Prescott was under the lights, and you usually remember the last thing that you saw.
There’s this weird reluctance to give Brock Purdy credit for the 49ers offensive success. The mismatch at the skill positions is the reason why the Niners are hovering around or exceeding 30 points per game.
But detractors feel obligated to point out that the talent, not the quarterback, is the reason why Purdy shouldn’t be named the MVP. Brock’s stats are strikingly similar to Matt Ryan’s in 2016:
2016 Falcons:
26th in pass attempts
3rd in passing yards
Matt Ryan MVP2023 49ers:
32nd in pass attempts
3rd in passing yards
Brock Purdy is a role player and should apologize for having good teammates— Jordan Elliott (@splash_cousin) December 12, 2023
Why don’t the 49ers have to throw the ball 40+ times a game like most quarterbacks? Because their efficiency level is through the roof, so they’re not relying on volume to get the job done.
A better way to look at Purdy’s season is to appreciate how he’s helped the 49ers offense reach its ceiling overnight. That can be true while acknowledging Christian McCaffrey has been better than the Niners had hoped for, Deebo Samuel is playing at his peak, while Brandon Aiyuk is playing for a new contract. Oh, and George Kittle is still on the roster.
There’s also no way to quantify the correct plays Purdy checks into or how many drives he keeps alive by making plays off-script or avoiding a sack to keep the drive alive. We’ve made the MVP argument so simplistic that we’ve lost what quarterback play is about. One thing it’s not about is EPA or a singular stat.
Statistically, Purdy had an impressive showing in Week 14. The same can be said for Dak Prescott, who is the new leader in MVP rankings, according to DraftKings Sportsbook:
Dak Prescott jumped Brock Purdy in the latest MVP odds on DraftKings:
1) Dak +160
2) Purdy +200
3) Lamar Jackson +550
4) Jalen Hurts +650
5) Tua Tagovailo: +1000
6) Tyreek Hill +1300
7) Patrick Mahomes +1500
8) Josh Allen +2200
9) Christian McCaffrey +3500
10) C.J. Stroud +5000— KP (@KP_Show) December 11, 2023
You’ll always remember the last thing that you saw. Prescott was on Sunday Night Football and carved up the Eagles. If Dak wins the MVP, he’ll have to earn it during the next month. Dallas travels to Buffalo and Miami, then gets the Dolphins and home, before finishing up on the road against the Commanders.
We also love to bring up Purdy’s weapons but turn a blind eye to the Cowboys schedule through December. It’s the easiest schedule in the NFL, per DVOA.
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