49ers vs. Cardinals game recap: Everything we know
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The 49ers weren’t perfect Saturday in Arizona, but they were good enough to pull out their sixth victory of the season. San Francisco’s defense was superb for four quarters and their offense rode a heavy dose of a strong run game in a performance reminiscent of one they might’ve had in 2019 when they went to the Super Bowl.
Here’s our quick recap:
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
It wasn’t easy after 49ers kicker Robbie Gould left seven points on the field via two missed field goals and a missed extra point, but San Francisco’s defense repeatedly stepped up to shut down Arizona’s potent offense.
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The 49ers defense came to play. They were outstanding all afternoon keeping pressure on Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and not allowing him to escape and find room too extend plays. On the other side, QB CJ Beathard didn’t throw an interception and fumbled just once while San Francisco’s offense snapped a streak of eight straight games with two-plus giveaways. They established the run behind Jeff Wilson Jr. and made life easier on the third-string quarterback. It was complimentary football by San Francisco for the first time in a long time.
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The 49ers kept the Cardinals in it by never extending their lead beyond one score. It was Arizona’s final offensive play that ended things though. Murray on fourth-and-6 looked for WR DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The quarterback got hit hard by DE Alex Barrett and his throw floated which allowed CB Jason Verrett to get a hand in and keep Hopkins from reeling in a game-extending first down with fewer than 15 seconds left.
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49ers RB Jeff Wilson Jr: 22 carries, 183 yards, 1 catch, 21 yards, TD
49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk: 2 catches, 10 yards, 2 TDs
49ers QB CJ Beathard: 13-for-22, 182 yards, 3 TDs
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers played spoiler for the Cardinals, and could get a chance to do so vs. the Seahawks in Week 17 at State Farm Stadium. If Seattle falls to the Rams, San Francisco could keep them from winning the NFC West with a win next week.