Where Purdy ranks among NFL QBs in third- and fourth-down conversions originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
NFL quarterbacks are judged on their ability to execute in high-leverage situations on third and fourth downs — an area where 49ers star Brock Purdy excelled during his first full season as a starter in San Francisco.
Purdy finished second among all NFL quarterbacks in 2023 when it comes to regular-season third- and fourth-down conversion rate on pass attempts.
The only player behind Purdy was Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who faced 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 fourth in the NFL in third-down conversion rate, a testament to the highly efficient numbers Purdy posted when San Francisco threw in those situations.
Clutch conversions on third and fourth downs aren’t the only area Purdy shined in ’23, 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. The impressive season Purdy posted 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 enter it with confidence knowing that have a dynamic talent below the center who appears as being the franchise quarterback for years to come.
