49ers Survive Commanders’ Comeback to Stay Unbeaten at 6–0
SANTA CLARA, California The San Francisco 49ers continued their impressive start to the NFL season with a 23–17 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night, surviving a second-half comeback to remain unbeaten at 6–0.
San Francisco built a commanding lead early, then relied on crucial defensive plays late in the game to protect its advantage at Levi’s Stadium. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 264 yards and a touchdown, while running back Christian McCaffrey scored twice on the ground.
The victory gave the 49ers their best season start since 2019, when they opened with eight consecutive wins before reaching the Super Bowl. But the narrow finish also exposed areas the team will need to address as the season progresses.
San Francisco strikes early
The 49ers wasted little time establishing control. Purdy connected with tight end George Kittle for an 11-yard touchdown on the opening drive, setting the tone for a strong first half.
McCaffrey added a one-yard rushing touchdown, then scored again later in the half to help San Francisco build a 20–3 advantage. The offense moved the ball effectively, while the defense restricted Washington’s opportunities to respond.
San Francisco entered halftime with a substantial statistical advantage, outgaining the Commanders 303–90. The early performance suggested the home team could cruise toward another comfortable victory.
However, Washington had other ideas.
Commanders mount a second-half comeback
Quarterback Jayden Daniels helped revive the visitors after halftime, throwing two touchdown passes as Washington began chipping away at the deficit. The Commanders scored 14 unanswered points, turning a seemingly one-sided contest into a tense finish.
Daniels completed 29 of 40 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. His performance gave Washington a realistic chance to pull off a comeback, despite the team’s struggles during the opening half.
San Francisco’s offense became less productive as the game progressed, and the absence of wide receiver Mike Evans after he aggravated an existing Achilles issue added to the concern. Evans finished with three receptions for 94 yards before leaving the contest. His availability for the next game remains uncertain.
Washington eventually cut the deficit to 23–17 and threatened to complete the comeback in the closing minutes.
Defense delivers when it matters
With the game on the line, San Francisco’s defense made the plays that preserved the unbeaten record.
Washington reached a critical fourth-down situation near the goal line, but 49ers safety Malik Mustapha broke up Daniels’ pass intended for Treylon Burks. The stop denied the Commanders a potential go-ahead touchdown with less than two minutes remaining.
Washington received another opportunity after San Francisco was forced to punt. But the defense held again, and a late sack involving Keion White and Ogbo Okoronkwo ended the Commanders’ final attempt to reach the end zone.
The defensive response proved decisive. San Francisco had allowed Washington back into the contest, but it refused to surrender the lead when the pressure was highest.
What the win means for the 49ers
The 49ers move to 6–0 and remain one of the NFL’s most compelling early-season teams. Purdy’s passing, McCaffrey’s scoring production and the defense’s late-game resilience all contributed to another victory.
Still, the second-half slowdown offers a reminder that an unbeaten record does not guarantee comfortable wins. San Francisco will need greater consistency on offense, particularly if injuries continue to affect its receiving options.
The team’s next challenge is a road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on October 25, before its Week 8 bye. The result could offer another measure of whether the 49ers can maintain their momentum against different styles of opposition.
For Washington, the defeat leaves the Commanders at 1–4–1 and extends their winless run to three games. Daniels showed determination with his second-half rally, but the team’s slow start proved too costly.
Final score: San Francisco 49ers 23, Washington Commanders 17. The 49ers remain unbeaten, but their latest win came with a warning: every lead must be protected until the final whistle.
