5 throws from Week 4 that prove Brock Purdy is special

The knock on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy early in his tenure was that he was just going to be a game manager, a guy who was solid enough under center, but someone who ultimately wouldn't lose you games but also wouldn't win them.

But, as Purdy's career has gone on, it's becoming clearer with each week that he is more gunslinger than game manager and that he has more than enough arm to make any throw you want him to make.

All that, combined with his high-level processing, allows him to continue to be successful even as the weapons around him are not as extensive.

That's why Purdy, pending the results of the Monday Night Football double-header, is leading the league in passing yards with 1,130 through four games, but is also far and away the leader in yards per attempt (9.3, with second-place Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings at 8.8), showing not only big stats but continued efficiency as a passer.

In Sunday's win over the New England Patriots, Purdy made a bunch of big throws that put the Niners' offense in position to succeed and was instrumental in leading the offense in a much-needed 30-13 win over New England.

Here are the five best throws from Purdy's outing on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, in chronological order through the game.

No. 1: 1st quarter, 4:43 to go, 15 yards to George Kittle

Early in the game, Purdy had to use his legs to make plays, much like he did in San Francisco's Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Purdy scrambled for two first downs on the Niners' first drive, but it was a whirling effort to escape pressure and then throw a dot to tight end George Kittle on 3rd-and-9 from the Patriots' 21-yard-line that was the quarterback's first impressive throw (starts at the 0:12 mark of the video) of the game.

The 49ers' quarterback wheeled to his left, then turned his body to get into a good throwing position, all while directing his tight end to the spot he wanted.

The throw itself was a good one, even if the degree of difficulty was lower than others on this list, but it was on target and put where only Kittle could grab it.

Plus, extra points for getting out of a messy pocket to make the throw and set up first-and-goal for the offense.