Even after the success the San Francisco 49ers had in recent seasons, a two-game losing streak and a series of injuries early in the season can cause doubts for any team. At least for one day, those doubts seemed answered.
Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Fred Warner returned an interception for a score, and the 49ers bounced back by defeating the New England Patriots 30-13 on Sunday.
“We needed it,” left tackle Trent Williams said. “It was more than just going 2-2 on the season. It was something for the confidence.”
The 49ers’ confidence took a hit after losses on the road in the last two weeks to Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams, along with injuries to several key players.
But the Niners quickly found their rhythm again at home against the struggling Patriots (1-3). The defense recorded six sacks and a touchdown in their first game since losing Javon Hargrave to a potentially season-ending injury.
Purdy completed three deep passes, and Jordan Mason rushed for 123 yards, marking his third 100-yard game in four weeks.
“It feels good to get a win,” defensive end Nick Bosa said. “It’s such a long year. If you look from an outsider’s perspective or looked online you’d think the building’s burning down. But I told the d-line guys in our meeting last night that we’ve lost some guys, but I haven’t lost confidence in this group.”
San Francisco got field goals from Jake Moody on the first two drives before Warner made a diving interception against Jacoby Brissett and returned it 45 yards for his second career touchdown. Warner has three forced fumbles and two interceptions in four games this season.
This was the first interception of the season for the Patriots, who have struggled to establish a consistent passing game with Brissett as quarterback, raising more questions about when rookie Drake Maye will take over.
