Instant Reaction: 49ers Edge Cardinals 20-17 Amidst Jim Harbaugh Rumors

In what is likely Jim Harbaugh's last game as San Francisco 49ers head coach, his squad played him out with a bang with a 20-17 victory over their NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

Turning Point:

Up 17-13, Cards QB Ryan Lindley took a chance with a deep ball down the left sideline intended for WR John Brown.

Lindley was left instantly regretting that decision, as 49ers CB Chris Culliver would pick off the errant attempt and give San Francisco new life.

Ten plays later, Colin Kaepernick would cash in with a three-yard TD pass to FB Bruce Miller to put the 49ers ahead to stay at 20-17.

Key Stat:

While the 49ers' offense wasn't spectacular on Sunday, it sure was balanced. San Francisco gained 395 yards altogether, 189 through the air and 206 on the ground.

San Francisco MVP:

Rumors of the demise of Colin Kaepernick's dual-threat capabilities were greatly exaggerated. Kaepernick threw for 204 yards and two scores along with rushing seven times for 63 yards.

Combined with Frank Gore's 144 yards on 25 carries, and the 49ers offense did what it needed to do to bring home the W.

Arizona MVP:

WR Michael Floyd was Ryan Lindley's first, second, and third option on Sunday, catching eight balls for 153 yards and two scores to keep the Cards around in this one.

What’s Next?

"Jim Harbaugh Watch" officially starts now for the San Francisco 49ers, with the 8-8 49ers likely to be on the prowl for another coach within the next 48 hours or so.

Arizona, on the other hand, still has at least one more game to go. They'll be on the road for an NFC Wild Card game next week.

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