Analyst explains why Lions have the QB edge in NFC title game

Heading into Sunday's NFC Championship Game, it's safe to say that the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions are pleased to have Brock Purdy and Jared Goff leading the way for their respective clubs. NFL analyst and former offensive lineman Ross Tucker recently revealed why he believes one has a decided edge over the other.

Appearing on "The Jim Rome Show," Tucker gave Goff the nod over Purdy, believing that the Lions' offensive philosophy suits him better. 

"So much of what they do is this first down play-action, and I can tell you as a former offensive lineman, it's amazing because, for the first second and a half, the d-lineman think it's a run," Tucker said. "So, by the time they figure out it's a pass, and they transition from stopping the run to trying to get some pressure, it's usually too late. Watch how many times Jared Goff it feels like he has five seconds, and it's because it's usually a play action pass."

Tucker praised the Lions' offense with Goff in charge, saying, "Based on the way he's playing," it's hard not to believe he'll perform better than Purdy on Sunday. 

After another standout regular season, Goff has been lights out in the playoffs. In wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has completed 74% of his passes while throwing for 564 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

Similarly, Purdy had an excellent season, earning his first Pro Bowl bid after throwing for 4,280 yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 16 starts. He was unremarkable in the 49ers' divisional-round win over the Green Bay Packers, though, finishing 23-of-39 for 252 yards and a touchdown. 

Despite the hiccup, Tucker doesn't think Purdy will play poorly on Sunday – just that Goff will perform better. 

"I think Purdy will play better than he did Saturday night against Green Bay for a couple of reasons," Tucker said. "Maybe it was rust. Maybe it was the weather. Whatever."