san francisco 49ers Entered the 2022 season with high hopes. However, injuries resulted in the use of three different starting quarterbacks, and the team that was once a Super Bowl favorite could not pass the NFC Championship Game.
Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy took over the starting duties down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs, but suffered a torn UCL In the first quarter of the NFC title game. The injury forced veteran Josh Johnson into action, but he soon exited with a hamstring injury.
Some Niners players felt they didn’t have a fair chance to win the championship game against philadelphia eagles Due to quarterback injuries.
Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez agreed, saying he believed Purdy’s injury hindered the team’s chances of making it to the big game.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
“I thought, honestly, they must have been playing in [the Super Bowl]Gonzalez told NBC Sports on Super Bowl Radio Row last week.
Despite being the last selection in the previous year’s NFL draft and not expected to contribute this season, Purdy won every regular-season game he started. He also led the 49ers to two playoff victories.
San Francisco’s front office built one of the most complete rosters in the league, including star tight end George Cattle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, All-Pro tackle Trent Williams and star running back Christian McCaffrey.
The Niners also had the league’s top-ranked defense last season.
Even with all those pieces, the quarterback position is still one of the most – if not the most – important positions on the field.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Hassan Reddick, right, causes a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of the NFC Championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Purdy was hit behind the line of scrimmage by an Eagles pass rusher as he attempted to throw a pass. Patti’s sack and fumble recovery virtually ended the game, as Johnson was largely ineffective upon entering the contest as Purdy was forced to re-enter, but with the ability to throw further passes. Without.
“I think [the 49ers] The most complete roster was at the end of the season. Philly’s roster was incredible as well,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just sad that Purdy didn’t get a chance to actually play in that football game. I think the game obviously would have been much closer than it was, and I still think San Francisco could have had a chance because their team was loaded top to bottom with incredibly talented players.
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49ers players including McCaffrey have also commented on how the NFC title game was played.
“It’s hard to win a football game in the NFL without a quarterback, let alone an NFC championship game,” McCaffrey told “PFT Live” earlier this week. “I wish they had changed rules where you are allowed to carry three. … I think they should change it. Obviously, this is not good for us. Not having a quarterback is not good for the fans watching. I hope going forward they do something to keep you in the fight.”
Samuel echoed similar sentiments during a sit-down with Adam Schein of “Mad Dog Sports Radio,” saying that the outcome of the NFC title game would have been different if Purdy had been able to play the entire contest.
Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers waits for a pass during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Theron W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“Our defense was doing what they’re supposed to be doing, and I feel like if Brock was at quarterback and how our offense ran, I don’t think it would have been closer, if that makes sense,” Samuel said. told Shane at Radio Row. , “Grapes are not sour at all, that’s what I see every day. I’m not salty at all, I just speak facts.”
seven time super bowl winner tom brady shared his thoughts on the Niners’ chances in the NFC title game, saying that quarterback injuries gave the team “no chance to compete.”
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“Injuries play a part in every game, and your margin of error changes drastically,” he told “Let’s Go!” said during this week’s episode of podcast. “Obviously, you know, San Fran had no chance to compete yesterday. It was hard to see that happen, but at the same time, it’s the reality of sports.
injury-riddled season started early in the bay areaThe season ended with second-year quarterback Trey Lance suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo eventually suffered a broken leg in Week 13.