49ers Survive Late Scare Against Commanders

First Half Dominance

For about 30 minutes on Monday night, the San Francisco 49ers looked poised to roll to their sixth consecutive victory against the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Brock Purdy hit 1,500 career passes, making him the highest-rated passer among qualified quarterbacks in league history. Purdy finished 21-of-29 for 264 yards and one touchdown. He also gained 28 yards on five carries.

With Christian McCaffrey stepping up for 25 touches, 117 scrimmage yards, and two touchdowns, San Francisco built a 20-3 halftime lead. George Kittle caught the first touchdown pass of the game. Everything went according to plan until wide receiver Mike Evans went down with a sore right Achilles after a 16-yard catch.

Commanders Rally Hard

When Evans hobbled to the locker room, he took San Francisco's momentum with him. Washington battled back from a 20-point deficit in the second half. Costly penalties and quarterback Jayden Daniels found a rhythm. Daniels completed 29 of 40 attempts for 300 yards and threw two touchdown passes in the second half.

Washington's defense allowed only 64 yards and three points in the second half, giving the offense a chance to win. The Commanders came within inches of a late lead. Safety Malik Mustapha broke up a fourth-down pass at the goal line, and Romello Height and Keion White added a game-clinching sack to preserve the 23-17 win for San Francisco.

Injury Worries and Special Teams

The win came at a cost for the 49ers. Evans joins a long injury list that already includes Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, and Christian Kirk. Meanwhile, special teams remain a concern. Punter Corliss Waitman excelled, but Jacob Cowing muffed a punt inside the 5-yard line, and kicker Eddy Pineiro missed his third extra point of the season.