Purdy, McCaffrey power 49ers past Dolphins 35-13

The Miami Dolphins were routed 35-13 by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, struggling to generate offense while San Francisco’s physical defense and efficient passing game took control.The Dolphins opened the game with a short passing attack that featured running back De’Von Achane, but the drive ended without points when kicker Riley Patterson missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt wide right.The 49ers quickly capitalized on the miss. Brock Purdy used play-action to find wide receiver Mike Evans for a 10-yard toe-tap catch and a first down. Purdy later connected with running back Christian McCaffrey, who broke a tackle by rookie cornerback Chris Johnson to set up first-and-goal. McCaffrey then scored on a 1-yard run to give San Francisco a 7-0 lead.Miami got creative on its next possession, using fullback DJ Hernandez to convert a third-and-short situation. The Dolphins again worked Achane into the short passing game, but San Francisco’s defensive line flushed quarterback Malik Willis from the pocket on third down deep in 49ers territory. Miami settled for a field goal, with Patterson connecting from 28 yards to cut the deficit to 7-3.Purdy used his legs on San Francisco’s next drive to evade pressure before throwing downfield to wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson. Purdy later used a play-action fake before scrambling for a 2-yard touchdown, extending the 49ers’ lead to 14-3.The Dolphins answered with a drive in which Willis used his mobility to connect with wide receivers Malik Washington and Caleb Douglas for first downs. But Miami again failed to reach the end zone. After a holding penalty on first-round guard Kadyn Proctor, the Dolphins settled for another Patterson field goal and went into halftime trailing 14-6.Miami moved into San Francisco territory again in the third quarter but could not finish the drive with a touchdown.The 49ers immediately went on the attack to begin the second half. On the first play, Purdy used play-action to find tight end George Kittle for a 40-yard gain. A few plays later, Purdy found Kittle again after a blown coverage by Willie Gay Jr., pushing San Francisco’s lead to 21-6.The 49ers continued to win the physical battle at the line of scrimmage. San Francisco’s defense repeatedly collapsed the pocket, and safety Marques Sigle brought down Willis for the 49ers’ third sack of the game.Purdy then added his third touchdown of the day, throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Purdy finished with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown.Miami’s problems continued when punter Bradley Pinion fumbled the snap, giving San Francisco possession at the Dolphins’ 28-yard line.On the next play, Purdy dropped a pass into the bucket for Evans, who gained 28 yards. McCaffrey finished the short drive with his second 1-yard touchdown run, putting San Francisco ahead 35-6.Kittle added a 26-yard reception over the middle later in the game as the 49ers continued to move the ball effectively.The Dolphins could not find much rhythm offensively, with costly penalties and an inability to sustain drives contributing to the lopsided loss. Miami, which has one of the youngest rosters in the league, struggled to match San Francisco’s physicality.Purdy completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score without throwing an interception. Mac Jones entered in relief late in the game.Kittle led the 49ers with four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. McCaffrey added two rushing touchdowns as he continued to build his career résumé.Willis did connect on a deep ball to wide receiver Ryan Miller for a 77-yard touchdown pass. It was Miami’s first touchdown of the game and one of the only bright spots on offense. Overall, Miami did get more opportunities for Achane, but the running game remained inconsistent. Willis also struggled to get his team in the end zone consistently for the second consecutive week and was sacked four times.Former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick recently said on a podcast that if Miami did not beat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, the Dolphins would not win a game all season. Miami lost to the Raiders in the opener and will face a challenging schedule as it tries to prove its doubters wrong.Up NextMiami (0-2) hosts Kansas City next Sunday.San Francisco (2-0) visits Arizona (1-0) next Sunday.