On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in a tough divisional matchup. The final score was 32-29, but offense was hardly the driving force for either team. The two defenses combined to generate seven turnovers.
The 49ers' four takeaways resulted in 21 points off turnovers. Throughout the game, Purdy and company struggled to move the ball and only found the endzone when gifted advantageous field position by the defense.
There's an argument to be made that, if not for timely interceptions and fumble recoveries, San Francisco never would've been in a position to win the ballgame.
They secured the victory, however, and Brock Purdy has already been rewarded accordingly. According to ESPN, he emerged from Sunday as the frontrunner for MVP, the first time somebody other than Josh Allen has led all season.
Brock Purdy might not have deserved latest MVP bump
While Purdy has been one of, if not the main reason the 49ers are undefeated through five weeks, he was by no means an X-factor on Sunday against the Seahawks. Aside from his interception thrown and three sacks taken, he looked more skittish and unsure than he has all season.
One of his touchdowns came when he took over at Seattle's 18-yard line following an interception. The other capped off his only complete drive of the game, when the 49ers marched 74 yards in 12 plays to regain the lead in the fourth quarter.
Outside of that drive, most of Purdy's possessions fell flat. Corliss Waitman's five punts were the most he has had in a game all season. For most of the season, the 49ers have won because of Brock Purdy, not despite him. But on Sunday, that script might've been flipped.
Brock Purdy still has little margin for error against 49ers competitors
Unless Josh Allen retakes the lead on Monday Night Football, Purdy will enter Week 6 as the MVP favorite. Given that he plays the Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons over the next two weeks, there is good reason to believe that his standing won't change any time soon.
In order to stave off Allan and others, Brock Purdy must keep winning. Each victory contributes to Purdy's overall resume. Having dealt with constant criticism and marginalization of his accomplishments, Purdy will need to prove his worth every week if he wishes to take home the accolade.
Thus far, Purdy has done anything it takes to win. No matter what his stat sheet looks like at the end of the day, his 49ers have looked just a bit better than their adversary. Look for Purdy and company to continue this trend in Week 6.
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