49ers-Cardinals Week 3 Recap: Purdy Four TDs, Trick-Play Opener

San Francisco opened the game with a trick play from its own territory: Brock Purdy threw a short pass to Mike Evans, who lateraled it to Deebo Samuel, who turned it into an 82-yard touchdown. The 49ers needed every bit of the cushion. They beat Arizona 36–30.

Purdy’s four scores — and a late onside scare

Purdy threw four touchdown passes and finished with 297 yards, and his 10 total touchdowns through three games are tied for the most in franchise history over that span. He connected with George Kittle twice, including the eventual game-winner with 1:31 left, and hit Evans for a third score. Christian McCaffrey ran for 75 yards and a touchdown of his own. San Francisco led 23–6 at halftime and needed a Samuel recovery of an Arizona onside kick to finally close it out.

Brissett and Arizona rally late

Arizona didn't fold. Jacoby Brissett threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, both after San Francisco had built its big lead, connecting with Michael Wilson and rookie Jeremiyah Love. Wilson caught 11 of 17 targets for 89 yards, and Trey McBride added 9 catches of his own. Love scored on the ground earlier in the game too, giving him a touchdown both rushing and receiving.

Lineup calls for Week 4

Kittle's two-score day and Evans' role in the trick play show Purdy is spreading touchdowns to everyone healthy around him — start any of San Francisco's skill players with confidence right now. Wilson's 17 targets are the number to remember the next time Arizona trails big; he's the check-down valve regardless of score.

Half-PPR lines and full counting stats are on the ARI at SF box score, and the start/sit board carries Week 4 projections.