Damn, the San Francisco 49ers know how to make things interesting. A game that seemed all but over at halftime turned into a thriller as the 49ers held off Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ comeback attempt. In a game where Terry McLaurin was seriously injured, the Commanders’ passing attack came alive in the second half. The 49ers lost Mike Evans before halftime, but according to Kyle Shanahan, his Achilles is intact and the injury is the same one he suffered during the week.
The 49ers are 6-0 with a chance to go 7-0 next week before their bye, which will be a turning point for the team’s health as the team expects Nick Bosa, Demarcus Robinson, Christian Kirk and other important players to come off the bye. The team might get some reinforcements for Atlanta, but after the bye, they will be as close to healthy as possible.
Here’s what we learned from Monday night’s win over the Commanders.
The 49ers’ crowded safety room
Before his injury, Marques Sigle was a revelation. Malik Mustapha was returning from injury, but while filling in for Sigle, he was fantastic and made the two biggest plays of the night in succession. A full run to third from the safety position for no gain, followed by a hard-fought PBU on a target against the taller Treylon Burks, ended the Commanders’ drive.
Washington would get the ball one more time before the defensive line closed the door on the comeback attempt, but the question is: When Sigle returns, can you justify sending Mustapha to the bench? The fact is that Ji’Ayir Brown hasn’t played badly in 2026. Mustapha has set the tone with his physique and is shining every week.
It’s a good problem, and perhaps allows Raheem Morris more flexibility with all three safeties, but Mustapha played like a man possessed.
Mike Evans is the engine of the 49ers offense
Brock Purdy played his best football ever in 2026. It’s no coincidence that this comes during a season where Mike Evans was added to the mix. The first half was a laser show, with Evans almost passing 100 yards before halftime. The problem is that when Evans left, the 49ers relied on Christian McCaffrey, but the commanders knew that the 49ers were out of splitters and constantly bombed in the second half, knowing that they would not be beaten on the field.
This is where the problem lies. The 49ers need to target another receiver before the trade deadline, one who can part ways regardless of Kyle Shanahan and his draft. If that means knocking Robinson down the pecking order upon his return, so be it. The 49ers should not hesitate to add impact players because they have returning players. If adding a splitter pushes Jordan Watkins or Jacob Cowing off the roster, you need to do it.
The second half was a preview of the 49ers who were down to their seventh and eighth receivers. Add more firepower. Don’t be complacent and count on the players’ feedback.
What a game for Height. Six total pressures, two sacks (one erased by a penalty), two QB hits and two runs. The rookie was a star Monday night. The entire defensive line deserves credit, but Height’s breakout game in tandem with the return of Nick Bosa and the continued progress of Mykel Williams is a real plus for this 49ers defense. The 49ers are closer than ever to a championship defense.
A closer look at Height’s game Monday night is even more impressive. In true passing sets (no play action or screens), Height generated five pressures, recorded one sack with two QB hits and two runs. Over 19 real pass sets, Height finished with a 26.7% win rate. Impressive game. The 49ers defensive line is improving every game.
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