The San Francisco 49ers moved into the top seed in the NFC during their bye week after the Minnesota Vikings lost. Moving up one spot without playing a game is impressive, but it’s not as impressive as the Brock Purdy-Mike Evans pairing in 2026. Evans left the game against Washington after a huge first half while dealing with Achilles tendonitis and missed the game in Atlanta, which was the team’s first loss.
From the very beginning, the duo looked like they had played together for years. The trust
and ball placement from Purdy were on full display, and a motivated Evans is out to prove he is still operating at a high level.
Just how good has the pair been?
As far as QB/WR duos, the two 49ers rank fourth in the league with a passer rating of 148.5. The two rank fourth in EPA/play, also at +1.06. Purdy to Evans ranks fifth in yards/target at 13.2. Of Evans 27 receptions, 25 have gone for a first down or touchdown.
According to Pro Football Focus, Purdy has a big-time throw rate of 18,4% when targeting Evans, and that is the second-highest mark in the NFL. Purdy hasn’t been intercepted on any attempt to Evans.
Early Down Rate
Early downs: 20 targets, 53% target share, 150.0 passer rating, 14.7 yards/target, and +1.09 EPA
Later downs: 18 targets, 47% target share, 142.4 passer rating, 11.4 yards/target, and +1.03 EPA
Pressure
Under pressure: 12 targets, 32% target share, 102.1 passer rating, 10.7 yards/target, and +0.64 EPA
Clean pocket: 26 targets, 68% target share, 154.6 passer rating, 14.3 yards/target, and +1.25 EPA
Blitz
VS blitz: 8 targets, 21% target share, 158.3 passer rating, 19.1 yards/target, and +1.93 EPA
No blitz: 30 targets, 79% target share, 128.1 passer rating, 11.6 yards/target, and +0.83 EPA
Play Action
Play Action: 5 targets, 13% target share, 118.8 passer rating, 15.2 yards/target, and +1.18 EPA
No play action: 33 targets, 87% target share, 151.8 passer rating, 12.8 yards/target, and +1.04 EPA
These numbers confirm what your eyes are telling you. Evans is the biggest piece of the 49ers’ offense. Suffice it to say, the 49ers need Evans the rest of the way and down the stretch to compete for a Lombardi. The pairing has been perfect and a blast to watch. Let’s make sure that continues.
