Near 'perfect' Purdy, 49ers put Colts on brink of playoff elimination
by Alex Butler · UPIDec. 23 (UPI) -- Brock Purdy threw a career-high five scores to carry the San Francisco 49ers past the Indianapolis Colts, whose playoff hopes are now dwindling.
The 49ers quarterback completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards in the 48-27 triumph Monday in Indianapolis. His lone major blemish was a fourth quarter interception, when the 49ers led by two touchdowns with less than five minutes remaining.
"He did awesome," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters, when asked about Purdy. "He played really well. I got on him for a couple he missed.
"But it was pretty close to a perfect game."
Running back Christian McCaffrey galloped for 146 yards from scrimmage and two scores on 27 touches. Linebacker Dee Winters recorded a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown. Tight end George Kittle reeled in seven catches for 115 yards and a score.
Defensive lineman Alfred Collins registered a sack and a forced fumble in the 49ers' fifth consecutive win.
"Just more than anything, taking it one drive at a time," Purdy said. "As an offense, just having a standard and play with that standard.
"To go out and execute like we did, I'm just really proud of the guys, just everybody. ... It just feels good to play together as a team and win."
With the loss, the Colts, who started the season 7-1, extended a five-game losing skid. Their playoff probability dropped to 3%, according to NFL.com.
"Until they tell us we're done, we are freaking fighting like crazy," Colts coach Shane Steichen said. "We are going to come back in this week, get ready to work and be ready for Jacksonville at home."
Philip Rivers gave the Colts a 7-0 lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass on the first possession of the night, ending a 72-yard scoring drive.
Purdy and the 49ers proceeded to score points on seven of their next eight drives, including each of their first four, to take command.
He hit Demarcus Robinson, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle for scores on the 49ers' first three drives for a 21-14 advantage. Eddy Pineiro added a 25-yard field goal to the lead before Colts kicker Blake Grupe answered with a 39-yard kick to make the score 24-17 at halftime.
Pineiro hit the crossbar and missed a 64-yard attempt as time expired in the second quarter, but Purdy connected with Jauan Jennings for his fourth touchdown toss of the night on the first drive of the second half. Grupe cut into the deficit with a 51-yard field goal about three minutes later.
Pineiro answered with a 38-yard kick with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter. The Colts tightened the score when star running back Jonathan Taylor ended a 12-play, 65-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run 2:19 into the fourth.
But Purdy found McCaffrey through the air for his fifth and final touchdown midway through the quarter for a 41-27 edge.
Safety Cam Bynum intercepted the 49ers quarterback about three minutes later. Winters ensured Purdy's turnover didn't turn into Colts points by intercepting Rivers and running the other way on his long return for the final score of the night.
Rivers completed 23 of 35 passes for 227 yards, two scores and an interception in the setback. Taylor totaled 79 yards from scrimmage and a score on 19 touches. Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught four passes for 86 yards and two scores.
Defensive end Laiatu Latu logged a sack and forced fumble in the loss.
The 49ers, who already clinched a playoff berth, helped cement spots for three AFC teams -- the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4), Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) and Buffalo Bills (11-4) -- with Monday's victory.
They currently sit at 11-4 and in the No. 5 spot in the NFC, behind the conference leading Seattle Seahawks (12-3), who also lead the NFC West.
The Colts (8-7) will be eliminated from playoff contention with one more loss or a Houston Texans (10-5) victory over the final two weeks of the season. They will host the Jaguars at 1 p.m EST Sunday in Indianapolis.
Purdy and the 49ers will host the Chicago Bears (11-4) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.
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