The Arizona Cardinals lost for the 11th time this season in a 45-29 defeat on Sunday at home against the San Francisco 49ers. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and running back Christian McCaffrey scored three times in their win.
What can we take away from the loss?
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They can't stop Christian McCaffrey
After he had 177 total yards (106 rushing yards) and four touchdowns against the Cardinals in Week 4, McCaffrey had even more yards in Week 15. He totaled 187 yards from scrimmage (115 rushing) and scored three times, giving him seven touchdowns against Arizona.
Too many busted coverages
Two of the 49ers’ touchdowns were throws to uncovered players. Deebo Samuel had nobody covering him on the first San Francisco score of the day.
On Christian McCaffrey’s 41-yard touchdown reception, he was uncovered behind the Cardinals defense. He had to jump to make the catch, fell down, got up and scored without being touched.
Another game with no sacks
For the third consecutive game, the Cardinals failed to have a sack. They only were credited with one quarterback hit. On another, Dennis Gardeck was penalized for roughing the passer.
It is a big reason why Purdy was able to throw four touchdown passes.
The offense wasn't the problem
The Cardinals had their best offensive game of the season with highs in yards and points. They outgained the 49ers 436 yards to 406. It was the second-highest yardage total the Niners had allowed all season.
They rushed for 234 yards. They won time of possession.
However….
Kyler Murray's 2 picks were too much to overcome
The Cardinals ultimately lost by 16 points.
49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward picked off Murray twice, returning one for a touchdown.
Those plays were too much for the Cardinals to overcome when the defense got two stops all game.
James Conner and Trey McBride were great again
McBride caught 10 passes for 102 yards. Conner had 83 rushing yards and a touchdown. They were the bright spots again.
No receiver help
The Cardinals got almost zero from their wide receivers. Marquise Brown was held catchless for the second straight game and Michael Wilson also did not catch a pass. Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch were the only receivers to catch passes and produced a combined four receptions for 20 yards.
Of Murray’s 26 completions, 22 went to tight ends or running backs.
They never rolled over
The one biggest positive we continue to see from the Cardinals (with few exceptions this season) is that the effort remains intact despite deficits. They continue to battle even when down multiple scores.
