Fowler: Purdy ‘prepared to use his mobility more’

Purdy made quick work of a Raiders defense that has ranked as one of the NFL’s worst over the past month. The Niners tormented the Vegas defense with well-timed screens and quick hits to the middle of the field. Purdy used his legs in a couple high leverage situations in the first half and scored his second rushing touchdown of the season. He connected with Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Watkins for his throwing scores. The ultra-efficient Purdy will take on the generationally bad Dallas defense in Week 10.

After losing seemingly every wide receiver to injury, it was only a matter of time before we finally had a down Purdy game. The truth is, he didn’t even play poorly. His first interception was on a pass that he was trying to throw away when safety Jesse Bates made an incredible toe-drag interception. The second pick was on a really nice play by linebacker Kendal Daniels over the middle. Purdy looked good and gave his team a chance to win despite a depleted offense. The 49ers will have a bye next week and then hopefully get back at least one of their primary receivers before a Week 9 game against the Raiders.

Purdy and the 49ers absolutely dominated the first two quarters, gaining 303 yards of total offense on 41 plays before the break. The situation would alter course in a hurry after Purdy lost his top option through the air in the final minute of the second quarter as Mike Evans departed with an aggravation of the Achilles injury that had him listed as questionable entering the game. The team would go on to gain only 72 additional yards after the intermission, allowing the Commanders the ability to claw their way back into the game in the fourth quarter. Even so, Purdy now holds the NFL record for highest career passer rating after qualifying for the statistic with his 1,500th pass attempt in the win, which pushes the 49ers to a perfect 6-0 record ahead of a Week 7 meeting with the Falcons before their bye the following week. Purdy remains a surefire QB1 against the pass-funnel Falcons.

Purdy and the 49ers made the most of several short fields in this one. After an interception by Sam Darnold on the Seahawks’ first drive of the game, Purdy led a short 18-yard drive that he capped with a two-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans to give the Niners an early lead. Purdy would orchestrate a long scoring drive in the fourth quarter, completing seven passes for 89 yards, with his final completion resulting in a seven-yard touchdown to Brandin Cooks. The Seahawks became the first team to sack Purdy this season, bringing him down three times in the backfield in the second half, but Purdy was able to evade pressure for the entire second half. Purdy and the Niners get a juicy Week 6 matchup next Monday against the Commanders, where he will profile as a solid QB1.

Purdy’s ten rushing attempts were a season high, and the product of Denver’s secondary blanketing Niners pass catchers for much of the game. Injuries to both starting Broncos corners eventually loosened things up for Purdy and the 49ers. He connected with George Kittle on a fourth quarter screen pass that went for a 58-yard score — the biggest play of the game. Purdy, who now has 11 touchdown passes through four games, is a weekly top-10 fantasy play even on his less-than-efficient days. He gets a tough matchup against Seattle in Week 5.

The 49ers offense had another fruitful fantasy day despite injuries haunting the team once again. Purdy showcased his mobility and athleticism, often making throws on the run and scrambling out of pressure. His first score was a completion to Mike Evans, who lateraled it to Deebo Samuel for the score. Purdy then threw a more traditional touchdown to Evans later in the first half, then threw two scores to George Kittle to seal the game in the second half. Despite losing Evans and LT Trent Williams by the third quarter, Purdy was still able to gash the Cardinals defense and surpass 300 total yards. Though the offense keeps losing pieces, Purdy in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme is a fantasy QB1 until further notice.

The Dolphins’ defense didn’t put up much of a fight, but Purdy was tremendous in this one. He bought extra time in the pocket when he needed to, made plays with his legs if the opportunities were there, and found open receivers over the middle of the field all game long. He may find the going a little bit tougher next week against the Cardinals, but probably not much. The bigger question will be who else can step up in the receiver room with Demarcus Robinson leaving this game with an ankle injury.

Purdy also added 29 yards on his five attempts. The veteran signal-caller did throw a terrible interception, but outside of that pick he played exceptionally well; even if most of his completions were for short yardage. All three passing scores came to different players, with his best throw being a perfectly placed touchdown to Deebo Samuel between two Rams’ defenders to cement the blowout. Purdy will look to keep it going in Week 2, and gets a friendly matchup against the Dolphins.

Jones, who could have started elsewhere this season if the Niners had found a trading partner, will now make $3.55 million in 2026, with another $2.25 million available in incentives. Jones will be a free agent after the 2026 season. The Niners reportedly wanted a first-round draft pick in exchange for Jones. The veteran threw for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season over eight games as the Niners’ starter. Jones in 2025 was tenth in EPA per drop back, just behind Sam Darnold and Patrick Mahomes.

The Kyler Murray experiment should be well underway by late November as Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings look to recover from their failed dalliance with J.J. McCarthy as the team’s starting quarterback. Murray will lead a quietly loaded Minnesota offense against Kyle Shanahan’s EPA-maximizing Niners offense. The last time Brock Purdy faced the Vikings defense he threw for 319 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a Week 2 2024 loss. Purdy took a season-high six sacks in that game.