PITTSBURGH – 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa has Brock Purdy’s back.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year may not play on the same side of the ball as his quarterback but has a lot of appreciation for what Purdy went through on his way back to the field.
“Purdy shut some haters up,” said Bosa on Sunday after the 49ers’ 30-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I think whenever a guy comes back from an injury, people don’t expect them to make another jump in the second year. I’m just happy for him. He’s exactly what we thought he would be.”
And what a comeback it was. Purdy completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns. The Iowa State product looked calm and his usual unflappable self while orchestrating nearly 400 yards of offense in the club’s Week 1 win.
Bosa understands what the quarterback is dealing with from an injury as the star pass rusher returns from his own ACL injury in 2021.
“You really have to prove people wrong and show that you’re the same player,” Bosa said. “I’m just happy that he’s on the mend. I think it was faster than anyone expected so he got reps throughout the offseason. He is a great leader for us. “
While Bosa didn’t get a sack in the club’s opening game, he certainly made an impact. The Ohio State product drew attention from the opposite side of the line, allowing defensive end Drake Jackson to put up three sacks on Steelers signal-caller Kenny Pickett.
Teammates Javon Hargrave and Kerry Hyder also recorded a quarterback sack each.
While 49ers fans will have to wait a week for the All-Pro to have another chance to record his first sack since signing a $170 million mega-extension, Bosa will stand behind his quarterback who happy to know that Purdy is back in action, as he had hoped. .
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast