With the Conference Championships just four days away, here is a quick glance at the Final Four quarterbacks:
San Francisco BROCK PURDY became the third rookie since 1970 (Joe Flacco & Mark Sanchez) to win two playoff games. Purdy can become the fifth rookie QB ever (Flacco, Shaun King, Ben Roethlisberger & Sanchez) to start a conference championship game. Purdy has completed 2+ touchdown passes in seven of his last eight games, tallying 16 TDs vs. just three interceptions. Of the final four quarterbacks, Purdy ranks No. 1 since Week 14 with a 116.0 passer rating, 14 TDs, and yards gained per attempt (9.0).
Philadelphia JALEN HURTS had three touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing) vs. 0 interceptions for a 112.2 rating in the NFC Divisional game vs. the New York Giants. Hurts became the third quarterback ever with 3,500+ yards passing (3,701), 20+ TD passes (22), and 10+ rushing TDs (13) in a single season - the second-most rushing TDs by a QB in a single season in NFL history. Hurts also became the first quarterback all-time with 10+ rushing TDs in consecutive seasons. He ranked fourth among QBs with 760 yards rushing. Hurts had 272 yards (190 passing, 82 rushing) and a rushing touchdown in the last regular season meeting.
Cincinnati JOE BURROW has three TDs vs. 0 interceptions with a 100.8 rating this postseason and is aiming for his fourth straight overall in the playoffs with 0 INTs. Burrow is 3-0 with nine TDs (8 passing, 1 rushing) vs. an interception and a 121 rating in three career starts vs. Kansas City, including the 2021 AFC Championship. Burrow can tie Russell Wilson (6 wins) for most playoff wins by a quarterback in his first three seasons during the Super Bowl era. Burrow ranked fifth in the NFL with 4,475 yards passing and tied for second with a career-high 35 TD passes this season.
Kansas City PATRICK MAHOMES has 32 touchdowns (28 passing, 4 rushing) vs. a mere three interceptions with a 116.7 rating in 10 career home playoff starts, with 2+ TD passes in each of his past five. Mahomes has a 90+ rating in each of his four career starts vs. Cincinnati, including the playoffs. Mahomes led the NFL with 5,250 yards passing and 41 TD passes this season, joining Drew Brees as the only players ever with two career seasons of 5,000+ yards passing and 40+ TD passes. Mahomes aims for his sixth in a row overall with 105+ rating.
