Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Everything changed in the NFC Championship Game when quarterback Brock Purdy exited early with an injury. He eventually returned because his backup, Josh Johnson, exited with a concussion. Purdy could not throw, though. He suffered a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, leaving the San Francisco 49ers to become one-dimensional, abandoning the pass and depending solely on the run game.
For fans, it was a difficult game to watch. Everyone anticipated a more evenly matched battle between the two best teams in the NFC. Instead, they got an Eagles powerhouse defense going against a limping 49ers offense.
"We kind of knew it was going to be different when all you can do is run the ball," former Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said Friday during a KNBR interview, "when both quarterbacks go out, and you know exactly what you're trying to do. Of course, it made it a lot easier for us."
The 49ers signed Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal, adding the free agent to a defensive line that includes Arik Armstead and NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Hargrave and the Eagles defense knew Purdy's injury gave them a significant advantage, making their path to the Super Bowl much easier. The rookie quarterback had all seven starts leading to the NFC Championship Game. Philadelphia knew a healthy Purdy would be a handful.
"Trust me, we've seen the film on Brock escaping," Hargrave shared. "We knew it was going to be a challenge trying to get to him, so it would have been, definitely, a different game if he had stayed up."
The 49ers—and maybe Purdy—will get another shot at the Eagles during the 2023 season. San Francisco will visit Lincoln Financial Field as part of its 17-game schedule.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Hargrave below.
49ers mailbag: Why hasn't Brian Schneider been fired? Did the officials miss a penalty on Jacob Cowing's muffed punt? Does SF have enough edge rushers?
By Marc Adams
Nov 14
The San Francisco 49ers are 5-4 and are heading into a critical stretch of games. They host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, followed by back-to-back trips to Green Bay and Buffalo. After that, they host the Chicago Bears. If they can go 3-1 in that four-game stretch, they will...
Deebo Samuel reveals why Brock Purdy was upset after 49ers-Buccaneers
By David Bonilla
Nov 13
The San Francisco 49ers earned a hard-fought victory on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season and improving their record to 5-4. During the plane ride back to California, wide receiver Deebo Samuel walked by a visibly...
Pelissero provides update on Brock Purdy's injury and 49ers-Packers status
By David Bonilla
13 hrs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited during Wednesday's practice and refrained from throwing altogether in at least the position of practice that was open to the media. Purdy is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle...
Brock Purdy skips Thursday media session: What it means for 49ers-Packers showdown
By David Bonilla
11 hrs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy refrained from throwing during Wednesday's practice after sustaining a shoulder injury in the team's recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Officially listed as a limited participant, Purdy focused on mental reps while resting his sore...
