The San Francisco 49ers entered this past Sunday's game fully aware that the Arizona Cardinals would pose a formidable challenge. 49ers players consistently emphasized that the Cardinals, despite their three-win record, are a better team than the standings suggest.
Taking advantage of San Francisco missing its two starting interior defensive linemen, Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, the Cardinals rushed for 234 yards, marking the highest yardage surrendered by the 49ers defense this season.
"The Cardinals, we kept talking about how reminiscent they were of us in 2017, and we were a tough team to deal with," general manager John Lynch said on Bay Area radio station KNBR's "Murph and Markus" show. "Now they only have three wins, we understand that, but we knew they were going to put up a fight. They're playing hard. They're bought into what Jonathan Gannon is putting forth.
"They're probably ahead personnel-wise on the offensive side, and when you look at them on the offensive side of the ball, their skill positions are really, really good. Their offensive line is playing well. [Cardinals QB] Kyler [Murray] has played well since he's come back. So we knew that the game, [it] was going to be important to score touchdowns, and we did."
The 49ers offense delivered another explosive performance, leading the team to a 45-29 victory at State Farm Stadium. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 16 of his 25 passing attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns, boasting a passer rating of 135.3.
Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 115 yards on 16 carries, caught five passes for 72 yards, and made three trips into the end zone (one rushing, two receiving).
"Brock was awesome," Lynch continued. "Christian just continues to amaze at the things he's able to do. Offensive line played at a high level. [WRs] Deebo [Samuel] and [Brandon] Ayuk did their typical [thing] in terms of contributing. [WR] Jauan Jennings was spectacular. So there was a lot of good in that game. Some things we can be a lot better at as well."
Purdy continues to play at an MVP-worthy level. The second-year quarterback remains on pace to set a new franchise record for passing yards. His 29 touchdown passes and 119.0 passer rating lead the NFL.
"He was awesome, as he had been," Lynch said of the 49ers' quarterback. "We keep talking about this theme and you'll say, 'Man, he had an incredible game,' but that's just what he's been. He's been very consistently spectacular since he's been our guy."
The 49ers face a big test on Christmas night, hosting the Baltimore Ravens, who, like San Francisco, lead the race for home-field advantage in their respective conference playoff standings.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
