Why 49ers GM John Lynch was confident about Brock Purdy's return

All eyes were on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. It marked just his third game of the season—and his first since aggravating a turf toe injury in Week 4.

Adding to the perceived drama was the fact that Purdy's replacement, Mac Jones, had been playing well. Some wondered whether a quarterback controversy could be brewing in the Bay Area if Purdy struggled in his return.

Instead, Purdy delivered a strong performance, completing 73.1 percent of his passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, helping power the 49ers to a decisive 41–22 victory.

General manager John Lynch was never concerned about Purdy's ability to bounce back. His confidence stems from the faith the organization has long had in the fourth-year quarterback—reinforced by the major contract extension the 49ers awarded him this offseason.

"I've got a lot of confidence in Brock. I think we all do," Lynch said Friday on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "And he just handles himself so well. And from the very first time he set foot on our practice field, he's done that. So, he kind of puts confidence into our team, and so, excited for him. I wouldn't say nervous."

Any early-game worries were eased quickly when wide receiver Skyy Moore took the opening kickoff 98 yards to the 1-yard line, setting up a touchdown on the first offensive snap.

"That was pretty awesome," Lynch said. "It got us off to a really good start. I felt like our guys came ready, [not just] Brock, but the entire team. I felt like we came ready to play, and I was proud of our effort."

Lynch added that Purdy looked like himself again, noting that the quarterback appeared fully healthy. The game plan didn't require Purdy to lean heavily on his mobility, but Lynch still saw the comfort and rhythm that define Purdy's typical style.

"I know he felt healthy. I thought he looked healthy," Lynch said. "It was a really good game. There's always going to be kind of an acclimation period to get yourself back going when you've taken an extended layoff, albeit from injury or first game of his season.

"I think there was some of that, but for the most part, great game to go kind of get his legs underneath him, get his confidence back, and get his rhythm, really. And I felt like he was able to accomplish all of that."