SANTA CLARA — Everyone knows Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. This is common knowledge.

But some stats indicate that Brock Purdy has been better than Mahomes this season. Purdy, for example, is the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Does Purdy think he’s better than Mahomes or does Purdy see him the way most people do: a lot better than the rest of the quarterbacks in the league? I asked him recently.

“I know you’re focused on the Chiefs defense, but when you look at Mahomes, do you see him as an all-time great player, someone you’re trying to reach?” I asked. “Or do you consider him an equal and an equal?”

“I think he is who he is, I am who I am,” Purdy said. “I think all the quarterbacks in the NFL would say the same thing. And obviously it’s a lot of fun to watch because of what he’s done and the Super Bowls he’s won and what he’s done in the NFL with his game and his style of play. But am I comparing myself to him or something like that? No, I’m not comparing myself to other quarterbacks in the NFL. I am who I am and I’m trying to win for the 49ers and play my style of ball. But obviously I tip my hat to him and he’s done a great job. He is certainly on his way to becoming one of the greats in the NFL at quarterback, and that is no secret. Anytime you get a chance to compete against a guy like that on the other sideline, it’s always fun.”

It sounds like Purdy thinks he’s just as talented as Mahomes. As a competitor, Purdy is supposed to feel that way and believe in himself, so I applaud his confidence. He also acknowledged that Mahomes is “on track to be one of the greats in the NFL” because of his three Super Bowl rings, so I applaud Purdy for paying tribute to Mahomes.

Hopefully we’ll see these two face off for years to come.

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