Purdy’s five-pick night nearly sinks 49ers, but McCaffrey’s heroics push San Francisco to third straight win

TAMPA, FL - The San Francisco 49ers stretched their win streak to three with a 28-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the headline was the roller-coaster night from Brock Purdy. The second-year starter tossed three touchdowns yet was intercepted five times - his second five-pick game of the season after a four-INT opener - as San Francisco clawed past Todd Bowles' opportunistic defense to reach 3-3 after an 0-3 start.

Purdy's extremes define a wild win

Purdy finished 25-of-32 for 286 yards, 3 TDs, 5 INTs and no sacks. He answered an early deficit with a 24-yard scoring strike to Christian McCaffrey, then hit Ricky Pearsall (27 yards) and Jauan Jennings (12 yards) in the third quarter as the 49ers surged ahead. But Tampa Bay answered - a 59-yard bomb from Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans - and later tied it when defensive tackle Malcolm Roach housed a 68-yard pick-six with 4:38 to play.

"I've got to own the ball," Purdy said. "Our defense and run game bailed me out. I can't put us in those spots again."

McCaffrey closes it out

San Francisco's balance was relentless: 470 offensive yards (286 passing, 184 rushing) and 8-of-11 on third down (72.7%). McCaffrey hammered out 23 carries for 126 yards and the game-winning 8-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left, plus 6 catches for 70 yards and a score. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (21 rushing yards) and Brian Robinson Jr (19) helped the 49ers churn out 184 rushing yards and control tempo.

Head coach Jeff Jarin backed his quarterback when asked if he was worried - or if Purdy might be dealing with an injury. "No injury. He's healthy," Jarin said. "It's decision-making and timing, and we can fix those. Brock's our guy. We believe in him, and he believes in that locker room."

Bucs make Purdy pay, but fall short

Bowles' defense feasted on takeaways: corner Christian Izien snared three interceptions, linebacker Lavonte David added another (20-yard return), and Roach delivered the 68-yard equalizer. Mayfield was sharp (15-of-23, 222 yards, 2 TDs), spreading it to Emeka Egbuka (6 for 112) and Chris Godwin Jr (TD). Bowles tipped his cap to San Francisco's closer: "We had our chances. McCaffrey finished the game like a superstar."

Defense does just enough

San Francisco's pass rush didn't pile up sacks (two: Jordan Jefferson and Jalen Graham), but it limited Tampa Bay to 254 offensive yards and 3-of-7 on third down. "We bent, and our takeaways put us in some tough spots," Jarin said, "but the guys kept playing."

Up Next

The San Francisco 49ers will return home in Week 7 to host the Atlanta Falcons as they look to extend their winning streak to four games. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will travel to Michigan to face the Detroit Lions in a tough NFC matchup at Ford Field.