SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy's will to win was on full display in the 49ers' 33-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and while that's mostly a good thing, the quarterback will need to adjust his decision-making moving forward.
Purdy uncharacteristically threw four interceptions in the loss, but his third was perhaps his worst. Several penalty flags were already on the field when the quarterback lofted the ball to George Kittle but it was intercepted by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.
“I saw some flags thrown as I was scrambling,” Purdy said. “I wasn't quite sure what it was or who it was, so my mind was trying to make a play. Honestly, I can't make a bad play worse. I have to know that.”
“For me to throw my body in the middle of the field with a guy on George, that's very stupid of me. So, I've got to throw the ball away and live to fight another game, throw the ball and be ready to throw it. So, that's something I've got to learn the hard way .
At the time, Purdy's desire to make up for his two previous objections influenced the decision-making process. At the time, the 49ers were down just five points with plenty of games left to play.
Purdy realizes it's not his responsibility alone to win the game, or force a play when he's not there, but he felt the need to make up for his mistakes. However, sometimes the best decision is to send the kicking unit onto the field.
“I think it's easier to do when you don't have a lot of turnovers, or when the game is close,” Purdy said. “But when things are in my head, ‘OK, I messed up a few times,’ I have to find a way to play.
“This is where I think I have to grow and be prepared. Like I said, bad play happens, throw the ball away, kick the ball, and it can still be replayed. These are the things I have to get better at and understand.”
Purdy's chance to bounce back will come quickly when the 49ers return to the East Coast on a shortened week to face Washington's leaders on New Year's Eve.
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