There was undoubtedly a sense of satisfaction in defeating a Macdonald-led team on Thursday night at Lumen Field, especially after the 49ers' embarrassing 33-19 loss against the Ravens last season.
However, the significance of beating Macdonald was lost on at least one 49ers player, who needed the connection explained during the post-game press conference.
"I didn't even know that," wide receiver Deebo Samuel said. "I don't know that we was thinking about that either. We were just coming in, and knew we had a game today, and it was a must-win, and we went out there and got the dub."
"Must-win" might be an exaggeration, but a loss on Thursday night would have put the 49ers in a challenging position moving forward. Instead of falling to 2-4, the team is now 3-3 and back in the thick of the NFC West race.
Purdy had a much better performance against a Macdonald team this time around. The 49ers quarterback completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 255 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
"I think, just going into the game, it was if they run this, this is my answer, simple as that," Purdy said of the 49ers' game plan this week. "I just try to keep it simple, and obviously, check the ball down when I needed to, and hit my number one or number two in my progression as efficiently as I could, and I just kept it simple."
Purdy also reflected on last year's matchup, noting what he learned and how things were different this time.
"Last year in that game, I feel like I just got out of rhythm, and I was trying to force stuff, and I just wasn't playing in the right mindset of being aggressive, being smart, and taking what the defense gave me. So I learned my lesson in that game," Purdy said.
"And then coming into this game, obviously, new personnel. It's the Seahawks, not the Ravens. And so, for me, it was, all right, similar scheme, yes, but this is what we're trying to attack, and how can I be efficient as best as I can? So that was my mindset."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Keys To Victory: Beating the Titans in Week 15
The 9-4 San Francisco 49ers look to remain hot as they return home fresh off their bye week to take on the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are coming off their second win of the season, and although they're having a losing season, they continue to play hard. The 49ers control... -
Robert Saleh, Klay Kubiak, Brock Purdy preview 49ers-Titans Week 15 matchup
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke to reporters after Thursday's practice as the team gets ready for its Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they... -
49ers confident in Brock Purdy's health following return to action
Against the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy looked his most mobile since returning from his lengthy turf toe injury. His performance signaled that he has put the setback behind him and is no longer thinking about it when he's on the field. It also... -
Kyle Shanahan lays out how 49ers QB Brock Purdy can stay in rhythm
The 2025 season has been an up-and-down one for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. After leading his team to a game-winning touchdown in Seattle in week one, Purdy began dealing with a turf toe injury that would cost him eight games. But San Francisco's top...