Full-strength offense explodes, showcasing dominant Purdy, McCaffrey, and Kittle. Niners dominate, extending their bizarre odd-week winning streak.
For the first time since Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers trotted out their full offensive arsenal: Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle all sharing the field again. And with the “band back together,” San Francisco looked every bit like the contender they are expected to be, potentially even better.
To make Week 11 even sweeter for the Niners faithful, the team kept its bizarre season trend alive. They have won every odd numbered week, and have lost every even.
Early Fireworks and Pure Chaos
49ers fans traveled deep into the desert, as they always do, and were rewarded instantly. On the opening kickoff, Skyy Moore returned a 98-yard kick off to the Arizona two yard line. One play later, Christian McCaffrey punched in a touchdown just 16 seconds into the game.
Purdy and Pearsall, both back in their home state of Arizona, settled into a rhythm quickly. After missing time due to injury, this was Purdy’s return to full command of the offense. On the first real drive of the game, he reminded everyone why he’s QB1.
Two drives. Two touchdowns. San Francisco looked unstoppable early.
Arizona, meanwhile, entered this game far more competitive than their record suggests, five of their previous losses came by 13 points or fewer. But penalties doomed them from the opening whistle. Eleven flags for 82 yards in the first half alone, ultimately ballooning to 16 by the end of the game which tied for the most in franchise history.
A Tight End Masterclass
The game also featured a fun subplot between George Kittle and Trey McBride. McBride has long looked up to Kittle, frequently praising how willing Kittle is to share knowledge with him.
Mid-third quarter, after Deommodore Lenoir jumped a route for an interception inside the Arizona 15, Purdy found Kittle for his 50th career touchdown, a huge milestone joined by elite NFL company.
Mistakes, Misses, and Momentum Swings
The 49ers kicking game was a mess. Eddy Piñeiro had an extra point blocked and missed another, later injuring his hamstring. A 62-yard field goal attempt before halftime was blocked, but a defensive penalty gave him a second chance — this time hitting from 47. Even with a blowout win, San Francisco left points on the field.
Renardo Green’s unsportsmanlike penalty gifted the Cardinals a drive saving field goal in the second quarter, but Mustapha’s interception before halftime swung momentum firmly back to the 49ers.
By halftime, it was 25–10 San Francisco.
And despite Michael Wilson stepping up admirably as WR1 with Martin Harrison Jr. out, the Cardinals’ offense couldn’t overcome turnovers or field position disasters. In the third quarter, they had a touchdown wiped off by yet another penalty. Soon after, they fumbled on the goal line, with Upton Stout ripping the ball loose before they could punch it in.
The 49ers came into the day at -8 in turnover margin, today they finished +3.
Closing It Out
San Francisco entered the fourth quarter up 35–10, and even as Arizona rallied late, including Jacoby Brissett throwing for over 400 yards and setting an NFL record with 47 completions, it wasn’t enough.
McCaffrey added his second rushing touchdown with 4:44 remaining to push the lead to 41–16. With Piñeiro injured, the Niners went for two and failed. Arizona responded with a late touchdown but also missed another two point conversion, making it 41–22.
After the Cardinals’ onside kick attempt was recovered, San Francisco gave Mac Jones the final snaps under center.
Final: 49ers 41, Cardinals 22
The “odd-week magic” continues. The full offense is back. And with Purdy healthy, CMC in rhythm, and Kittle hitting milestones, San Francisco looks as dangerous as ever heading into the season’s final stretch.
If the 49ers can get this kind of performance weekly, not just on odd numbers, the NFC should consider itself warned.