MINNEAPOLIS — After the 49ers’ 22-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football” at U.S. Bank Stadium, quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner engaged in a quiet conversation in the locker room.
Warner, fresh out of the shower and still wearing only towels, sat in his locker, head in hand, pouring over stat sheets and seemingly looking at the evidence of what had gone wrong.
Having just spoken to the media on the podium, Purdy slowly walked back into the locker room to grab his bag but then paused and lined up next to the linebacker. The two spoke for about 30 seconds, without cameras or media members within earshot.
Purdy began the conversation with disappointment evident on his face after throwing two interceptions in the team’s loss. Then it was Warner’s turn. The All-Pro linebacker’s voice never got loud enough to be heard, but Warner turned to face the quarterback and spoke while looking him directly in the eye with a message that sounded emotional and meaningful.
“He’s obviously hard on himself and blaming himself for it,” Warner told NBC Sports Bay Area regarding the conversation. “I’ll tell him that, of course not. It’s not just about him. I have full confidence in Brock and what he brings to this football team.”
Warner is correct. There were critical errors in all three phases of the game, including defence. However, Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area that he was grateful for the supportive words for the veteran after the performance that he felt he needed to own up to.
“He just told me we all need to play better on both sides of the ball,” Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area. “We’ll get better. You’ll be fine.”
The 49ers have a short week before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, but one thing that will help the team overcome its two-game losing streak is the support the players give each other through adversity.
Instead of pointing fingers, the 49ers are taking full responsibility for mistakes throughout the locker room, as evidenced by Purdy and Warner supporting each other.
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