49ers Strike Early as Brock Purdy Connects with Jauan Jennings for Opening Touchdown Against Bears
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers wasted no time making a statement on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. After weeks of struggling to find consistency, the 49ers came out firing, and their opening drive was nothing short of perfection.
It took just five plays and two minutes, 40 seconds for the 49ers to march 70 yards down the field and find the end zone. Quarterback Brock Purdy capped off the drive with a beautiful 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The play was a thing of beauty, with Purdy standing tall in a clean pocket and delivering a strike to Jennings, who streaked into the left corner of the end zone. Just like that, the 49ers were up 7-0.
Purdy 🎯 Jennings = SIX
📺: #CHIvsSF on FOX
For a team that has struggled to start games strong this season, this drive was a breath of fresh air. It marked just the second time this year that the 49ers scored a touchdown on their opening drive. That’s a far cry from their 2023 season, when they led the NFL with 10 opening-drive touchdowns. But on Sunday, they looked like the team that dominated last year, executing with precision and confidence.
Breaking Down the Drive
So, how did the 49ers make it look so easy? Let’s break it down:
- Play 1: A quick 23-yard dump-off from Purdy to rookie running back Isaac Guerendo got things rolling.
- Play 2: Purdy connected with tight end George Kittle on a perfectly executed 33-yard screen pass, putting the 49ers deep into Bears territory.
- Play 3: A short run set up a manageable second down.
- Play 4: Purdy found Jennings for the 7-yard touchdown, capping off the drive in style.
It was a masterclass in efficiency, with Purdy spreading the ball around and the 49ers’ playmakers doing what they do best—making plays. The 23-yard pass to Guerendo and the 33-yard screen to Kittle were the highlights, showcasing the versatility and explosiveness of this offense when it’s firing on all cylinders.
Purdy to Kittle for 33 yards!
📺: #CHIvsSF on FOX
What This Means for the 49ers
For San Francisco, this drive was about more than just putting points on the board—it was about setting the tone. After a few weeks of inconsistent play, the 49ers needed to remind everyone, including themselves, of what they’re capable of. And they did just that.
Brock Purdy, who has faced his share of criticism this season, looked poised and in control. His ability to spread the ball around and make quick decisions was on full display. Meanwhile, the supporting cast—Jennings, Kittle, and Guerendo—stepped up in a big way, showing why this offense can be so dangerous when it’s clicking.
Of course, it’s just one drive, and the 49ers will need to sustain this level of play if they want to make a deep playoff run. But for now, this was a much-needed spark for a team that has been searching for answers.
Looking Ahead
As the game unfolds, the 49ers will look to build on this strong start and put together a complete performance. If they can continue to execute like they did on this opening drive, they’ll be a tough team to beat—not just for the Bears, but for anyone in the league.
For now, though, 49ers fans can savor this moment. After weeks of frustration, their team came out and delivered a statement. And for Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings, this touchdown was a reminder of just how good they can be when everything comes together.
Originally Written by: NFL
