Takeaways from win over Commanders

The 49ers’ defense came up with a pair of big stops. Between the first and second quarters, Washington went 84 yards on 17 plays to get inside the 49ers’ 5. They ran it four times in a row and were unable to punch one in to take an early lead though.

Then in the third quarter Washington went for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 34. San Francisco’s defense stopped their rushing attempt short to give their offense the ball in great field position. Two plays later George Kittle was running into the end zone to put the 49ers up 21-7 late in the third quarter.

Without those two stands, Saturday’s game would’ve gone very differently. Despite Purdy’s strong play, this is still a team spearheaded by its defense.