Despite a rough start to the 2022-23 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers were able to gain momentum since Week 8, building their 13-4 game winning streak, which they lost in the National Football Conference Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles. Multiple factors have led to their impact this season, such as the trade with running back Christian McCaffrey and the success of backup quarterback Brock Purdy.
On Oct. 20, 2022, the Carolina Panthers traded McCaffrey to the 49ers; his performance with the 49ers has been exemplary — he is now the third in NFL history and first since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to have made a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game.
“That was a great trade,” senior Edwin Young said. “He’s made a really big impact on our team and we now have a lot of offensive weapons that other teams’ defenses can’t stop.”
Unfortunately, the team still had a slight hiccup. On Dec. 4, 2022, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot, calling in Purdy to take on the starting position.
Though seemingly a setback for many fans, Purdy’s starting fostered a greater success. He has thrown at least one touchdown in each succeeding game since his substitution and has been the only rookie in NFL history to do so, beating Tom Brady’s starting-season statistics.
Despite Purdy’s numbers being last in the draft and given the name “Mr. Irrelevant,” he has now risen to be one of the most relevant quarterbacks in NFL history. So far, having thrown two touchdowns per game, as of Week 14, he is No. 1 in passing rates, touchdowns, yards and wins.
“I don’t think anyone expected Purdy to be able to play this well,” math teacher Chris Baugh said. “I can’t name any other player who got drafted as the last pick to make the impact that he made.”
Many other players have also exhibited noteworthy performances on the field, such as defensive end Nick Bosa. Having the highest sack rate and pressures makes him a top contender for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
“Our defensive coordinator DeMaco Ryans has been coaching these defenders really well,” junior Jeffrey Gao said. “We have so many star players on our defensive end and Ryans has been doing a really good job taking advantage of that.”
On offense, there have been notable plays from wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, tight end George Kittle and running back Elijah Mitchell. On the defensive end, safeties Jimmy Ward and Talanoa Hufanga and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner have also been showcasing exceptional plays.
Despite their loss to the Eagles, which caused their season to fall slightly short, the 49ers played the best they could. With all quarterbacks getting injured and McCaffery, a running back, having to step in as quarterback, the team couldn’t keep up in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles.
Throughout the season, many fans were met with uncertain moments regarding injuries and new players, but the 49ers pulled through. With exceptional players and coaching staff, they continued breaking records and bringing themselves to where they stand today. Hopefully, that drive will carry them into another successful season.