Much of the optimism about the 49ers despite third-string quarterback Brock Purdy, a rookie selected with the final pick in the draft, exists because of his supporting cast on offense and the 49ers’ terrific defense.
The stats anointing San Francisco’s defense as the NFL’s best are plentiful, and the fact they’re holding opponents to just 15.8 points per game will be helpful in limiting the onus on Purdy to make plays in his first NFL start.
While Purdy put together a strong debut in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo a week ago, it stands to reason that his first start will come with a handful of rookie mistakes. He’ll be facing the Buccaneers and head coach Todd Bowles who’s helped lead Tampa Bay’s defense to No. 5 in scoring and No. 8 in yards allowed through 13 weeks.
Even though Tampa Bay ranks 30th in the NFL in takeaways, it’d be understandable if Purdy’s first start came with a couple of turnovers. That’s another way his defense will act as a safety net against some of the inevitable hiccups of a first-time starting QB. It’s the same reason the club was willing to start Trey Lance and let him work through some ups and downs while they continued contending for a Super Bowl.
This season San Francisco has allowed only nine points off turnovers. That’s the lowest mark in the NFL, and they’ve given the ball away 14 times.
Last week Purdy’s one interception – what amounted to an arm punt on a fourth-down jump ball for Brandon Aiyuk – resulted in a Dolphins punt after just four plays.
Ultimately success for Purdy will come down to converting third downs and not committing turnovers. For the times he does give it away either Sunday or at any other point down the stretch though, his defense will more than likely keep it from turning into a disaster.
