49ers studs and duds: Brock Purdy erupts for four touchdowns

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a 3 yard touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Stud: Christian McCaffrey, RB

When the 49ers were still struggling to get their season on track, they made a huge move for Christian McCaffrey. The former Carolina running back was everything they hoped he could be as he had 746 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and 52 receptions for 464 yards and four more touchdowns through the air in 11 games.

He continued to shine in the first round of the playoffs as he had big plays on the ground and through the air once again. McCaffrey scored the first touchdown for the Niners on a three-yard reception.

McCaffrey also set up another score when he ran the ball inside the one-yard line after four straight runs. That drive ended with a Brock Purdy touchdown on a quarterback sneak but McCaffrey was the one to set the score up as they went back on top 23-17.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1614380020176408576?s=20&t=_qwwshe8sSAiFosWvFbHpg

McCaffrey finished with 119 yards on the ground and 17 through the air with the receiving touchdown as well.

Dud: Jimmie Ward, S

With a 16-14 lead, the 49ers were aiming to go into the half with the advantage and that should have happened as Seattle had the ball at their own 38 with just nine seconds to go. Geno Smith was unable to find anyone downfield, so he took off for a nine-yard run. That should have led to a Hail Mary with one second to go but that wasn’t the case thanks to Jimmie Ward.

As Smith slid to end the play, Ward delivered a hit on the quarterback which got him flagged for unnecessary roughness. The extra 15 yards allowed Jason Myers to drill a 56-yard field goal to take a 17-16 lead heading into the half.