In this history of the NFL, no rookie seventh-round draft pick has ever started at quarterback in a playoff game. This weekend, that will change as Brock Purdy and Skylar Thompson look to lead their teams to wins during Wild Card weekend.
Brock Purdy, 49ers Look For Third Straight Wins Against Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Brock Purdy 262nd overall, earning him the title of Mr. Irrelevant. After injuries suffered by Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy was thrown into the starting role and the 49ers’ offense never skipped a beat. Purdy is 5-0 as a starter, throwing for 1,308 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.
San Francisco is the No. 2 seed in the NFC and will face the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers are nine-point favorites heading into the game. Purdy and Co. look to go 3-0 against the Seahawks this season. Mr. Irrelevant is keeping his team more than relevant and hopes to continue his success into the postseason.
Skylar Thompson, Dolphins Face Tough Task In Playoffs
Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson was drafted 247th overall. He was taken slightly before Brock Purdy, and their paths to the starting role are eerily similar.
Listed third on the depth chart to start the season, Thompson made his first career start in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings after Tua Tagovialoa and Teddy Bridgewater suffered concussions earlier in the season.
Thompson was able to help Miami punch their ticket to the playoffs after a low scoring 11-6 win against the Jets in Week 18. This season, Thompson has thrown for 534 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Miami will be faced with a brutal task this week as they take on the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins are the biggest underdog (-13.5) in the Wild Card round according to oddsmakers. This will be the third meeting this season between the two division rivals. Miami won 21-19 in Week 3 and lost 29-32 in Week 15, however, Tagovialoa was the starting quarterback in both of those games.
Although Brock Purdy and Skylar Thompson have had unlikely journeys to the starting role, they hope to make the most of their opportunities during Wild Card weekend.
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