In a stunning display of talent, the San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious against the Arizona Cardinals with a score of 35-16 on Sunday. Christian McCaffrey, the star of the game, scored a career-high four touchdowns, aiding the 49ers in their 14th consecutive regular season win. McCaffrey’s impressive performance included 177 yards gained from scrimmage and three rushing touchdowns, as well as one touchdown catch. This victory solidified the 49ers’ fifth 4-0 start in their franchise history.
Not only did McCaffrey shine on the field, but he also broke Jerry Rice’s franchise record for scoring a touchdown in his 13th straight game, including the playoffs. This outstanding feat further solidified McCaffrey’s status as a true asset to the 49ers. Additionally, quarterback Brock Purdy had a remarkable game, completing 20 of his 21 passes for 283 yards. His touchdown run and pass contributed to the 49ers’ victory, setting a franchise record for completion percentage in a single game.
The Cardinals, despite their recent upset against Dallas, struggled to contain McCaffrey’s dominance on the field. McCaffrey’s consistent performance throughout the season so far marked his fourth consecutive game with over 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. His exceptional abilities were showcased through a combination of rushing yards and receptions, accumulating a total of 177 yards from scrimmage.
McCaffrey’s contributions began early in the game, as he scored a 1-yard touchdown run in the opening drive. In the second drive, he amazed the crowd by taking a lateral and hurdling a defender for an impressive 18-yard run. Finally, in the third possession, McCaffrey secured a 6-yard touchdown pass. The superstar made his mark even in the fourth quarter with a 2-yard run, extending the 49ers’ lead to 28-16.
Although McCaffrey had a chance to tie the franchise record with a fifth touchdown, the team opted for a run to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, which yielded no yards. Purdy then took matters into his own hands, scoring on a sneak play. McCaffrey’s performance, however, remains unparalleled, as he surpassed Jerry Rice’s franchise record and continues to solidify his place among the best in NFL history.
The Cardinals managed to put together a scoring drive late in the first half, thanks in part to a successful fake punt. This strategic move, orchestrated by coach Jonathan Gannon, allowed the Cardinals to convert a crucial fourth down and eventually led to a touchdown pass from Joshua Dobbs to Michael Wilson. Despite this effort, the Cardinals were unable to fully quell the dominance of McCaffrey and the 49ers.
In terms of injuries, cornerback Kris Boyd of the Cardinals left the game in the second half due to a hip injury, while offensive lineman Jon Feliciano of the 49ers exited the game with a concussion.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will host Cincinnati in their upcoming game, while the 49ers will take on Dallas. The 49ers’ incredible start to the season, marked by four consecutive games with at least 30 points, showcases their determination and strength as they continue to chase victory.