Where Purdy ranks among NFL quarterbacks in third- and fourth-down conversions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
NFL quarterbacks are judged on their ability to execute high-leverage situations on third and fourth downs, an area where 49ers star Brock Purdy excelled during his first full season as the starting signal-caller in San Francisco.
Purdy finished second among all NFL quarterbacks in 2023 when it came to third- and fourth-down pass conversion rate in the regular season, as Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis shared on Saturday.
The only player behind Purdy was Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who went toe-to-toe with the 49ers defense in San Francisco’s exciting victory in the divisional round in January. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons rounded out the top five behind Love and Purdy.
The 49ers finished the 2023 season fourth in the NFL in third-down conversion rate, a testament to the highly efficient numbers Purdy posted when San Francisco threw the ball in those situations.
Key third- and fourth-down conversions aren’t the only area where Purdy shined in 2023, as the 24-year-old led the NFL in several statistical categories including passer rating (113.0), yards per attempt (9.6) and touchdown percentage. (7.0 percent).
Purdy’s 4,280 passing yards in 2023 broke the 49ers franchise record in a single season previously occupied by Jeff Garcia. Purdy’s impressive campaign earned him Pro Bowl honors, becoming the first San Francisco quarterback selected to the prestigious event in more than 20 years.
As the 49ers prepare for another season, they can begin with confidence knowing that have a dynamic talent below the center who appears to be the franchise quarterback in the years to come.