Mason follows Purdy’s lead, makes most of opportunity: ‘We’ve grown up’

SANTA CLARA - Two weeks before quarterback Brock Purdy permanently became the 49ers' starter, he entered for the final eight minutes of a blowout victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Purdy and running back Jordan Mason were paired together in the backfield during that Week 11 game in Mexico City. At the time, "Monday Night Football" broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman got a chuckle out of a broken play involving the rookies. Purdy turned to his left to hand off to Mason. However, Mason expected the handoff to the right side. The play blew up but Purdy managed to scramble up the middle for 5 yards. Back in the huddle, Purdy figured he needed to say something to get Mason to calm his nerves. "Relax," Purdy told Mason. "Just breathe." However, it was quickly pointed out to Purdy that the busted play was not Mason's fault. Purdy was the one responsible for the execution error. For as mature and calm as Purdy appeared from Day 1, Mason was the one who ran that particular play as it was drawn up. Understandably, Purdy took particular delight Monday night in seeing Mason take full advantage of his first NFL starting opportunity. Mason gained 147 yards and scored one touchdown on 28...