Where Purdy ranks among NFL QBs in third- and fourth-down conversions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
NFL quarterbacks are judged on their ability to perform in high-leverage situations on third and fourth down — 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 2023 NFL quarterbacks in regular-season third- and fourth-down conversion rates on passing attempts, as shared Saturday by Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis.
The only player Purdy left behind was Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who took on the 49ers’ defense in San Francisco’s thrilling divisional round win in January. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins ​​rounded out the top five behind Love and Purdy.
The 49ers finished the 2023 season ranked 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.
Clutch conversions on third and fourth down aren’t the only area where Purdy excelled in 2023, as the 24-year-old led the NFL in a number of 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 single-season record previously held by Jeff Garcia. Purdy’s impressive campaign earned him Pro Bowl honors, making him the first San Francisco quarterback in more than two decades to be selected to the prestigious event.
As the 49ers gear up for another season, they can go into it with confidence knowing they have a dynamic talent among them who will be the franchise quarterback for years to come.
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