The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 with a 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, a game defined by Brock Purdy’s efficiency, timely scoring and contributions from a short-handed supporting cast.
Purdy’s clean line and PFF grades underline a strong outing
Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns, finishing the night with a 133.8 passer rating. Pro Football Focus assigned Purdy a 78.8 offensive grade — the fourth-highest among the 49ers’ offensive players and fifth-highest overall on the roster — and a 71.2 passing grade, numbers that reinforced his role as the engine of San Francisco’s offense in a tight game.
Purdy converted on big plays throughout the afternoon, including a trick-play score and a late 20-yard touchdown that closed out the win with 1:31 remaining. He also addressed the adversity inside Levi’s Stadium after injuries to teammates, saying, “It’s the NFL, it sucks when your teammates go down, but that’s part of the game.”
Supporting cast, injuries and a rugged front seven
Christian McCaffrey carried much of the rushing load, totaling 15 carries for a 5.0-yard average and a touchdown, helping the 49ers sustain drives while the passing game weathered early disruption. With Mike Evans sidelined by a rib injury late in the first half, Jordan Watkins stepped into a larger role, recording two catches for 60 yards and providing a needed vertical element.
Mike Evans left the field after taking a heavy hit to the ribs on the 49ers’ second offensive play; Ian Rapoport was reported to have identified the issue as a rib strain that can require several weeks to heal. Left tackle Trent Williams also exited in the second half with a stinger, testing San Francisco’s depth on both sides of the ball.
The 49ers’ defense steadied the game plan despite personnel shortages. Even with a defensive line missing multiple regulars, the unit brought pressure at key moments — registering two sacks of Jacoby Brissett — and held the Cardinals to 94 rushing yards on 27 carries (3.4 yards per attempt), limiting Arizona’s ability to control the clock late.
Special teams and chaotic moments shaped the finish: a 49ers lateral set up a Deebo Samuel score despite Samuel finishing the game with zero catches, and a late Cardinals field goal narrowed the margin before Purdy’s final touchdown sealed the result. The win left San Francisco unbeaten at 3-0 and highlighted the balance of quarterback play, a steady running game and a defense that can bend without breaking when depth is tested.
