Studs and Duds from 49ers’ 35-16 divisional win over Cardinals in Week 4
With Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, the San Francisco 49ers cruised to another victory on Sunday with a fairly dominant performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4’s divisional contest.
While McCaffrey punched in four touchdowns against the Cardinals, Brock Purdy put together a nearly perfect performance through the air as the 49ers scored over 30 points again in their 35-16 win to move to 4-0 on the season.
Behind McCaffrey and Purdy, here’s a look at some of the other studs and duds from Sunday’s Week 4 contest in Santa Clara.
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Stud: Christian McCaffrey
Four touchdowns — is there anything else to say?
Christian McCaffrey fueled Kyle Shanahan’s offense on Sunday and was virtually unstoppable against the Cardinals in Week 4. The star running back planted his name in the early MVP conversation with a hat trick of rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown on Sunday.
McCaffrey rushed for 106 yards on 20 carries and added a team-high seven catches for 71 yards.
Stud: Brock Purdy
If it wasn’t for Christian McCaffrey scoring four touchdowns, Brock Purdy’s performance would rightfully be getting headlines on Sunday. The second-year passer was nearly flawless on Sunday, literally throwing only one incompletion.
Purdy was rolling, throwing for 283 yards on 20-of-21 passing to go along with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown during the 49ers’ win over the Cardinals.
Purdy was rarely challenged against the Cardinals, hitting his receivers with poise and decisiveness. The Iowa State alum appeared to get nearly whatever he and Shanahan wanted through the air against the Cardinals.
Purdy will now face a true test against the vaunted Cowboys defense next week on Sunday Night Football in Santa Clara.
Dud: Secondary
Although Joshua Dobbs is known more for his running ability, the Cardinals’ new quarterback was able to move down the field with the ball through the air. Dobbs threw for 265 yards and two passing touchdowns. Dobbs could’ve had another late touchdown pass if his receivers could catch a pass. Two late drops spoiled another touchdown for Dobbs.
Cardinals rookie pass catcher Michael Wilson hurt the 49ers secondary, including Ambry Thomas for seven catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Hollywood Brown added another seven catches for 96 yards, including a 41-yard reception.
Charvarious Ward also picked up a defensive pass interference call that helped the Cardinals pick up a first down on a third down attempt.
The 49ers’ secondary will have a bigger challenge next week with CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and the Cowboys coming to town.
Stud: Javon Hargrave
Through four weeks, high-priced free agent addition Javon Hargrave is proving to be worth every nickel for the 49ers. While facing single blockers on a defensive line with Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa, Hargrave is feasting.
While Dobbs had some luck running and scrambling, the 49ers defensive lead helped hold James Conner to only 52 yards rushing.
Hargrave helped put the final nail in the Cardinals’ comeback attempt with a clutch sack on third down in the fourth quarter. Through four games, Hargrave has three sacks on the season for the 49ers.
Stud: Brandon Aiyuk
Quietly, Brandon Aiyuk had a career day against the Cardinals on Sunday. While continuing to build a breakout campaign, Aiyuk caught six passes for a career-high 148 yards receiving against the Cardinals. Aiyuk wreaked havoc deep in Arizona’s secondary, averaging 24.7 yards per catch on Sunday with one catch going for 42 yards.
The connection between Purdy and Aiyuk seems worthy of being mentioned. Purdy has been able to consistently find Aiyuk all over the field in their three games together this season. The former first-round pick is quickly becoming the clear No. 1 target in Shanahan’s offense lead by Purdy.
