Purdy and McCaffrey Shine with Three Touchdowns Each
In a thrilling matchup on November 16, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers decisively defeated the Arizona Cardinals with a score of 41-22 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game featured standout performances from both Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, both of whom recorded three touchdowns each.
Purdy and McCaffrey Lead the 49ers to Victory
Returning from a six-game injury hiatus, quarterback Brock Purdy displayed impressive skills, completing 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and managed one sack. Purdy expressed confidence in his return, stating, “I felt great… I just went and played quarterback how I’ve always played.” His performance demonstrated vintage play and bolstered the 49ers to a 7-4 record.
Christian McCaffrey enhanced his reputation with an outstanding game, scoring three touchdowns: a 1-yard rush, a 9-yard reception, and a 4-yard rush. McCaffrey noted the difficulty of returning mid-season, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining performance after an injury. He recorded 81 rushing yards on 13 carries and 40 receiving yards on five catches.
Fast Start for the 49ers
- The 49ers took an early lead with a stunning kickoff return from Skyy Moore, who ran 98 yards before being tackled at the 1-yard line.
- Purdy immediately capitalized on Moore’s effort, handing the ball to McCaffrey for the first touchdown just seconds into the game.
- By the end of the first quarter, Purdy had thrown a 30-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle, marking a dominant start with a score of 13-0.
The first half proved equally powerful for San Francisco, as they extended their lead to 25-10 by halftime. McCaffrey’s scoring drive included a critical third-and-15 conversion and a subsequent 20-yard run, leading to another touchdown.
Defensive Highlights
Aside from the offensive successes, the 49ers’ defense was notable as well. They forced turnovers, including interceptions by Malik Mustapha and Deommodore Lenoir. Mustapha’s interception marked the 49ers’ first game with two interceptions in over a year.
Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett set an NFL record for most completions in a game with 47 on 57 attempts, accumulating 452 yards. However, the Cardinals struggled without their key players, including quarterback Kyler Murray, which limited their offensive options significantly.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the 49ers are preparing for their first Monday night game of the season against the Carolina Panthers (6-5) at Levi’s Stadium. As they continue their campaign, the teamwork and resilience shown in the win over the Cardinals will be crucial in their upcoming matches.
With Purdy and McCaffrey shining in the spotlight, San Francisco is focused on capitalizing on momentum moving forward in the season.