The San Francisco 49ers are off to a strong 3-0 start, outscoring opponents 98-50, with quarterback Brock Purdy earning the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week award following a standout performance in the 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for a season-high 297 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a 133.8 passer rating. His nine touchdown passes through Week 3 tie him for the most in the NFL this season and set a franchise record for the most touchdowns by a 49ers quarterback in the first three weeks.
Despite the offensive success, questions remain about the 49ers' defense, which has allowed 317 rushing yards, ranking 15th in the league. San Francisco has faced the ninth-most rushing attempts, indicating that opponents are still able to apply pressure on the defense, even while the team often plays with a lead. This discrepancy highlights the need for a closer examination of the defense as the season progresses.
As the 49ers prepare to face the Denver Broncos, the focus remains on Purdy and the offense, which has garnered significant recognition. However, the underlying issues with the defense could become more pronounced in upcoming games, suggesting that the team may need to address these concerns to maintain their perfect record.