How 49ers’ Purdy tied HOF QB Warner in NFL record book against Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

49ers star forward Brock Purdy wrote his name into the NFL record books, as did a player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, when San Francisco lost 27-24 to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Purdy finished the Week 3 loss with a 134.0 passer rating, tying the second-highest number of regular season games (16) by a quarterback in their first 25 starts in league history.

Only San Francisco rival Patrick Mahomes has had more, with 18 early in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Purdy entered the season tied for third in NFL history, along with other standout quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Dak Prescott and Tony Romo. Now, Purdy can claim the No. 2 spot all to himself in Week 4 against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in what will mark the 24-year-old’s 25th regular-season start.

Purdy completed 21 of 29 passes, with six of the eight incompletions being drops, for 258 yards and three touchdown passes against the Rams, with three scores and 175 yards going solely to wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

The 49ers faced most of Purdy’s favorite opponents: wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey. Still, the third-year pro felt confident and comfortable against Los Angeles’ secondary despite the loss.

Purdy has played for 21 teams in his regular-season career, but has never faced the Patriots. His matchup with New England first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and first-year defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington will be a first for anyone.

Purdy, the No. 262 overall pick and the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has come a long way quickly. He has an 18-6 career regular-season record, was a 2023 NFL MVP finalist and led the 49ers to a narrow Super Bowl LVI loss to the Chiefs.

The Iowa State product has a chance to add to his legacy in Week 4. Hopefully for Purdy, Kittle is available as San Francisco tries to bounce back from two tough losses.