San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy now leads the NFL's career passer rating rankings. The rating measures passing efficiency, or how effectively a quarterback uses his throws. Purdy qualified when he reached 1,500 pass attempts during a 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders. His career rating of 105.6 puts him ahead of Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers. It is a major achievement for a player selected last in the 2022 NFL draft.
Quick thinking and accurate passing are central to Purdy's success. In coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, he must understand how defenders react and recognize passing opportunities before they fully develop. His ability to release the ball quickly helps him avoid pressure. He also uses his movement to escape opponents. This season, he has taken just five sacks, meaning defenders have brought him down behind the starting line before he could pass. He leads the league with 14 touchdown passes.
Purdy also benefits from talented teammates and Shanahan's system. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle can turn short catches into longer gains by running with the ball. Trent Williams provides reliable protection. Their contributions help explain Purdy's results, alongside his own skill at deciding where and when to throw.
