According to Brian Baldinger, the key for the 49ers to win the Super Bowl lies in Brock Purdy’s ability to deliver “five exceptional highlight throws.”…

Brian Baldinger emphasized that for the San Francisco 49ers to secure victory in the Super Bowl, quarterback Brock Purdy will need to deliver “five absolute highlight throws.” It is quite remarkable that Purdy, who was the last player drafted, finds himself in a position where his performance can determine the outcome of such a prestigious event.

Taking over as the 49ers’ starting QB in 2022 due to injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy has consistently proven himself by leading the team to victory. Despite his accomplishments, Purdy still faces a multitude of critics eagerly awaiting his failure, just so they can claim they predicted it.

However, Purdy’s exceptional 2023 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, as he has not only guided the 49ers to the Super Bowl but also shattered longstanding team passing records. In his inaugural full season as a starter, Purdy even earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. The magnitude of Purdy’s achievements cannot be underestimated, especially considering that he was the final pick in the 2022 draft.

And that could be part of the motivation behind all the critics who have emerged, claiming that Purdy is merely a game manager who is being carried by a team of talented individuals. Whether it’s former players, such as Cam Newton, who are no longer relevant, or media personalities seeking attention, Purdy has consistently silenced many of his detractors.

Following the 49ers’ comeback victory in the NFC Championship, some of these critics, including ESPN’s Ryan Clark, openly admitted their mistake.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this week, Brian Baldinger, a former NFL player and current analyst, discussed the upcoming Super Bowl. After emphasizing the challenging task the 49ers face in stopping Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, Eisen and Baldinger shifted their conversation to Purdy.

Baldinger remarked, “Well, let’s shine the spotlight on Brock Purdy and see if he rises to the occasion, Rich, as they say, or if he simply plays with a carefree and fearless attitude. Because, ultimately, I recall when Nick Foles led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory six years ago, Rich, I mentioned that he needed to make five throws that would be considered absolute highlights.”

In the Super Bowl that Baldinger was referring to, Foles and the Eagles were considered the underdogs as they faced off against Brady and the New England Patriots. Even without their starting QB Carson Wentz, who was sidelined due to an injury, the Eagles put up a remarkable fight. Foles delivered an exceptional performance, throwing for an impressive 373 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, he even caught a touchdown pass in a play that would later be known as “The Philly Special.”

Baldinger, comparing Purdy to quarterbacks like Mahomes, suggests that the young signal caller will need to have an outstanding game to secure a Super Bowl victory. According to Baldinger, Purdy will have to make at least five “absolute highlight throws” similar to Foles’ remarkable plays in order to become a Super Bowl Champion.

If Purdy can successfully execute the throws that lead the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl victory, he will undoubtedly be regarded as one of the legendary San Francisco quarterbacks. Thankfully, Purdy won’t be shouldering this responsibility alone. His defense and the talented playmakers on offense will be collaborating with him to secure another Lombardi Trophy.