In the first two weeks of the season, the 49ers dominated. In Week 3, they had to gut out a surprisingly tough win.
Despite the 49ers jumping out to a 14-0 lead, the Cardinals weren’t going to go down without a fight, and the game was close until the final moments, when the 49ers finally finished out a 36-30 win.
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy turned in another strong game, throwing for 297 yards with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. Purdy also ran for a 45-yard touchdown late in the game, although that touchdown was called back and turned into only a 35-yard gain because George Kittle was holding deep downfield.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett also deserves credit for his performance in a losing effort, throwing two touchdown passes and keeping the game close deep into the fourth quarter.
The injury-prone 49ers lost wide receiver Mike Evans with a rib injury, which has to be a big concern. They also saw left tackle Trent Williams leave with a stinger, although he was back on the sideline in the second half and looked OK.
The 49ers also may be concerned about kicker Eddy Pineiro, who hit a 57-yard field goal but also missed two extra points.
At 3-0, the 49ers are one of the best teams in the NFL. The 1-2 Cardinals are playing better than people expected, but they’re still a distant fourth in the NFC West.
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