Purdy reflects on NFL journey since first 49ers start vs. Buccaneers

SANTA CLARA — After 17 starts as the quarterback for the 49ers, Brock Purdy looked back at his 2022 Week 12 debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Last year going into that game, everyone's eyes were on me," Purdy said Thursday. "I feel like the guys in the locker room [were saying], 'How's this rookie going to handle it?' It's one thing to get thrown into a game and not all the pressure. But now you got a week to prepare, and it's, 'Alright, let's see what you can do with it.' " The locker room quickly discovered that Purdy could do a lot. The rookie led them on an eight-game winning streak that carried them to the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia where he suffered a tear to his ulnar collateral ligament. The young quarterback has continued with his winning ways this season after recovering from his injury. Purdy's 109.9 passer rating leads the league as does his 9.62 yards gained per attempt and 13.5 yards gained per pass completion. "I feel like there definitely were some expectations and pressures that I felt just naturally," Purdy said. "But you know, compared to now, I put that pressure and expectation on myself in terms of, I have to play at the standard now. "I'm...