The 49ers’s march toward their worst season in franchise history continued Sunday when San Francisco was downed 23-20 in the final seconds by the Arizona Cardinals.
But after three straight blowout losses, at least the 49ers can say they were competitive against an NFC West division rival.
Trailing 20-13 entering the fourth quarter, the 49ers had a grip on the momentum. Gerald Hodges intercepted a Carson Palmer pass with 3:13 remaining in the game. Colin Kaepernick led an impressive drive up the field, scrambling for 19 yards on a 3rd and 8 to put the 49ers inside the red zone. Two key drops from Carlos Hyde and Torrey Smith looked to crush what would’ve been the game-tying drive.
But on 3rd and 2, Kaepernick scrambled for a 4-yard touchdown, tying the game at 20. It was a triumphant moment for a team who has now lost eight straight games.
Unfortunately for the 49ers, 1:18 remained on the clock and the Cardinals remembered they are the more talented team. On a critical 3rd and 8, David Johnson beat Nick Bellore in coverage on an out route and a few plays later, the Cardinals kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.
For the first time since Week 1, Jim O’Neil’s defense really wasn’t the main problem. Johnson was mostly held in check — 19 carries for 55 yards — and the Cardinals strangely chose to attack the 49ers through the air. Seeing increased playing time, nose tackle Glenn Dorsey strengthened the front seven, Ahmad Brooks played with renewed energy and Eric Reid picked off Palmer in the third quarter. It was his first interception since 2014.
But outside of one impressive touchdown drive in the second quarter, the 49ers offense sputtered for most of the game. Hyde and the ground game were completely ineffective — he finished with 13 carries for just 14 yards. Kaepernick (17/30, 210 yards, 1 TD, 55 yards rushing) took what the defense gave him, but far too often receivers dropped critical passes and his accuracy issues were still prevalent. Jeremy Kerley led the way with 7 catches for 71 yards, but he also fumbled a punt in the second quarter.
After trailing just 20-10 at the half, San Francisco cut the lead to 20-13 early in the third quarter. Eli Harold recorded his first career sack and stripped Palmer of the football. DeForest Buckner recovered and the fumble and the offense turned the turnover into a 53-yard Phil Dawson field goal.
The 49ers defense did have trouble with one player: Larry Fitzgerald. The future Hall of Famer hauled in 11 receptions for 119 yards and was a thorn in San Francisco’s side all afternoon. Michael Floyd also went over 100 yards.
Things won’t get any easier next week, when the 49ers host the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.