The performance in the NFC Divisional round, old doubts about quarterback Brock Purdy resurfaced, even as he led the San Francisco 49ers to a game-winning drive against the Green Bay Packers. Many criticized Purdy’s play due to the 49ers’ offensive decline, especially after Deebo Samuel left the game with a shoulder injury.
Still, the All-Pro pass holder said he was impressed with the QB’s work in tight situations. “He’s never overwhelmed and the moment is never too big for him,” Samuel said, via KNBR . He is always ready. Even though I’m not in the band, I watch him and see how the guys react to what he says.”Purdy wasn’t perfect against the Packers, completing 23 of 39 for 252 yards and a touchdown. But when it mattered most, he orchestrated a 12-play, 69-yard drive to send the Niners to the NFC title game.
Samuel’s condition looked promising Sunday after suffering only a deep bone bruise and no recurrence of the hairline fracture he suffered in Week 6. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that he has been removed from the injured list and will be ready for the NFC Championship Game. This is obviously good news for the 49ers, but according to analyst Adam Kaplan, keeping Samuel healthy throughout the game is critical to the team’s hopes of beating the Detroit Lions.“You saw what happened when he went out after nine games and didn’t come back.
Their crime has skyrocketed,” Kaplan told “Ferrall Coast to Coast.” “He’s very important to what they do. “He has to keep playing this game,” he said. Without Samuels, Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle had the most targets through the air against the Packers, catching 11 of 19 targets for 111 yards and a combined touchdown. Meanwhile, the rest of the 49ers caught 10 passes (16 targets) for 114 yards.
