Super Bowl LVIII is just around the corner, and it promises to be a highly competitive and potentially unforgettable game. This year’s matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, where Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs managed to overcome a 10-point deficit in the final quarter to defeat the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 31-20.
Both teams have undergone some changes since their last Super Bowl encounter, particularly the 49ers, who now boast a stronger arsenal of weapons. One significant change for the 49ers is at the quarterback position, where Brock Purdy has stepped in for Jimmy Garoppolo. According to James Jones of FS1’s “Speak,” Purdy has the most to gain from winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Purdy’s story is well-known by now – he was the final player chosen in the 2022 draft and took over as the starting quarterback in Week 13 last season after Garoppolo’s injury. Since then, he has displayed remarkable skills and led the 49ers to two comeback victories in the playoffs, earning them a spot in the Super Bowl.
Jones believes that regardless of the outcome, Purdy’s performance in the Super Bowl will determine his future as a franchise quarterback. A strong showing would solidify his status, while a poor performance would leave him on par with Garoppolo, who is considered slightly above average. If Purdy delivers an exceptional performance and secures a victory this Sunday, he could potentially become one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NFL history, akin to Kurt Warner’s journey from being undrafted to winning both the regular season and Super Bowl MVP titles in the 1999 season.