The San Francisco 49ers won in impressive fashion against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, and quarterback Brock Purdy proved he is getting hot at just the right time as the Niners look to make another playoff run.
Purdy was nearly flawless against the Colts. He threw five passing touchdowns which has put him in great company with a couple of 49ers Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
What a difference two outings on Monday Night Football can make.
A few weeks ago when Purdy threw three interceptions in quick succession against the Carolina Panthers, there were rumblings of a quarterback controversy. Now, Purdy is clearly in his comfort zone and looks like the vintage Purdy we saw in 2022 and 2023.
Brock Purdy has been on fire during 49ers' win streak
Since that rough game against Carolina, Purdy has thrown nine touchdown passes compared to just one interception. He is clearly throwing the ball with a ton of confidence and if that nagging turf-toe injury is still bothering him he is certainly not showing it.
The 49ers are going to need Purdy to keep balling out like this because things are not getting easier these next two weeks. In fact, things are just going to get harder like a video game where each boss battle is harder than the last.
On Sunday night, the Niners will face the red-hot Chicago Bears. With the defense hanging on by a thread, the 49ers are going to need the offense to keep on putting up a lot of points as it could be a shootout.
Then, against the Seattle Seahawks the following week, the 49ers may have a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC, should the Niners also win in Week 17 against Chicago. That would be a remarkable achievement, given the obstacles San Francisco has had to overcome this season.
But it seems clear the offense is going to have to be the one to win games for the 49ers the rest of the way. If the defense can force a field goal or a punt or even *gasp* force a turnover, that feels like found money at this point.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is doing the best job he can given the resources at his disposal, but as the Niners face some tough opponents, it's scary to think whether their defense can hold up especially after what the Los Angeles Rams did to them a few weeks back.
Purdy earned that big contract in the offseason, and he is starting to play like a guy worthy of that sort of deal.
He has to keep it up if the 49ers are to have any real shot in the playoffs.