Purdy comes through when it counts for 49ers
It wasn’t pretty, but Brock Purdy got it done.
And so did the San Francisco 49ers, who were 0-30 under Kyle Shanahan when trailing five-plus points in the fourth quarter.
The 49ers are now 1-0 when trailing by seven points in the fourth quarter under Shanahan in 2024 after they rallied to defeat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 Jan. 20 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Purdy led a 12-play, 69-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter in the NFC divisional round game of the NFL playoffs.
The Packers had a 21-14 advantage entering the fourth quarter after three lead changes in the third quarter. But momentum started to swing San Francisco’s way when Packers kicker Anders Carlson missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt wide left midway through the final period.
Purdy and the 49ers then conducted what wound up being the game-winning touchdown drive.
The Packers had a chance to tie the score or take the lead on their final possession with under two minutes in the fourth quarter, but Jordan Love tossed an ill-advised pass over the middle to Christian Watson that was intercepted by 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Love had 194 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss.
Packers running back Aaron Jones produced 108 rushing yards.
Purdy, who had an inconsistent performance, passed for 252 yards and one touchdown, but he missed multiple throws.
Greenlaw and Fred Warner led the 49ers defense. The star linebacker tandem combined for 15 tackles, and Greenlaw had two interceptions.
The 49ers’ victory means they have advanced to three consecutive NFC championship games. This Sunday, San Francisco will host Detroit in the NFC championship.