified their NFC West championship. Purdy showcased his skills by throwing for 217 yards, completing 17 of his 26 passes, and connecting with tight end George Kittle for two touchdowns.

This season, Purdy has had two noteworthy performances under the national spotlight. He delivered a stellar performance with 310 passing yards and two touchdowns in San Francisco’s 30-12 victory over the New York Giants on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 3. Two weeks later, he dominated the Dallas Cowboys’ defense with a career-high four touchdown passes in a 42-10 rout on “Sunday Night Football.”

On Monday night, Purdy will face off against Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who interestingly has struggled under the spotlight throughout his 12-year NFL career.

Cousins holds a prime-time record of 11-19 with 56 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in 30 starts. Additionally, he has never encountered the 49ers in a regular-season prime-time game.

However, Purdy isn’t the only 49ers player with remarkable prime-time statistics.

Star running back Christian McCaffrey, who is dealing with an oblique injury but might still suit up Monday, has scored in 15 consecutive games and aims to achieve at least 75 scrimmage yards in his sixth consecutive prime-time game. Additionally, tight end George Kittle has recorded at least two touchdowns in three of his last four prime-time matchups.

Edge rusher Nick Bosa has accumulated 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his previous nine prime-time games, and he strives to extend his streak of impressive performances with a tackle for loss in his tenth prime-time appearance.

The 49ers are preparing for their upcoming game in Minnesota. Following a day off on Wednesday, the team will practice on Thursday and travel to the Twin Cities on Saturday. The bright lights of “Monday Night Football” will soon be shining upon them.

You can expect “Prime-time Purdy” to be fully prepared.

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