49ers Dominate Cardinals 41-22: Player and Coach Performance Grades

In a decisive match, the San Francisco 49ers triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals with a score of 41-22. This win improved the 49ers’ record to 7-4, while the Cardinals have faced significant challenges, losing seven of their last eight games. The pressure is mounting on the Cardinals’ head coach as the team struggles to find its footing.

Player Performances and Grades

Brock Purdy, despite not being fully healthy, demonstrated notable accuracy, completing 73% of his passes. He threw three touchdown passes and efficiently extended plays, although his mobility was limited due to a toe injury. Purdy’s ability to scramble will be vital as the season progresses if the 49ers aim for playoff success.

Christian McCaffrey had an outstanding game, scoring three touchdowns and accumulating 121 yards from scrimmage. He averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per carry, showcasing his skills against a vulnerable Cardinals defense.

In terms of receiving, George Kittle stood out with six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. His return to form after a hamstring injury has been crucial for the 49ers’ offensive strategy.

Offensive Line Performance

• The offensive line showed strong performance, allowing only one sack and three quarterback hits.
• They contributed significantly to the run game, enabling McCaffrey and others to find success on the ground.

Defensive Issues

The 49ers’ defense faced criticism for their inability to generate a pass rush, failing to record any sacks against quarterback Jacoby Brissett. They allowed a record 47 completions, raising concerns about their performance against stronger quarterbacks in future games.

• Trey McBride, the Cardinals’ tight end, was particularly effective, catching 10 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
• Linebackers Dee Winters and Curtis Robinson tallied 21 combined tackles, showing resilience against the run.

Special Teams Performance

Special teams made a mark with Skyy Moore’s impressive 98-yard kickoff return at the game’s start and Brian Robinson Jr.’s 42-yard return in the second half. However, kicker Eddy Pineiro struggled, missing two extra points before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.

Coaching and Strategy

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will need to refine their strategies moving forward. With 17 penalties committed by the Cardinals, the team still needs to improve their execution to secure victories against higher-caliber opponents.

As the season progresses, the 49ers need to maintain this momentum. Future games will require adjustments in both offensive execution and defensive strategy to ensure playoff contention remains a credible goal.