49ers mailbag: Purdy’s NFL-leading passing stat, chances at No. 1 seed, Wilks’ big sideline move
The 49ers have key games over the next month that could help them solidify the NFC West lead and chase the No. 1 seed
SANTA CLARA — Fans celebrating the 49ers’ first win in a month sent questions via social media for us to answer in this week’s edition of the 49ers mailbag:
Purdy is the best downfield-throwing 49ers QB since ____? (@j.mata530)
Two things strike me: Brock Purdy’s unabashed aggressiveness, and his NFL-best 9.3 yards-per-attempt average. On the latter note, that would be the best single-season mark ever by a 49ers quarterback. Joe Montana’s 9.1-yard average in 1989 ranks first among passers with at least four starts and 100 passes. The 49ers’ leading career averages: Jimmy Garoppolo (8.3), Steve Young (8.2), Nick Mullens (7.9), Montana (7.6), Y.A. Tittle (7.3). Purdy is averaging 8.8 yards per attempt through 18 career regular-season games.
“I’m aggressive with what I do and how I throw the ball,” Purdy said after Sunday’s 34-3 win in Jacksonville. “I still have to learn times and situations in games I have to be smart with the ball. They do a good job of not just handcuffing me. They let me play quarterback in an aggressive way and get the ball to the guys when they’re open.”
