Brock Purdy enters Seahawks test with growing trust and rising stakes

Brock Purdy’s latest postseason outing added another layer to a resume that continues to defy early skepticism.

Even with two interceptions on the stat sheet, the San Francisco quarterback delivered a poised wild-card performance that helped the 49ers stun the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-19. Much of that success came in the middle of the field, where Purdy repeatedly found space against tight coverage.

Against Philadelphia, Purdy completed 13 of 18 throws between the numbers, producing 197 yards, two touchdown passes, and one interception on those attempts. His most memorable moment came in the second quarter, immediately after George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury.

On the next snap, Purdy dropped a perfectly weighted pass to Jauan Jennings for a 45-yard gain, lifting the ball over linebacker Zack Baun and threading it between coverage before the safety could close.

The throw drew instant praise from Tom Brady on the Fox broadcast and set up a field goal that ultimately mattered in a game decided by four points.

That ability to vary touch and trajectory has long defined Purdy’s game and earned strong backing from head coach Kyle Shanahan, who placed him at the top of that specific skill set while recalling his experience with Matt Ryan.

That trust now carries real consequences. San Francisco heads into the divisional round facing a Seattle Seahawks defense that recently squeezed Purdy’s margins, limiting him to 53 yards on 10 of 11 completions over the middle in Week 18.

Seattle’s blueprint puts Purdy’s strengths under pressure

The upcoming matchup shapes up as a direct challenge to what Purdy does best. Seattle’s defensive approach is unlikely to change after its 13-3 win at Levi’s Stadium, when tight throwing lanes forced quicker decisions and muted explosive gains.

The Seahawks know that crowding in-breaking routes disrupts the rhythm of San Francisco’s passing game and tilts the balance in their favor.

There are reasons for optimism on the 49ers’ side. Left tackle Trent Williams is back after missing the Week 18 meeting, offering improved protection against a deep Seattle front. The potential return of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall could also stretch coverage and create room underneath, an area Purdy thrives in when given time.

Still, recent history suggests the margin is thin. Purdy was efficient between the numbers against Seattle late in the regular season, but the lack of yardage highlighted how quickly the Seahawks close space.

That same tension defines this divisional round. San Francisco’s offense can survive mistakes, as it did against Philadelphia, but repeating that formula on the road is risky.

Outside voices have also begun to shift. Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy reversed his pregame criticism after watching Purdy steady the offense despite turnovers, noting his consistency and ability to function without elite receiving options.

The praise underscores a larger point. As trust in Purdy grows, so do expectations. Against Seattle, his signature throws may again decide how far the 49ers advance.