Instant Reaction: Cardinals Outclassed by 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals‘ attempt to rebound from a divisional blowout was unsuccessful on Sunday, as they were dominated by the San Francisco 49ers to the tune of a 41-16 blowout. The NFC West woes continue to haunt Arizona.

It was a sloppy, undisciplined and ugly game in all facets by the Cardinals, with little positivity to glean from a second-straight poor effort. In that essence, it was not particularly unique. While Jacoby Brissett, Michael Wilson and Trey McBride were all able to produce in terms of volume stats, Arizona was pushed out of this game quickly and effectively by San Francisco.

Cardinals Undisciplined in Blowout

The Cardinals made history on Sunday, but for all the wrong reasons. They were called for an unbelievable 17 penalties by Carl Cheffers and the officiating crew. That was a franchise record, surpassing the previous game-high count of 16 set all the way back in 1936. Granted, many of the calls were borderline, some were worthy of eye-rolls and others were truly sickening, but it’s hard to rack up 130 yards in penalties without playing with little regard for discipline.

And it hurt the Cardinals. A penalty allowed the 49ers to re-try a blocked field goal from 15 yards closer. A ticky-tack holding penalty brought back a 60-yard rushing touchdown.

Still, it’s not as if the Cardinals would have won with the absence of those penalties. Arizona, while admittedly banged-up and undermanned (on both sides of the football) were simply outclassed, yet again.

Cardinals’ Offensive Highlights

There were few positives, but it’s worth noting some of the more exceptional offensive performances. Wilson, stepping up to the WR1 role in absence of Marvin Harrison Jr., had 15 receptions for 185 yards — the most receiving yards by any offensive player this season.

Brissett completed 47 of his 57 attempts for 452 yards and two scores. The 47 completions are an NFL record, although he also contributed two costly interceptions.

McBride continued his dominant season with 115 yards and a touchdown. But in the background of those eye-popping passing stats lies 36 total rushing yards on 15 attempts by Arizona — a far cry from the identity they’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

While the Cardinals’ season is still not mathematically over, it effectively is at 3-7, in the most competitive division in football. Offensive stats are fun to break down, but Sunday’s were indicative of a game that was never within reach for Jonathan Gannon and Co.

Arizona has unfortunately shown, week after week, that they’re not yet capable of hanging with the behemoths of the West. Regardless of who is truly at fault, back-to-back blowout losses offer little in terms of redeeming qualities.

It’s hard to look at this game and say the Cardinals have given up. Effort was still clearly present despite the lopsided score. But when that effort is leading to blowouts — undermanned or full-health — it’s clear this team is far from contending in this division.

It’s on to draft season from here, unfortunately.