Brock Purdy's five TDs, McCaffrey's dominance, and clutch defensive stands defined a wild 49ers victory despite key injuries and costly penalties.
The San Francisco 49ers survived one of the wildest games of their season on Sunday night, outlasting the Chicago Bears 42–38 in a game that featured a little bit of everything. It had turnovers, injuries, momentum swings, and yet another elite performance from Brock Purdy. Here are five key takeaways from the 49ers’ dramatic win at Levi’s Stadium.
1. Brock Purdy Can Beat You Every Possible Way
If there was ever a game that encapsulated Brock Purdy’s evolution, this was it. Purdy finished the night with five total touchdowns (his second game in a row of doing so), becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass, rush for a touchdown, and throw an interception all in the same quarter.
He added two rushing scores and a stunning scramble that turned into a touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk. Even after opening the game with a pick-six, Purdy never flinched, a sign of both confidence and maturity from one of the league’s best young quarterbacks.
2. Christian McCaffrey is HIM
Christian McCaffrey once again proved why everything flows through him. He ripped off his longest run of the season (43 yards) and scored early in the second quarter, nearly reaching 100 rushing yards before halftime.
Whenever the 49ers needed stability, McCaffrey delivered. His vision and explosiveness kept Chicago’s aggressive defense honest and helped San Francisco survive long stretches without its All-Pro left tackle.
3. Injuries Tested the 49ers’ Depth — Again
The 49ers were without George Kittle due to an ankle injury and lost Trent Williams early, with the All-Pro left tackle officially ruled out at halftime. Cornerback Upton Stout also exited in the third quarter, forcing unplanned snaps for depth players late in a tight game.
Despite the setbacks, San Francisco’s depth showed up when it mattered most. Backup tight end Jake Tonges caught a touchdown, and defensive role players helped hold the line just long enough for the offense to close the game.
4. Penalties Nearly Cost San Francisco the Game
While the 49ers’ defense made timely stops, self-inflicted wounds kept Chicago alive. Defensive penalties repeatedly extended drives, including a costly holding call in the final two minutes that negated what would have been a game-sealing stop.
Against a Bears team that thrives on late-game comebacks, those mistakes nearly proved fatal. Cleaning up discipline remains a must as the postseason approaches.
5. The 49ers Know How to Finish
Chicago entered the night having mounted six fourth-quarter comebacks this season, and it looked like a seventh might be on the way after the Bears briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter.
Instead, Purdy delivered again, finding Jauan Jennings for the go-ahead touchdown before the two-minute warning. The defense then stood tall on the final play of the game, stopping Chicago on first-and-goal from the four-yard line to seal the win.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was clutch. The 49ers defense held on just long enough and the 49ers showed once again they can win games in more ways than one.