49ers Edge Cardinals 36-30 Behind Purdy’s Four TDs

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30 on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, with Brock Purdy throwing four touchdown passes to keep San Francisco unbeaten through three weeks.

San Francisco built its advantage early, scoring the only touchdown of the first quarter before taking a 17-6 lead into halftime. Arizona stayed within reach with two second-quarter scoring drives, then narrowed the gap further by winning the third quarter 7-6. The Cardinals put together their most productive stretch in the fourth, scoring 17 points, but the 49ers answered with 13 of their own and protected the six-point final margin.

The result moved the 49ers to 3-0 overall and 2-0 at home, an important early statement in a season where every conference win can matter in the NFC playoff race. Arizona fell to 1-2, including 1-1 on the road, after showing enough fourth-quarter offense to make the finish competitive.

Purdy Powers San Francisco’s Passing Attack

Purdy delivered the defining performance for the 49ers, finishing 15/27 for 297 yards and four touchdowns. While Arizona made the game tight late, Purdy’s scoring efficiency gave San Francisco the production it needed to withstand the Cardinals’ push. His four touchdown throws accounted for the central difference in a game that featured 66 combined points.

Arizona leaned on a productive pair of skill players in its effort to rally. Running back Jeremiyah Love led all rushers with 21 carries for 90 yards, providing a steady workload as the Cardinals tried to balance their offense. Wide receiver Michael Wilson was Arizona’s top receiving threat, catching 11 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Wilson’s 11 receptions were especially valuable as Arizona worked to erase a halftime deficit and generate its 17-point fourth quarter.

The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows how little room either team had down the stretch. The 49ers entered the fourth quarter ahead 23-13, but Arizona’s 17 points ensured that San Francisco had to continue producing rather than simply manage the clock. Purdy and the 49ers offense did enough to close regulation without needing overtime.

Key Performers

• Brock Purdy, 49ers: 15/27, 297 YDS, 4 TD. Purdy supplied four touchdown passes in San Francisco’s third straight win.
• Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals: 21 CAR, 90 YDS. Love led the game in rushing yards and gave Arizona a dependable ground-game presence.
• Michael Wilson, Cardinals: 11 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD. Wilson paced all receivers in catches and found the end zone during Arizona’s competitive finish.

NerdSports Stat: San Francisco scored in every quarter and produced 36 points despite Arizona posting its highest single-quarter total, 17 points, in the fourth.

The 49ers will look to carry their 3-0 start into next Sunday’s home matchup with the Denver Broncos, while the Cardinals will aim to get back to .500 when they visit the New York Giants. With the season still young, San Francisco has created early momentum, and Arizona has shown it has the offensive pieces to remain competitive in the weeks ahead.

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