In the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Brock Purdy may not have taken the field, but he etched his name in franchise history as the regular season concluded. Despite the meaningless nature of the finale, Purdy’s absence allowed him to finish the season with a remarkable passer rating of 113.0.
This achievement sets a new franchise record for the 49ers, surpassing the previous mark of 112.8 set by legendary quarterback Steve Young during the 1994 season—the same campaign in which the Niners clinched the Super Bowl.
Although the ultimate goal for the 49ers this season is still three wins away, securing the Super Bowl title, Purdy’s decision to rest in the Week 18 game against the Rams becomes strategic. Recently recovering from a stinger, Purdy’s absence not only contributes to the team’s efforts to achieve the ultimate goal but also allows him a well-deserved break.
With the luxury of a first-round bye, Purdy essentially enjoys a two-week respite, breaking a franchise record while gaining crucial recovery time. Despite the Week 18 defeat, the final week of the regular season provides Purdy with another reason to celebrate, adding a personal milestone to the team’s broader aspirations.