Week 16 features a potential Super Bowl LVIII matchup as the San Francisco 49ers host the Baltimore Ravens.
The 49ers and Ravens lead the NFC and AFC, respectively, and look in line to secure a first-round bye during the 2023 NFL season.
San Francisco has been on a tear since their bye week as they’ve won six games in a row and could solidify their case as the Super Bowl favorites with a win over a Baltimore team that can match them on talent.
The 49ers have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side of the ball as they’ve got explosive weapons in Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle.
Conducting it all has been Brock Purdy who is a legitimate MVP candidate that is playing some of the best football at the quarterback position.
Michael Irvin discussed the keys to the game for the Ravens and his biggest point was for their defense to get pressure on Purdy via NFL GameDay.
“You gotta get to Brock Purdy,” Irvin said.
How can the Ravens D stop the 49ers offensive weapons?
“You gotta get to Brock Purdy” – @michaelirvin88 pic.twitter.com/QTWxn4AS4H
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) December 24, 2023
Getting to the quarterback is always the main focus for opposing defenses, but this is especially crucial when trying to defend San Francisco.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan does an excellent job protecting his quarterbacks with the run game, though, so trying to pressure Purdy is much easier said than done.
However, Baltimore does have the personnel up front to wreak havoc and John Harbaugh will surely have tricks up his sleeve to make things as difficult as possible for Purdy.
Fans are in for a treat on Christmas Day when these two heavyweights meet.
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