The matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers went all the way down to the wire. The 49ers' normally terrible run defense was strong and that helped the 49ers hang around throughout the game. But it just wasn't enough in the end, as the 49ers came up just short in a 23-20 loss. The 49ers tied it late, but the Cardinals hit a game-winning field goal as time expired to win it.
Here are three things we learned from the 49ers' loss to the Cardinals.
3. Cardinals Play Calling Was Questionable
The 49ers have a historically bad run defense. That's why it was confusing that the Cardinals gave the ball to David Johnson just 19 times on the ground, while they threw it 49 times. Johnson had 55 yards and a score on the ground and the team had 80 yards on 23 carries, so why didn't the Cardinals run the ball? It was a poor coaching game plan that helped the 49ers stay in the game.
2. Colin Kaepernick Still Shows Flashes
Kaepernick might not be the same QB he was under Jim Harbaugh, but he still shows those moments of great ability. He carried the 49ers' offense in this one, leading the team on the ground and in the air. He has his flaws, but for a team lacking talent and impact players, Kaepernick is as close as they come.
1. The talent Just Isn't There For The 49ers
Look, maybe we already knew this one. But the Niners' M.O. has been clear this year: hang around in the first half and then fall apart in the second. That's when the talent disparity starts to show. The Cardinals helped the 49ers hang around, but the Niners just didn't quite have the pieces to pull out a win.
On offense, there's a severe shortage of weapons. Vance McDonald and Jeremy Kerley aren't going to get it done on any roster as the primary options. And yet that's the situation for the 49ers. This is a rebuilding team, and one of the biggest needs is actual weapons (outside of Carlos Hyde). On defense, injuries have decimated an already thin unit. This is not going to be a fun rest of the season for the 49ers. They'll compete for the No. 1 overall pick, despite showing some promise at times. This team just isn't good enough quite yet.
Follow our San Francisco 49ers team page for all the latest 49ers news and rumors!
Back to the San Francisco 49ers Newsfeed