One of the biggest talking points heading into Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and 49ers involves quarterback Brock Purdy.
Much has been made of the 49-year-old callers' ability in the games industry, or lack thereof, with a wide range of media figures offering their praise or criticism.
Speaking to NBC Bay Area's Laura Britt at Radio Row in Las Vegas, NBC Sports fantasy football analyst Matthew Perry commented on Purdy and explained why this Super Bowl is a legacy game for the second-year quarterback.
“I've said this elsewhere, I think this is a Brock Purdy legacy game and I don't think it's a Patrick Mahomes game,” Berry told Brett. “And here's why: I think if Patrick Mahomes goes out and literally goes 0-for-20 with three picks, it doesn't matter, he's still Patrick Mahomes, and he still wins multiple Super Bowls.
“Patrick Mahomes, no matter what happens from this point forward in his career, Patrick Mahomes will remain one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL.”
Considering that Mahomes has won two Super Bowls and will appear in his fourth, he's already in elite company as an NFL quarterback. Perry went on to explain that Purdy is not at that level yet, but winning the game would go a long way toward that.
“But Brock Purdy is a guy who at one point this season was a prime candidate to be MVP,” Berry said. “He was the betting favorite and then he fell apart against the Ravens. It was a bad game and he was up and down in the playoffs. Now he has a moment where he can go head-to-head with Patrick Mahomes.
“And so, if he goes head-to-head and beats Patrick Mahomes, and he throws a great pass, he makes some plays like he did against the Lions where he extends the play. And I think if he did something like that in the Super Bowl and won, I think all of that would be answered.” questions.
Berry isn't wrong that this Super Bowl will be a bigger win for Purdy, who is in his second NFL season and plays for a franchise with a history of legendary quarterback play, than it will be for Mahomes.
Since taking over as the starter last season, Purdy has been remarkably consistent with the 49ers in leading them to the playoffs both years. However, Purdy has his fair share of detractors who claim he is only good due to playing in such a talented offense with the creative play coverage Kyle Shanahan provides for his lackluster ability.
Mahomes and the Chiefs are not among the detractors, though, as they recognize how well Purdy performed in high-pressure situations in the playoffs in leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Purdy will look to lead the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl title on Sunday under the bright lights of Sin City.
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