The San Francisco 49ers continued their perfect start to the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, holding off the Arizona Cardinals for a thrilling 36-30 victory at Levi’s Stadium. Despite surrendering a big lead in the second half, San Francisco made the plays it needed late to improve to 3-0.
Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered another outstanding performance, throwing four touchdown passes to lead the 49ers offense. George Kittle found the end zone twice, while Christian McCaffrey added a rushing touchdown in the win.
Purdy Leads Explosive 49ers Offense
San Francisco wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. On the team’s third play from scrimmage, the 49ers pulled off a hook-and-ladder trick play. Purdy threw a short pass to Mike Evans, who lateraled the ball to Deebo Samuel. Samuel took off down the sideline for an 80-yard touchdown that gave San Francisco an early 7-0 lead.
Purdy later connected with Evans for a 23-yard touchdown, helping the 49ers build their advantage. McCaffrey added a one-yard touchdown run to open the second half, pushing San Francisco’s lead to 23-6.
Purdy finished with 297 passing yards and four touchdowns. Kittle was one of his biggest targets, catching six passes for 82 yards and two scores.
Cardinals Make It Interesting
Arizona refused to go away. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett helped lead the Cardinals back into the game, as the visitors chipped away at San Francisco’s lead and eventually pulled within three points.
The 49ers suddenly found themselves in a tight contest after holding a 17-point advantage. Arizona continued to pressure the San Francisco defense, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a fourth-quarter battle.
Brissett finished with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Cardinals in contention until the final minutes.
Kittle Helps Seal the Victory
With the game hanging in the balance, Purdy delivered when the 49ers needed him most. He found Kittle for a 20-yard touchdown with just 1:31 remaining, extending San Francisco’s lead and giving the team some breathing room.
Arizona added a late field goal, but Samuel recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the victory.
The win keeps San Francisco unbeaten through three games, continuing a strong start under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers have shown they can win in different ways, and Sunday’s comeback scare offered another test for a team dealing with injuries.
San Francisco will now turn its attention to next week’s matchup against the Denver Broncos as it looks to make it four straight wins to open the season.
