This week’s Super Bowl matchup pits a pair of the games’ best quarterbacks; Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy. Both currently have stats and success that likely will land them in the Hall of Fame … that is if Purdy remains on the pace he has established in just over a full season as a starter, beginning last December, and twice leading San Francisco deep into the playoffs. Mahomes could call it a career and has already done enough work to earn a first ballot entrance into the Canton shrine.
Mahomes has a pair of Super Bowl wins and two of his all-time playoff losses were against Tom Brady. First, in his initial season as a starter in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, and two years later versus Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. Mahomes overall record in postseason play is 14-3 with a pair of Super Bowl triumphs.
Purdy, the last player selected in the 2022 National Football League draft, was forced into the starting role after a pair of signal callers for the Niners, Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, were lost for the season to injuries. Tagged with the title Mr. Irrelevant, for being the last player selected in the draft, Purdy has upset the draft projections just like a sixth round choice did in 2000, Tom Brady.
Purdy led the 49ers to the playoffs last season after taking the reins of the team in December. He completed the Niners drive to the playoffs and scored a pair of postseason victories before being injured in the first quarter of last year’s NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia. That is the only postseason game Purdy has lost, twice winning this season with a pair of comebacks against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
Okay, we’ve got a couple outstanding quarterbacks to battle in Super Bowl LVIII, but one would have to give the edge to Mahomes. Wouldn't they?
Seems logical, given his experience and postseason record.