SANTA CLARA (Diya TV) – The San Francisco 49ers eked by the Arizona Cardinals 16-15 to pick up another big divisional win in their home opener. The Niners improve to 3-0 to start the season while the Cards fell to 2-1.
What Happened
The game stayed tight throughout with both teams struggling to generate offense until late. Field goals dominated the first three quarters.
Arizona notched a safety in the 4th quarter when a holding pentalty in the end zone was called on SF guard Dominick Puni, giving Arizona a 15-13 lead.
With just under two minutes remaining, QB Mac Jones and the 49ers offense put together a 10-play, 63-yard drive which set up the game-winning 35-yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro as time expired.
However, the deciding plays came on drives from each side. The Cardinals had two crucial drops on the same possession from wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. as well as running back Emari Demercado near the goal line.
Early in the 4th quarter, the 49ers were faced with a 4th and 2 and decided to go for it. Jones found WR Ricky Pearsall downfield for a 34-yard gain which set up the first touchdown of the game.
Injury Report
A pair of major injuries stemmed from each side. Cardinals running back James Conner has been confirmed to be out indefinitely so he can go through ankle surgery. Next man up for Arizona is second-year back Trey Benson.
On the other side, 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa is officially out for the season after suffering a torn ACL. It’s a clean tear of the ligament and it will require surgery, yet another injury piling on to the multitude of others that have been suffered by San Francisco this season
What’s Next
The 49ers stay home to take on the 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags are coming off a divisional win of their own against the Houston Texans. For San Francisco, it’ll be a big test for the defense which is now missing a star in Bosa. QB Brock Purdy is expected to be back barring any setbacks with his ailment.
