In the above quote, Aiyuk was referring to the way the 49ers reached that championship game. They were on a 12-game winning streak. They were fifth in offensive yardage and points scored, as well as first in both categories on defense.
Then the season fizzled out without a fight – or at least, an opportunity for one.
As we approach the ‘business end’ of this regular season, does it feel like San Francisco’s time again?
Based solely on the statistics, this year’s iteration of the Niners might be even better. Third in yards and fourth in points per game on offense. Fifth in yards and first in points on defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game (16.3 last season).
Christian McCaffrey is still the star of the show, and the league’s runaway rushing leader with 939 yards – over 150 more than second-placed Raheem Mostert. McCaffrey’s 1,328 yards from scrimmage are second only to Tyreek Hill, and his 16 total touchdowns are more than anyone.
But what has been incredible to see is the development of sophomore quarterback Purdy, who is becoming one of the league’s elite quarterbacks – without being in the discussion about it. He does not have strong MVP odds, but head over to Pro Football Reference’s 2023 leaders page and Purdy’s name comes up plenty.
He leads the NFL in passer rating (112.3), completion percentage (70.2) and yards per attempt (9.4). Not only is he completing passes, but he’s pushing the ball down the field. He’s thrown for the eighth-most yards (2,871) and touchdowns (19), with just six interceptions.
With eight wins under his belt too, why isn’t he in the discussion for being the league’s most valuable player? It might be simply because he does not have the name value of a college star and high draft pick. Is it too much of a rise to see someone go from Mr Irrelevant – the 262nd overall pick in 2022 – to the heights he is playing at now?
Or, more likely, it is because the talent around him is tremendous.
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