NFL
Super Bowl 2024: 49ers - Chiefs QB matchup | Brock Purdy vs Patrick Mahomes
49ers coach Shanahan made it clear he has no doubt Purdy is capable of winning a Super Bowl, but so is Mahomes, and he confirmed it on two occasions.
One of the discussions about the upcoming Super Bowl will undoubtedly be about the duel of the leading quarterbacks and the final decision about their capabilities in striving for excellence and winning in the final game.
Patrick Mahomes
Will the focus shift to the Chiefs’ play-caller after his remarkable performance in the AFC Championship game, especially his stellar fourth quarter?
Patrick Mahomes undoubtedly can make unbelievable plays, just like the critical third-and-15 play that was a turning point gainst the Ravens. One of Mahome’s strengths, similar to Tom Brady’s, is his playmaking abilities in the red zone with both his arms and legs.
The Chiefs’ defense also played a significant role in the win by making crucial stops against the opposing offense. By the way, Patrick Mahomes has a passer rating of 100.7 with 718 yards and four touchdowns in 3 games in these playoffs.
Brock Purdy
A unique perspective is offered on the intriguing narrative of Brock Purdy, the second-year quarterback from Iowa State. Despite being selected as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy carries an underdog story due to his unexpected success and impact on the team. Considering the contradiction of rooting for an underdog with high expectations is interesting, given the unconventional trajectory of his career.
Sometimes, Purdy’s abilities are not given enough credit, especially compared to the scrutiny he faces when he doesn’t perform well. However, he has shown the ability to make positive plays. He has displayed phenomenal decision-making and agility in certain situations during the season and playoffs, which are not typically associated with a third-string quarterback.
Purdy could be the game-changer in the upcoming Super Bowl due to his intelligent decision-making and potential to make a difference with plays involving his footwork. However, the experience factor, contrasting the rookie status of key players in the last Super Bowl with their current seasoned roles, provides a potential advantage for the 49ers.
In the 2023 playoffs, Purdy has a passer rating of 87.7 with 519 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception in 2 games. Like in the Mahomes case, Purdy can confidently come to the final game knowing that his defense could handle the Chiefs’ offensive line, believing that the game would differ from their previous matchups.
Who will end up winning the Vic Lombardy trophy?
The debate could undoubtedly be concluded with a prediction that the Super Bowl would be a closely contested battle, potentially coming down to the last possession. And one more thing: the biggest Sportsbooks issued their odds for the Most Valuable Player award for the 2024 Super Bowl, and it has some familiar names at the top of the list. According to its odds, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the favorite, at +125, followed by 49ers QB Brock Purdy at +220, making the story of predicting the winner even harder.