2 min read • January 27, 2023
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What 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has done as “Mr. Irrelevant” is unprecedented to say the least.
His seven-start win streak to the NFC Championship round, has included a 14 TD/2 INT ratio with a 67.1 completion percentage and just 11 sacks in 183 dropbacks.
However, the Eagles’ defense also put up an unprecedented season, ranking first in sacks and second in pressure percentage.
They logged 70 sacks during the regular season, which was tied for third most sacks all-time in a season – albeit with an extra game.
Purdy got his first taste of a top-5 pressure defense last week against the Cowboys, who brought pressure on 16 of his 33 dropbacks (48.5%).
Dallas recorded 2 sacks, forced 2 scrambles and Purdy went 5 of 12 for 55 yards on throws under pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
However, Purdy avoided a turnover and has not thrown a pick in his last 95 pass attempts. He was also effective down the field against the Cowboys, connecting on 6 of 8 throws for 126 yards on targeted throws of 10 or more yards downfield.
The Iowa State alumnus also completed two of four attempts of 20 yards or more.
If Purdy can repeat a similar performance against Philadelphia’s elite defense, Purdy could join kicker Ryan Succop as the only two “Mr. Irrelevant” players to appear in a Super Bowl.
That's a big “if.”
During the regular season, Philadelphia ranked fourth in passes defended, fourth in interceptions and first in net yards gained per pass attempt.
Free agent acquisition Haason Reddick was a huge contributing factor to those rankings. The six-year veteran led the team in sacks (16), QB hits (26) and pressures (41).
The Eagles also had three defensive linemen with 11 sacks each (Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Javon Hargrave).
Reddick, Sweat and Graham each logged a sack against the Giants in the dominant Divisional Round win.
The Eagles are favored by 2.5 points at home and the over/under is 46.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Purdy's passing prop is at over/under 218.5 yards.
Philadelphia is the favorite to win Super Bowl LVII at +230 with Kansas City at +260, the Bengals at +280 and the 49ers at +320.
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