Cardinals @ 49ers
Final Score: Cardinals 24, 49ers 23
Writer: Darian Hudock (@DarianQB_List)
For the second time this season, Super Bowl-hopeful fans of the San Fransisco 49ers watched their team fumble a double-digit 4th-quarter lead. After a back-and-forth start to the game, a blocked FG return TD with the Cardinals attempting to tie the game, followed by a Nick Bosa INT leading to a field goal before the half had the 49ers poised to run away with this one entering the half, 23-10. However, the 49ers wouldn’t score again. After losing K Jake Moody to injury early in the game, San Francisco refused to attempt FGs, leading to a stalled drive in the 4th quarter on the Cardinals’ 27-yard line. New Arizona kicker Chad Ryland, filling in for injured Matt Prater this week – and after having his second kick blocked – was able to play hero down the stretch along with the defense that forced three second-half turnovers. With six minutes remaining in the game, Jordan Mason had the ball forced out in the red zone, and on SF’s final drive, QB Brock Purdy was hit trying to deliver a throw and delivered the game-ending interception. After a 42-14 beatdown at the hands of the Commanders in week 4, Cardinals fans will be happy to see this hard-fought win against a tough division opponent.
Three Up
- Brandon Aiyuk – Dominated from the start, won in multiple ways and reminded everyone of what made him AP first team in 2023.
- George Kittle – Commanded a 33% target share and consistently won in the short-intermediate areas.
- Kyler Murray – Dominated on the ground with his legs and led the team on a double-digit fourth-quarter comeback.
Two Down
- Deebo Samuel – Took a backseat to his teammates and didn’t receive the designed screen work we’ve come to expect.
- Marvin Harrison Jr – Looked out of sync with Kyler and turned in his least productive game since Week 1.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: 19/30, 195 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 7 Ruhses, 83 Yards, 1 TD
Kyler looked elated on the sideline after leading a 10-point 4th-quarter comeback against his division rival San Fransisco 49ers. In the week following a bad loss, Kyler frequently used his legs and athleticism to command and control his offense. His day started hot with a 50-yard TD rush in the first quarter that saw Murray point to the end zone as he rounded the line, seemingly ‘calling his shot.’ After the Cardinals’ defense stepped up late and forced a fumble from the 49ers’ RB Jordan Mason, Kyler led his team down the field, highlighted by a 4th-down pass that saw him avoid pressure and deliver a strike down the field to rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. After ending week four with one rush attempt for three yards, Kyler’s regained use of his legs Sunday should give fantasy managers confidence moving forward.
Running Back
James Conner: 19 Rushes, 86 Yards, 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards
During Sunday’s broadcast, former QB and NFL MVP Tom Brady referred to Conner as an “old-school running back,” and his performance in the game was reminiscent of some of the greats from the early 2000s. Conner displayed a brutal running style, consistently running through the heart of the 49ers defense and picking up tough yards needed to advance the ball. Conner was also instrumental in closing the game, receiving seven run attempts on Arizona’s final 14-play drive to set up Chad Ryland’s game-winning field goal. Conner’s 22 attempts on 57 Arizona plays show deep trust from the coaching staff, and if this elite opportunity can continue, Conner owners will be happy.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Marvin Harrison Jr.: 7 Targets, 2 Receptions, 36 Yards
Entering Week 5’s matchup against the 49ers, MHJ’s 4 TDs were tied for the most in the league. Despite this hot start, he could never generate momentum on Sunday’s matchup. Frequently targeted by Kyler Murray, many thrown his way saw near misses or terrific defensive plays. However, he was there when the team needed him, catching a 14-yard pass on 4th down late in the game to set up the game-winning FG. Kyler wants to get MHJ the ball; there were just too many near misses on Sunday, and they’ll have to fix them moving forward.
Michael Wilson: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 78 Yards
In a game where the Cardinals’ other WRs combined for 5 catches for 50 yards, it was nice to see Wilson consistently get open and demand targets throughout the game. Wilson was winning both inside and outside, showing quick feet and savvy route running. In the fourth quarter, he was narrowly missed by QB Kyler Murray on a deep go-ahead touchdown. With Wilson earning a 20% target share and displaying great efficiency with the ball in his hands, he should continue being a key part of this Arizona offense.
