MEXICO CITY -- The 49ers' defense has been touted as one of the best in the NFL, but in San Francisco's 38-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night in Mexico City, the offense showed out.
Jimmy Garoppolo was unstoppable with every member of his All-Star cast taking part in the drubbing. He was energized by the crowd that was heavily in favor of the "visiting" team.
While the 49ers' offense got off to a slow start with a three-play series followed by a four-and-out, Kyle Shanahan said that he believes Garoppolo is hitting his stride along with the rest of the unit.
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“I think Jimmy is doing a great job,” Shanahan said after the win. “I think Jimmy always has. When Jimmy has been healthy out there and our guys have been healthy with him, he plays at a very high level and he did that today as good as he has. Very fortunate to have him.”
Garoppolo got everyone involved, throwing two touchdowns each to George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk before handing over the reins to Brock Purdy midway through the fourth quarter. The 31-year-old finished the night completing 20 of his 29 attempts for 228 yards while throwing four touchdown pass, finishing with a 131.9 rating.
Kittle was Garoppolo’s top target, catching four of his six targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Aiyuk had the fewest receiving yards with 20, but was able to reach the end zone twice.
Christian McCaffrey was Garoppolo’s second most targeted receiver, catching all seven of his targets for 67 yards and looks as if he was meant for the offense.
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“So fun,” McCaffrey said. “He’s such a talented quarterback, doesn’t get enough credit in my eyes at all. He’s a great leader, super smart, can make any throw and just a great guy to be around so it’s been fun just to pick his brain and mesh with him.”
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McCaffrey also was a heavy part of the run game, carrying the ball seven times for 39 yards, but Elijah Mitchell lead the team in rushing, coming into the game fresh with 2:16 left in the second quarter. The former Carolina Panthers star said it helped them both stay fresh and take advantage of the winded Cardinals’ defense.
Maybe the most promising statement from offensive players after the game was how there was still “meat left on the bone.” After 21 unanswered points in the second half and five total touchdowns on the night, improving from this performance has the team looking primed for a successful second half of the season.