Super Bowl LVIII sees the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs, with the 49ers looking to avenge their 2020 loss to the same opposition. but Sunday’s game is also a head-to-head battle between two quarterbacks who have taken very different routes to this point.
The Chiefs are led by two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the finest quarterbacks of his generation. Mahomes has already won two rings with the Chiefs - beating the 49ers in 2020 and the Philadelphia Eagles last year - and is looking to pick up a third on Sunday.
He will have to overcome a 49ers team who rely on Brock Purdy, 2022′s ‘Mr Irrelevent’, as quarterback. Purdy was the final pick of his draft cohort but has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last two years and broke the franchise’s single-season passing yards record this season.
One is a proven champ, the other a young challenger; we take a look at how the two quarterbacks stack up ahead of Super Bowl LVIII...
Patrick Mahomes
The two-time Super Bowl MVP is looking to make history on Sunday and comes into the game after a remarkable performance in the AFC Championship game. He led his team a comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens and has the elite mentality and game awareness that is so often the difference at crucial moments.
Mahomes has proven that he can be a game-winning presence for the Chiefs, just like the critical third-and-15 play that was a turning point against the Ravens. But another of Mahome’s strengths, similar to Tom Brady’s, is his playmaking abilities in the red zone with both his arms and legs.
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 11, 2024"You turn into that villain. You turn into that team that everybody doesn't want to win. You have to embrace that in order to be great."
Patrick Mahomes tells @nateburleson that he is ready to cement a dynasty for the Kansas City Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/39W6VKkSWr
The Chiefs’ defense also played a significant role in the win by making crucial stops against the opposing offense. Mahomes has been on top form during the post-season and boasts a passer rating of 100.7, with 718 yards and four touchdowns across three games.
Brock Purdy
Mahomes’ stellar NFL record is a stark contrast to that of Brock Purdy, the second-year quarterback from Iowa State. Despite being selected as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has established himself in this slick 49ers offense. He lacks the experience of Mahomes but he is a talented all-rounder, a player able to maximize his abilities in pursuit of team success.
Sometimes Purdy’s abilities are downplayed and many are quick to criticise a player whose progression has exceeded all expectations. However he has shown the ability to make positive plays with phenomenal decision-making and mental agility throughout the season. These qualities, it is fair to say, are not typically associated with a third-string quarterback.
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) February 10, 2024
Purdy could be the game-changer in the upcoming Super Bowl due to his intelligent decision-making and potential to make a difference with plays involving his footwork.
Patrick Mahomes vs Brock Purdy: The stats
Both players have enjoyed excellent seasons and have improved their respective standings in the game. For Mahomes, anther Super Bowl title would place him the rarefied air of three-time quarterbacks. This season has highlighted Purdy’s underlying talent and the young QB could make history by guiding his team to the championship.
Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, our friends at Sofascore take a look at the number behind the two quarterbacks going head-to-head at Allegiant Stadium...
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Across the regular season Purdy recorded more touchdowns and threw more passing yards, highlighting his playmaking talents. However his detractors point out that he has the advantage of working with one of the top offensive units in NFL, making life easier for the 49ers QB.
Mahomes’s skills are evident and he is extremely capable of performing at his very best in the crucial moments. Still only 28 he has a wealth of elite experience and is still at the top of his game.
So who will come out on top? The biggest Sportsbooks issued their odds for the Most Valuable Player award for the 2024 Super Bowl and the two quarterbacks top the list. The bookmakers put Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the favorite at +125; the 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy is at +220.
