The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers delivered one of the most competitive games of NFL Week 3 on September 27, 2026. San Francisco held on for a 36–30 victory at Levi’s Stadium after Arizona mounted a strong fourth-quarter comeback. The 49ers improved to 3–0, while the Cardinals dropped to 1–2.
The final score does not fully explain how the game unfolded. San Francisco built a 17-point advantage before Arizona fought back. Brock Purdy produced four touchdown passes, while Jacoby Brissett kept the Cardinals within reach throughout the second half.
Game Score and Team Performance
San Francisco scored in every quarter and entered the fourth period with a 23–13 lead. Arizona then scored 17 fourth-quarter points, but the 49ers answered with 13 of their own to protect the six-point victory.
The 49ers finished with 437 total yards, compared with Arizona’s 365. San Francisco generated 297 passing yards and 140 rushing yards. Arizona recorded 280 passing yards and 93 rushing yards. The Cardinals had more possession time, holding the ball for 38:44 compared with San Francisco’s 21:16.
| Team | Score | Total Yards | Passing | Rushing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 30 | 365 | 280 | 93 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 36 | 437 | 297 | 140 |
Brock Purdy’s Passing Performance
Brock Purdy was the central figure in San Francisco’s offensive production. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His four touchdown passes marked a season high.
Purdy connected with Mike Evans for a 23-yard touchdown and also helped create an unusual 82-yard touchdown involving Evans and Deebo Samuel. His biggest late-game contribution came through George Kittle, as the quarterback found his tight end for two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Jacoby Brissett Leads Arizona’s Passing Attack
Jacoby Brissett kept Arizona competitive with an efficient volume passing performance. He completed 38 of 52 attempts for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing no interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown during Arizona’s fourth-quarter push.
Brissett repeatedly moved the Cardinals downfield despite San Francisco’s ability to generate explosive plays. Arizona finished with 27 first downs and controlled possession for nearly 39 minutes, but penalties and missed opportunities inside the red zone affected the team’s comeback attempt.
Christian McCaffrey’s Rushing Numbers
Christian McCaffrey carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. His touchdown came on a one-yard run early in the second half and helped San Francisco extend its advantage.
McCaffrey also contributed as a receiver, giving San Francisco another way to move the football. His 75 rushing yards were the most on the 49ers, while Brock Purdy added 34 rushing yards, including a 35-yard run.
George Kittle Delivers Two Touchdowns
George Kittle became especially important late in the game. He caught six passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns, including two fourth-quarter scoring receptions from Purdy.
His first fourth-quarter touchdown covered 10 yards, while his second came on a 20-yard pass with 1:36 remaining. That second score pushed San Francisco’s lead back to eight points before Arizona added a late field goal.
Michael Wilson’s Big Day for Arizona
Michael Wilson was one of Arizona’s busiest receivers. He finished with 11 receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown, setting a season high in receptions.
Wilson’s touchdown came during Arizona’s third-quarter comeback. His 11 catches also gave Brissett a reliable target throughout the game. Trey McBride added nine receptions for 75 yards, while Marvin Harrison Jr. recorded three catches for 40 yards.
Jeremiyah Love Adds 90 Rushing Yards
Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love led Arizona on the ground with 21 carries for 90 yards. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry and also caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Brissett during the fourth quarter.
Love’s performance helped Arizona maintain balance despite trailing for much of the afternoon. His rushing production, combined with Brissett’s passing, helped the Cardinals produce 365 total yards and mount their late comeback.
Deebo Samuel Makes a Huge Early Impact
Deebo Samuel made an immediate impact with an unusual 82-yard touchdown play in the first quarter. Purdy initially completed a short pass to Evans, who lateraled to Samuel. Samuel then raced down the field for the score.
Samuel finished with 80 receiving yards credited on that touchdown play and also recovered Arizona’s late onside kick. That recovery ended the Cardinals’ final chance to possess the football and secure the San Francisco victory.
Key Player Stats From Week 3
The main individual numbers show how both offenses produced the 66-point total. Purdy’s four touchdown passes led the game, while Brissett’s 38 completions gave Arizona a high-volume passing attack.
| Player | Team | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 49ers | 15/27, 297 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT |
| Jacoby Brissett | Cardinals | 38/52, 280 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT |
| Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | 15 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD |
| Jeremiyah Love | Cardinals | 21 carries, 90 yards |
| George Kittle | 49ers | 6 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TD |
| Michael Wilson | Cardinals | 11 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD |
| Trey McBride | Cardinals | 9 receptions, 75 yards |
| Deebo Samuel | 49ers | 80-yard TD reception |
Fourth-Quarter Comeback Falls Short
Arizona entered the final quarter trailing 23–13 but quickly changed the game’s momentum. The Cardinals scored 17 points in the quarter and eventually pulled within six after a late field goal.
San Francisco responded with Kittle’s second touchdown reception with 1:36 remaining. Arizona scored a field goal with 39 seconds left, but Samuel recovered the ensuing onside kick. Purdy then took a knee to close out the 36–30 result.
Penalties and Red-Zone Opportunities
Arizona’s offensive production came with several missed opportunities. The Cardinals were penalized 10 times for 86 yards, compared with seven penalties for 69 yards by San Francisco. Arizona also settled for field goals on two of five trips inside the 49ers’ 20-yard line.
Those details mattered in a six-point game. The Cardinals produced 365 total yards and held the ball for almost twice as long as San Francisco, but the 49ers generated more explosive offensive production and finished with 437 yards.
Final Takeaways
The Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers match player stats show two quarterbacks producing strong numbers in different ways. Brissett completed 38 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while Purdy produced 297 yards and four touchdowns on only 27 attempts.
San Francisco’s explosive plays ultimately made the difference. Purdy’s four touchdown passes, Kittle’s two scoring catches, McCaffrey’s 75 rushing yards and Samuel’s 82-yard touchdown helped the 49ers survive Arizona’s late rally. The 36–30 victory moved San Francisco to 3–0 after Week 3.
Conclusion
The Week 3 matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers produced a high-scoring 36–30 finish. San Francisco gained 437 yards and received four touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, while Arizona used Brissett’s 280 passing yards and Love’s 90 rushing yards to stay competitive.
The game also featured major contributions from Kittle, McCaffrey, Wilson and Samuel. Arizona’s fourth-quarter surge created a tense finish, but San Francisco made the final key plays. With the victory, the 49ers moved to 3–0, while the Cardinals fell to 1–2
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