The Super Bowl LVIII clash is between two NFL powerhouses. Not just because they are the last contenders standing, their consistent presence among the league’s elite is a testament to their power. The Kansas City Chiefs aim for their third Lombardi Trophy in just five seasons, while the San Francisco 49ers come off their fourth NFC title-game appearance in the same timeframe.
Yet, in the spotlight of this all-star showdown, no position commands more attention than the quarterback. For many, Super Bowl LVIII transcends beyond Chiefs versus 49ers; it’s a duel between Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy. Many would think Mahomes held the league-leading stats, while Purdy fought for a top-10 quarterback spot. But that was surely not the case this NFL season.
However, as the postseason unfolded, Mahomes, despite some flaws, made impressive waves. On the flip side, it’s Purdy who found himself struggling to keep his team in the game. Let’s try to put them against each other before they clash in the Super Bowl.
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Patrick Mahomes vs. Brock Purdy: who’s better?
In the regular season, Patrick Mahomes faced career-worst metrics, hitting low points in EPA per dropback and passer ratings. However, the postseason marked a remarkable turnaround, aligning perfectly with expectations. In the heated AFC Championship dance against the Baltimore Ravens, Mahomes had a brief stumble in his EPA, like a maestro hitting a wrong note, slipping from 0.45 to a momentarily discordant -0.31.
But fear not, the symphony wasn’t derailed; the grand finale presented itself with an overall rate of 0.17. Then came the playoff spectacles against the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, where Mahomes orchestrated breathtaking crescendos with rates of 0.29 and 0.26, respectively.
Brock Purdy, crowned the EPA king in the 2023 regular season, achieved numbers comparable to legends like Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning. As the postseason unfolded, Purdy’s resilience became increasingly apparent.
In the NFC Championship, his overall EPA rate was an impressive 0.30. The halftime tale added intrigue: a challenging -0.05 EPA rate and 39.0 passer rating in the first half transformed into a remarkable 0.56 EPA rate and 132.8 passer rating in the second half.
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Brock Purdy, in the early stages of his career, sparks debates among fans and critics. The question lingers: are his early-career stats a sign of sustained success or a precursor to regression? Purdy’s debut wasn’t a fluke; he maintained MVP-caliber performance, finishing strong in both 2023 playoff starts. Skeptics cited Jimmy Garoppolo as leading the 49ers to the playoffs, but his efficiency, dynamism, and durability didn’t match Purdy’s.
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On the other side, Patrick Mahomes boasts a history of passing achievements. In just six years as a starter, he’s the 39th career passing-TD leader. His passer rating is second only to Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers in NFL history. Mahomes’ legendary status is beyond dispute, solidifying his place among NFL greats. So, who are you supporting between these two? Let us know in the comments section.
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