The 49ers are 4-0 for the first time since 2019 and for the 5th time in franchise history following their 35-16 win over the Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. They have won 14 consecutive regular season games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and the second-longest streak in franchise history. Here are some of the best notes and quotes from after the game.
Kyle Shanahan had no idea Christian McCaffrey had four touchdowns when the 49ers were driving near the goal line late in the game. A fifth CMC touchdown would have tied the 49ers franchise record for a single game set in 1990 by Jerry Rice and then equaled by Ricky Watters in the 1993 playoffs (played in January of 1994)
McCaffrey laughed that getting the fifth TD would have been nice.
Christian McCaffrey was met with high praise from Brock Purdy, who discussed everything McCaffrey has brought to the 49ers since his arrival last October 20.
Brock Purdy completed 20-of-21 passes for 283 yards and 1 TD. Purdy’s 95.2% completion percentage is the highest for any 49ers quarterback in franchise history. Purdy, the perfectionist, though, lamented the one incompletion.
Even Kyle Shanahan had jokes about the lone Purdy misfire.
The highlight play of the day was Christian McCaffrey hurdling Cardinals cornerback Kei’Trel Clark.
McCaffrey said after the game putting the moves on like that are “instinctual”
The 49ers reached the 30-point mark on offense for the fourth time in four games to start a season for the first time in franchise history. They have scored 30+ in seven straight regular-season games dating back to last season, which makes them the first team since the Broncos 10 years ago with Peyton Manning to do that.
Purdy and McCaffrey have each elevated the 49ers offense to these new heights, and each has spoken highly of the other's impact. CMC had perhaps the quote of the day when asked why he referred to Purdy as a “phenomenal” QB.
While McCaffrey and Purdy stole the headlines for their offensive performances, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was the most unheralded performer on Sunday with six receptions for a career-high 148 yards. You could make a case that the biggest reception of the game was Aiyuk’s 34-yarder from Purdy after the Cardinals had cut the 49ers 21-3 lead to 21-16 in the second half.
Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner were flying around all over for the 49ers defense with a team-high 10 tackles. Javon Hargrave had four tackles and a sack.
The 49ers are now one of two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL after the Dolphins were blown out by the Bills and the Eagles rallied for an OT win vs. the Commanders. Just San Francisco and Philadelphia sit atop the league at 4-0. Those two will face each other in Philadelphia on December 3, while the 49ers host the 3-1 Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium next Sunday night.
