Everyone inside the San Francisco 49ers' locker room has confidence in second-year quarterback Brock Purdy, a sentiment displayed during last weekend's playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Trailing 21-17 late in the matchup, the team rallied around its starting quarterback.
Purdy responded by orchestrating a game-winning touchdown drive, once again leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
Reflecting on the unwavering support from his teammates, Purdy stated, "I feel like, all year, they've been the same guys in the locker room. They've believed in me since I stepped in, since last year, and throughout the year, I feel like I've grown, and we've all grown together."
The 49ers navigated significant adversity this season. The team endured a three-game losing streak in October, leading some to dismiss their Super Bowl prospects. However, the resilient squad rebounded, securing the top seed in the NFC and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
San Francisco's struggles for much of last weekend's game have forced many to question the team's chances against the Detroit Lions this weekend. While there may be doubts outside the building, there is nothing but confidence inside.
"Definitely blessed to have these guys in the locker room with me, and they definitely have my back through the good and the bad," Purdy said. "We've been through some stuff this year, and it hasn't all been pretty. There have been some good times, there's been some tough times, but through it all, these guys have continued to have my back and show love. And we go to war together, so very thankful for them."
Deebo Samuel was asked if he learned anything about his 24-year-old quarterback during that game-winning drive against the Packers as he watched from the sideline. A shoulder injury forced the wide receiver's exit early in the contest.
"Not really, because I've been around him for two years now," Samuel responded. "It feels like forever. He's never uptight or the moment is never too big for him. He's always poised, cool. Even though I wasn't in the huddle, I could see it, and I could see how the guys are reacting to what he's saying.
"With Brock being the commander of the huddle, you have no choice but to listen and just follow his lead, and he went out there and did a great job."
When head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked the same question about his young quarterback, he answered, "Nothing that we don't already know. I mean, I thought he did enough to win us that game. [He] was a stud at the end, especially on that final drive, and the same guy he's been every day."
On Sunday, the 49ers will battle the Lions at Levi's Stadium to secure a trip to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas.
