Purdy's impact on the 49ers' recent success is undeniable. He's helped lead the team to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance, earning the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan and solidifying himself as the team's quarterback of the present and future.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Purdy reflected on his development, identifying areas where he has seen significant growth and areas he hopes to improve.
"I think, over the last year or so, it's been about getting in and executing and doing my job well," Purdy said. "And I feel like when I first got in, it was, 'All right, how can I handle this offense as a whole,' just mentally with how Kyle calls it and the language that it is. It's tough, and you've got to study. You've got to be on top of your stuff. And I feel like I've grown in that area for sure."
Purdy recalled his rookie season when multiple quarterback injuries thrust him into action. Navigating the complexities of Shanahan's system was a challenge. Now, with more experience, he feels more confident with the demands of the offense, which is showing in his play this season.
"And then I think, just for myself, the challenge for me now is, how can I continue to have that mentality of having the chip on my shoulder and competing every down in the game for four quarters?" Purdy explained. "I feel like when I first got in my rookie year, there was this energy of, 'Hey, I'm a young guy getting thrown in. I'm going to just show my guys that I can compete and bring it and bring it every down and every play and give our team a chance.'"
Purdy acknowledged that it's easy to get too caught up in the game's mental aspects over time, but he's determined to maintain the same intensity and hunger that fueled him as a rookie.
"What it boils down to is, for four quarters, how can you compete and elevate everybody else's game around you by doing what it takes to win and that simplicity of it," Purdy concluded. "So, I feel like that's still an area that I can learn from and grow and be reminded that that's what football is."
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