Trey McBride: 9 Targets, 6 Receptions, 53 Yards
In his game returning from concussion, McBride didn’t seem to be hindered by his injury in the slightest. Early in the game, you heard the crowd gasp as McBride absorbed a massive hit but stood up quickly and stayed in the game. Later in the same drive, QB Kyler Murray hit McBride in his hands in the corner of the end zone, but McBride didn’t control the ball through contact with the ground, resulting in an incompletion. Many refer to the TE position as a security blanket for QBs, and McBride embodied that on Sunday, commanding a 30% target share and consistently being open in the short areas to move the ball down the field.
Greg Dortch: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 7 Yards
In what was supposed to be a good slot matchup against the 49ers, Dortch left us without much to discuss after the game. He was frequently covered when highlighted and couldn’t create yards after the catch in his one opportunity with the ball in his hands.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: 19/35, 244 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 4 Rush, 33 Yards
The second disappointing loss in three weeks for the 49ers has many looking to Brock Purdy for answers. He did his best to provide them Sunday, mostly by using his legs to avoid pressure or scramble out of the pocket. Purdy even showed off some sweet moves on an early scramble, juking past the defender for a first down. Purdy had two interceptions on the day, the first coming off a tipped pass and the second coming on the 49ers’ final desperation play in the 4th quarter after being hit while throwing the ball. Purdy was under pressure the whole day, frequently being forced to throw the ball away to avoid disaster. The fans expect better than a 29.4 QBR from Purdy moving forward, and the team will need it to get back on track.
Running Back
Jordan Mason: 14 Rushes, 89 yards, 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards
Sunday marks just the 2nd game Mason has failed to exceed 100 scrimmage yards since taking over for the injured Christian McCaffrey before Week 1. It did, however, result in his most efficient performance on the ground so far this season. Mason frequently reached the second level of the Cardinals’ defense and showed the tough running he’s becoming known for on multiple occasions throughout the game. Mason continues to dominate this San Fransisco backfield, and his success on the field should only further entrench him in that role moving forward.
Isaac Guerendo: 5 Rushes, 22 yards
For the first time this season, Jordan Mason didn’t take 90% of the 49ers run attempts. Guerendo was sparingly used throughout the game, if only to give Mason a breather. As the starting kick returner, the 49ers know Guerendo is explosive, so maybe this is a sign he is earning trust in the offense and from the coaching staff.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Brandon Aiyuk: 12 Targets, 8 Receptions, 147 Yards
There is the Aiyuk we all grew to know and love during the 2023 season. After a cold start to this year’s campaign, Aiyuk came out HOT in Sunday’s matchup, catching 4 receptions for 91 yards in the first quarter of the game. Almost every time QB Brock Purdy looked his way, he was open, and if he wasn’t, he was boxing defenders and showing off strong hands to win contested catches. He also showed off great YAC ability on a 53-yard reception in the 1st quarter, breaking free of his defender and taking off down the sideline. Fans will be happy to see Aiyuk utilized so heavily in the offense but will be wanting it to result in a win in the future.
Deebo Samuel: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 11 Yards, 3 Rushes, 9 Yards
Taking a back seat to Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle, Deebo had a quiet game on Sunday. He didn’t receive his usual screen passes and instead was seen frequently on down the sideline. Deebo remains one of the most electric players in the NFL with the ball in his hands, but HC Kyle Shannahan and QB Brock Purdy will have to make more of an effort to get him involved in the offense.
George Kittle: 12 Targets, 8 Receptions, 64 Yards, 1 TD
Kittle was a target monster in Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals, consistently open near the line of scrimmage and providing QB Brock Purdy a safe target to advance the ball. Kittle looked as tough as ever, frequently requiring more than a single defender to get him on the ground. Early in the game, he easily beat defenders over the middle to be on the receiving end of Purdy’s 50th career touchdown pass. Demanding a 33% target share is elite for any player, especially in an offense that is expected to be as explosive as the 49ers’.
Jauan Jennings: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 13 Yards
Much like fellow WR Deebo Samuel, Jennings spent most of the game watching teammates George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk dominate the receiving work. When targetted, the separation was thin, and Jennings was only able to make one strong catch during the game. With this 49ers offense, there is so much star power sometimes you don’t get the volume you’d want, and this was one of those games for Jennings.