Kyle Shanahan: Brock Purdy is focus on the Lions and not on past struggles or success

Brock Purdy, entering his second consecutive NFC Championship game, remains focused on the upcoming challenge, unfazed by last week’s early struggles, undistracted by the comeback victory, and determined to avoid dwelling on the injury that disrupted last year’s playoff campaign.

Purdy keeps his focus squarely on what lies ahead. The only obstacle standing between Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ journey to the Super Bowl is a matchup against the Detroit Lions.

“It doesn´t matter if you played good or bad,” Purdy said Wednesday about last week’s start. “I don´t take really any of that with you the next week, it´s a new game, it´s a new scheme, it´s a new environment. Everything about it is new. So it´s almost like you´ve got to clean the slate, learn from the mistakes, build off of the good things that you have done.”

Purdy has demonstrated resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from an elbow injury suffered in a 31-7 NFC title game loss to the Eagles last year to make it back to this stage.

During San Francisco’s opening drive, Purdy took a hard hit, resulting in a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. This forced the fourth-string quarterback, Josh Johnson, who joined the team late in the season, into action to try and keep the game competitive.

Despite Johnson’s efforts, the Niners fell behind by two touchdowns, and he left the game with a concussion early in the third quarter. This situation compelled Purdy to step back in, even though he was limited and could only throw the ball a few yards.

The 49ers are back with a healthy Purdy, confident that this time will be different, aiming not to become the fifth team ever to lose in the conference title game for three consecutive seasons.

“Excited that we’re here,” Purdy expressed. “Last year is behind us. It’s a new year, a new approach – 49ers against the Lions now.”

Purdy, after recovering, had a standout regular season, exceeding 4,000 passing yards (4,280) and throwing at least 30 TDs (31), a feat not achieved by a Niners quarterback in over two decades. Leading the NFL with a 113 passer rating and 9.6 yards per attempt, he’s drawn both MVP candidate praise and criticism for perceived system reliance. Teammates remain steadfast in their belief in Purdy’s abilities.

Brock Purdy, the resilient quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is gearing up for another shot at the NFC title game after overcoming last year’s setback due to an elbow injury. Despite a challenging start in the recent divisional round, Purdy remains focused on the upcoming clash with the Detroit Lions, emphasizing the need to learn from mistakes and build on successes.

After a stellar regular season, where Purdy exceeded 4,000 passing yards and threw over 30 TDs, he leads the Niners with confidence. His efficient play, evident in a league-leading 113 passer rating and impressive 9.6 yards per attempt, has sparked both MVP discussions and criticism of system reliance.

Teammates express unwavering belief in Purdy, crediting him for their current playoff opportunity. While acknowledging Purdy’s occasional struggles in the divisional round, the team highlights his pivotal fourth-quarter comeback drive, clinching a win with a Christian McCaffrey touchdown.

In the lead-up to the NFC championship, uncertainties loom, notably regarding the status of WR Deebo Samuel’s shoulder injury. The team remains optimistic, opening the practice window for DL Kalia Davis, who is recovering from an ankle injury. The Niners are determined to break the cycle of conference title game losses and are banking on Purdy’s leadership to propel them to the Super Bowl.