Purdy tips 'great' competitor Mahomes ahead of rematch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA – Brock Purdy has spent most of the week figuring out what to expect from Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and the 49ers quarterback will obviously continue the learning curve as he stands on the sideline Sunday .

But don't be surprised if Purdy takes a break from studying and walks over to watch his fellow QB at work.

Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is a six-time Pro Bowl player and winner of three Super Bowls. The 29-year-old is widely considered one of the best in the game and will lead a Kansas City team to Levi's Stadium this weekend, 5-0, as the Chiefs continue their quest to become the first three-goal Super Bowl champions NFL history.

“He is who he is,” Purdy said Thursday. “I think every quarterback in the NFL would say the same thing. Obviously it’s fun to watch him, what he’s done and the Super Bowls he’s won, what he’s accomplished in the NFL with his game and his style of play.”

When it comes to the NFL, fans and media love to talk about quarterback duels as if the two players are actually going head to head. That's clearly not the case and never will be, but that won't stop the constant comparisons.

In terms of stats and accolades, Mahomes obviously holds all the cards, while Purdy is still somewhat early in his NFL resume.

Any comparison between the two would be unfair and essentially worthless.

“Am I comparing myself to him? No, I don’t compare myself to other quarterbacks in the NFL,” Purdy said. “I am who I am and I try to win for the 49ers and play my style of ball. Obviously I tip my hat to him. He did a great job.

“He’s definitely on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats in the NFL as a quarterback, and that’s no secret.”

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