San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi's Stadium.
Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Coach Kyle Shanahan's 5-0 San Francisco 49ers took on the Washington Commanders at home in a prime time game that started with a John Lynch endorsement of starting QB Brock Purdy. Purdy made Lynch look good in the early going as he found recently injured receiver Mike Evans on a 24-yard route, then hit George Kittle for a smooth touchdown pass.
The play came with a little over 10 minutes left in the first quarter. Purdy threaded the needle on a perfect pass over a leaping Commanders defender to Kittle in the middle-left part of the end zone that was a masterclass on passing accuracy.
Brock Purdy hits a WIDE OPEN George Kittle as the 49ers strike first on Monday Night Football ⚡️pic.twitter.com/KoaaJFn6EB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 20, 2026
Washington bounced back with a field goal to make it 7-3 while Purdy and his teammates prepared to try and add to their early lead in San Francisco. San Francisco piled up nearly 150 yards of total offense in the first seven minutes of the game as Jayden Daniels and the injury-depleted Commanders struggled to keep up.
The 49ers entered the game with bad news on another Purdy weapon, which didn't seem to bother the passing game too much. Trade proposals were discussed before the game, which included two defensive superstars who could help San Francisco reach another Super Bowl.
The 49ers' strong play continued as the night continued to unfold, with coach Shanahan's team looking just fine the way it was constructed, injury challenges and all. Purdy has proven to be the great equalizer as one of the NFL's best, and most underrated quarterbacks, and his incredible first quarter pass showed he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.