Replay Shows Brock Purdy Kept Huge Christian McCaffrey TD Alive With Heads-Up Adjustment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was uneven in the team’s divisional round win over the Green Bay Packers, but he did come through when it mattered most. The second-year starter led a game-winning drive to help give the 49ers a three-point lead, but his clutch performance actually began early in the second half.

San Francisco took a 14–13 lead on a Christian McCaffrey touchdown midway through the third quarter, but that play wouldn’t have happened without Purdy’s awareness.

• Bishop: The 49ers’ X-Factor Isn’t Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Brock Purdy

The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen pointed out that the play initially called for tight end Charlie Woerner to come in motion, but Purdy told him to stay as the play clock ran down. Ultimately, Purdy hiked the ball just in time, narrowly avoiding a delay of game and allowing McCaffrey to score from 39 yards out.

One of the biggest plays of the game almost didn’t happen. Clock hit zero at the snap which is legal.

Juice told me, there was supposed to be a TE motion. Purdy knew it wasn’t necessary for the play to work (guessing it was a return motion).

You can see Juice telling TE to move… pic.twitter.com/7huZ9NAb3g

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) January 22, 2024

In a game where San Francisco had to come from behind to win, every positive play was crucial in completing the victory. While Purdy had his issues in the game, which included multiple dropped interceptions, he was able to save the day with plays like this McCaffrey touchdown.

Purdy ended the game with 252 passing yards and one touchdown, along with 14 rushing yards, but one of his biggest plays doesn’t show up in the box score.