Reactions Pour in After Packers HOFer Calls for Late Hits on 49ers’ Brock Purdy

It’s an especially sore subject for 49ers fans, who saw their Super Bowl hopes disintegrate when Purdy was injured in last year’s NFC Championship game.

“A 15-yard penalty — and I don’t condone this, but I kinda do in the playoffs — a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Brock Purdy is not a bad thing, as long as it’s worth it,” Chmura said. “Sometimes, a 15-yard penalty is worth it early in the game if you knock the living crap out of the guy. And then he — kind of like sticking your helmet in the ribs of Nick Bosa — is like, ‘Ahhhhhhhh, I’m hearing ghosts.’’

Chmura’s remarks sparked significant backlash on social media. Marc Adams from 49ers Webzone expressed his disapproval, stating, “What a disgraceful comment.”

“Yikes,” wrote the uStadium account on X.

In the lead-up to the NFC Divisional Round playoff between the 49ers and the Packers on January 20, former Packers tight end Mark Chmura stirred controversy by suggesting intentional late hits on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. This sparked strong reactions on social media, with fans expressing disdain for Chmura’s remarks. The comments are particularly sensitive for 49ers fans who recall Purdy’s injury in last year’s NFC Championship game. Despite the outcry, Chmura’s provocative statement added a contentious layer to the upcoming matchup. The article also delves into the Packers’ pass rush stats, highlighting players like Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark.

On the flip side, Brock Purdy has faced 28 sacks in his 16 starts, averaging 1.75 per game. Overall, both the 49ers’ offensive line and the Packers’ pass rush fall in the middle tier. Examining penalty statistics provides another perspective, with Green Bay ranking as one of the least penalized teams in the NFL. Their average of 6.2 penalties per game places them 26th in the league.

So it’s not like the Packers have played dirty or pass rush trends that should scare the 49ers. That being said, there’s no doubt the 49ers will be preparing for it.

Brock Purdy shed light on the 49ers’ interest in Tom Brady, confirming that San Francisco explored the possibility of acquiring the now-retired quarterback. The team considered Brady as an option, particularly if Purdy’s elbow injury was anticipated to impact his performance in the 2023 NFL season.

But it didn’t pan out that way. Speaking to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Purdy explained that it gave him extra fire heading into this season.

“That meant so much to me,” Purdy said. “I remember him saying, ‘if we can get Tom Brady, we’re going to try to get him.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s the GOAT. I get it.’ But something deep down inside me was sort of like, ‘Dude, I just showed you that I can play well in this system. And we were one game away from the Super Bowl.

Luckily for both the 49ers and Purdy, that didn’t happen. Now, the second-year QB is coming off a Pro Bowl nod and looks ready to guide the team through the playoffs.