49ers 30-13 Patriots (September 29, 2024) Game Recap

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Even after all the success the San Francisco 49ers have had in recent seasons, a two-game sitout and a series of injuries early in the season can leave any team with some doubts.

Looking at those that have been answered for at least a day.

Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Fred Warner returned an interception for a score and the 49ers bounced back with a 30-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

“We needed it,” left tackle Trent Williams said. “It was more than just a 2-2 draw this season. It was something for the self-confidence.”

The 49ers' confidence took a hit following road losses the past two weeks in Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams, as well as injuries to several key players.

But the Niners quickly found their footing at home against the struggling Patriots (1-3). The defense delivered six sacks and a touchdown in the first game since losing Javon Hargrave to a potentially season-ending injury, Purdy hit three deep passes and Jordan Mason rushed for 123 in his third 100-yard rushing game in four weeks.

“It feels good to get a win,” defensive end Nick Bosa said. “It’s been such a long year. If you look at it from the outside or look at it online, you might think that the building is burning down. But I told the D-line guys in our meeting last night that we lost some guys, but I haven't lost confidence in this group.”

San Francisco scored Jake Moody field goals on its first two drives before Warner made his latest big play of the season, diving to intercept Jacoby Brissett and returning the ball 45 yards for his second career touchdown. Warner had three forced fumbles and two interceptions in four games this season.

It was the first interception of the season for the Patriots, who have failed to generate consistent passing with Brissett at quarterback, which will lead to more questions about when rookie Drake Maye will take over.

Brissett went 19-for-32 for 168 yards and was sacked six times for 25 yards. For the first time since 1971, New England managed fewer than 150 yards in each of the first four games of the season.

“At this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback,” coach Jerod Mayo said. “I didn’t see a movie or anything like that. He was a great leader. …We have to watch the film. We have a long flight ahead of us to watch the film and we are constantly evaluating every position.”

Purdy hit several deep passes for San Francisco that day en route to throwing for 288 yards, with his TD coming to George Kittle.

The Niners faced field goals on their first two drives after reaching the 10 and looked like they would have to settle for a score again late in the second quarter after penalties negated two potential touchdowns.

But then Purdy threw up a high pass that Kittle was able to grab between three defenders for his second touchdown of the season, making it 20-0.

“I saw him break out. I got hit, so I thought, 'I've got to give my guy a chance here and give him a chance,'” Purdy said. “I did it for him.” He made a great play, much better than the throw. He made the play.”

San Francisco allowed a 63-yard field goal from Joey Slye on the final play of the first half, and then rookie Isaac Guerendo lost a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half on the 49ers' latest special teams fumble.

That set up Brissett's 5-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper that made it 20-10.

Purdy responded with a 53-yard pass to open the next drive, setting up Mason's 4-yard run that put San Francisco back in control with a 27-10 lead.

Injuries

Patriots: C David Andrews (shoulder), OT Caedan Wallace (ankle) and S Kyle Dugger (ankle) all left the game in the first half and did not return.

49ers: Warner left the game late in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return. …. DT Jordan Elliott (knee) was also injured in the first half.

Next

Patriots: Host Miami on Sunday.

49ers: Host Arizona on Sunday.

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