In a game that featured both historic individual achievement and decisive team victory, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett set an NFL record for completions while the San Francisco 49ers celebrated the successful return of quarterback Brock Purdy in a 41-22 blowout win Sunday at State Farm Stadium.
Brissett's Record Day Overshadowed by Cardinals' Mistakes
Jacoby Brissett turned in one of the most prolific passing performances in NFL history, completing 47 of 57 attempts for 452 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The 47 completions set a new NFL regular-season record, previously held by Jared Goff and Drew Bledsoe at 45 completions. Brissett tied Ben Roethlisberger's mark of 47 completions set in a 2021 Wild Card game, with both quarterbacks achieving the feat in losing efforts.
"Brissett set the NFL record for most completions in a regular-season game after completing 47 of his 57 pass attempts in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers," reported FOX Sports. The veteran quarterback has now thrown for at least 258 yards and two touchdowns in all five of his starts this season while filling in for the injured Kyler Murray.
Purdy's Return Sparks 49ers Offense
While Brissett was making history, Brock Purdy was making his successful return to the 49ers lineup after missing six games with a toe injury. The Pro Bowl quarterback completed 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, showing no signs of rust in his first action since Week 4.
"Out since Week 4 with a toe injury, Purdy will return to the lineup in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals," CBS Sports had reported earlier in the week, confirming coach Kyle Shanahan's decision to reinstate his starter. Purdy's return provided an immediate boost to San Francisco's offense, which scored its highest point total of the season.
McCaffrey's Three-Touchdown Performance
Christian McCaffrey delivered a dominant performance, scoring three touchdowns in the victory. The star running back rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries while also catching five passes for 40 yards and another score. His third touchdown of the game came on a 4-yard run that extended San Francisco's lead to 41-16 late in the fourth quarter.
"What a day for McCaffrey," noted Niners Wire. "He opened the game with a one-yard touchdown to set the table for a huge game. He rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He also caught five of six targets for 40 yards and one touchdown."
Cardinals' Penalty Problems
The Cardinals' offensive fireworks were undermined by a franchise-record tying 17 penalties for 130 yards. The penalty total matched a team record set in 1936 and proved costly throughout the game, including nullifying what would have been a 60-yard touchdown run by Bam Knight in the third quarter.
"Arizona also committed 17 penalties for 130 yards," reported the Arizona Republic. "The 49ers benefited from three Arizona turnovers, a 98-yard kickoff return, and several short fields."
Defensive Highlights and Special Teams Impact
San Francisco's defense came up with three crucial takeaways, including interceptions by Malik Mustapha and Deommodore Lenoir, plus a goal-line fumble forced by Upton Stout. The 49ers special teams also contributed significantly, with Skyy Moore opening the game with a 98-yard kickoff return that set up McCaffrey's first touchdown just 16 seconds into the contest.
George Kittle also reached a career milestone, catching his 50th career touchdown on a 4-yard pass from Purdy in the third quarter. The star tight end finished with six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
Playoff Implications
The victory improved the 49ers to 7-4 on the season, keeping them in the NFC playoff picture. San Francisco currently sits eighth in the NFC standings, just one spot out of the postseason. The Cardinals fell to 2-9 with the loss, continuing their struggles in what has been a difficult season.
Despite Brissett's record-setting performance, the Cardinals couldn't overcome their mistakes and the 49ers' efficient offense. "Arizona's Jacoby Brissett passed for more yards than any Cardinal since Kurt Warner, but it didn't matter," summarized the Arizona Republic. "The 49ers won 41-22 in a game that wasn't close after the opening kickoff."
The game showcased the stark contrast between a team celebrating its quarterback's return and another setting individual records in defeat, highlighting why football remains the ultimate team sport even in the face of historic individual achievements.
