The San Francisco 49ers looked like they were cruising to victory after a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half, but things were much closer than expected in their 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
The 49ers compiled 437 yards of offense, as Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns, but the Cardinals scored 24 second-half points as Jacoby Brissett dropped back 52 times in the comeback effort. This game had shades of San Francisco’s
41-22 victory over the Cardinals last season, but ended up being closer.
Nonetheless, San Francisco secured the victory, moving to 3-0 to start the season.
Here are three takeaways from the 49ers win over the Cardinals in Week 3.
Offense continues to roll
The 49ers offense has been on point to begin the season, and that continued on Sunday, as they scored on six of their nine offensive drives, which included five touchdowns. Brock Purdy had a ton of explosives in the air, averaging nearly 20 yards per completion, as several skill position players had big games.
George Kittle had six catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns, while Deebo Samuel had an 80-yard hook-and-ladder touchdown on the team’s first drive. Mike Evans was balling early before his rib injury. Christian McCaffrey added another two scores, while totaling over 100 yards, and Jordan Watkins had a nice first impression with two catches for 60 yards.
San Francisco averaged over 6.0 yards per carry as well. They dominated early downs and were 5 of 8 on third down, continuing their strong success there.
Through three games, Brock Purdy looks like a true MVP candidate, and it looks like injuries are really the only thing that can slow this offense down right now.
Time of possession
The main reason this game was closer than expected? The Cardinals held the ball for over 38 minutes in this game with a very similar outlook to last year’s contest. They averaged only 4.5 yards per play with only 5.0 yards per pass attempt, but they converted 9 of 18 third downs and both of their fourth downs to extend a ton of drives.
Arizona had five drives of eight plus plays, including 12, 14, 14 and 14-play drives. The defense started to struggle a bit in the second half, as the Cardinals scored on four of their offensive drives, getting within two at one point in the fourth quarter.
The 49ers offense and their strong start was able to put the game at reach, but Arizona gave the defense a run for its money. Jeremiyah Love ran for 90 yards as well on 4.3 yards per carry, which was a potential problem I highlighted earlier in the week.
But, the biggest overall takeaway from the game was…
Injuries continue to loom
The 49ers got another large dose of key injuries from this game.
There was the early scare when Mike Evans had to be carted off the field. It ended up being a rib/oblique injury and the 49ers will figure out the severity soon. Trent Williams was also carted off with what was diagnosed as a stinger. Dre Greenlaw left with a quad injury. Gracen Halton had cramps and did not return.
Some of the injuries may not be serious, but the 49ers entered the year as one of the NFL’s oldest teams. The injuries, and the long-term ones, are continuing to pile up, and that feels like the main thing that could hold San Francisco back after the start to their season.
Evans has been a booming success, but he dealt with injuries last year. He’d be a key loss if he were to miss time. Trent Williams is as vital to the offense as anyone. But the injuries are piling up on the defensive line. The depth is starting to shrink overall.
San Francisco has a big test with the Denver Broncos next weekend, and we’ll see if they get good news this week.
