SAN FRANCISCO, CA (SNN-TV) – “Mr. Irrelevant” certainly became more than relevant on Sunday, as Brock Purdy outshined Tom Brady in his first start as 49ers beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35 to 7.
Purdy threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score in his first career start spoiling Tom Brady’s Bay Area homecoming on Sunday.
Purdy outplaying the NFL’s most accomplished quarterback ever was partially overshadowed by another key injury for the 49ers. A week after losing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a broken left foot that opened the door for Purdy to start, the Niners lost star receiver Deebo Samuel to an ankle injury. That was about the only thing that didn’t go right for the 49ers, who thoroughly dominated Brady and the Bucs.
Tom Brady spoke post-game about the Niners shellacking of the Bucs in all phases.
“You know look, its the NFL, its a really tough game, you play a really tough team on the road, they’re physical, they’re tough…they kicked our a**. It’s the reality of this sport. Every time you take the field you have the opportunity to get you a** kicked or to kick a**. Obviously, we’re on the wrong end of it today. But, you got to put the work in and you got to dig deep, and keep fighting.”
Despite the lackluster performance, the Bucs still have a one-game lead over Atlanta and Carolina in the NFC South and are in line for a home playoff game. Tampa’s next test will come this Sunday at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
