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News and Analysis:
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Stats: Game Leaders
December 15, 2009
Cardinals vs. 49ers: 12/14/09
The Cardinals came into the game with a ton of momentum having dominated the Minnesota Vikings at home the week
prior. The 49ers on the other hand were upset vs. Seattle, putting San Francisco three games behind the NFC West
leading Cardinals. The matchup, if won, would provide Arizona the division title and further their chances to potentially
lock-up home field advantage. On the other hand, the 49ers would be all but eliminated from playoff contention with a
loss at home.
The game was completed dominated by the San Francisco 49ers on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals were sloppy,
unorganized, and over matched in all aspects of the game. In total, the Cardinals accumulated eleven (11) penalties for
78 yards. The game was filled with false starts, encroachment and holding penalties – mainly by Arizona. In addition to
the mental lapses, the 49ers forced five (7) uncharacteristic turnovers: 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Lastly, the stellar
Arizona run defense was absent, as the 49ers pounded the ball with Frank Gore who rushed for 167 yards on 25 carries
and 1 touchdown (6.7 YPC).
The formula seemed pretty simple and straight-forward: be more
physical on both sides of the ball. The San Francisco defense
pressed the receivers with confidence disrupting both route running
and timing. It was clear this scheme was effective as Warner was
unable to perform his notorious quick release, and was sacked four
(4) times and pressured numerous others.
In the second half star wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, left the game
with a sprained knee. Fortunately he would only miss two series
and return later as MRI results showed only a sprain.
San Francisco started the 2nd half off quiet and conservative. Smith
turned the ball over with a late 2nd half interception by Adrian Wilson
in 49er territory. The turnover allowed the Cardinals to march down
the field and score on a 4th and 1, cutting the lead to 8 (17-9, missed
extra point). Adrian Wilson essentially put the defense (and team for
that matter) on his shoulders with the interception, several batted balls,
and lock-down coverage on Vernon Davis, who was seemingly no longer
a threat.
However, just as momentum seemed to swing in favor of the Cardinals, the offense (Chris Wells) fumbled, setting the
49ers up deep into Cardinals territory. The fumble resulted in a punishing drive compliments of Frank Gore, who
finished the drive off with a 2 yard touchdown run, putting San Francisco up 24-9.
The game ultimately exposed two important facts: 1) The Cardinals offensive line, especially the left tackle position,
needs a serious upgrade. Mike Gandy was out with injury and Jeremy Bridges surrendered three sacks alone, all to
49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks. 2) Parity in the NFL is not as evident as thought, as teams week in and week out have
a legitimate chance for a victory. How can an Arizona Cardinals team hold arguably the NFL’s best running back (Adrian
Peterson) to 19 rushing yards, and allow 167 to Frank Gore? Reason would lead one to believe that perhaps the 49ers
offensive line is better than the Minnesota offensive line OR perhaps Frank Gore is better than AP. However, the game
showed that the old adage “any given Sunday” holds true with any NFL game. The Cardinals followed up their dominant
victory against the 11-2 Vikings, with a dreadful, seven turnover performance against the 5-7 49ers. This same time last
year, the Denver Broncos held a three game lead over San Diego, but lost 3 of the remaining 4 games missing the 2008
playoffs. Hopefully this year the Arizona Cardinals do not follow in the same footsteps.
- Draft Huddle
Cardinals vs. 49ers: 12/14/09
The Cardinals came into the game with a ton of momentum having dominated the Minnesota Vikings at home the week
prior. The 49ers on the other hand were upset vs. Seattle, putting San Francisco three games behind the NFC West
leading Cardinals. The matchup, if won, would provide Arizona the division title and further their chances to potentially
lock-up home field advantage. On the other hand, the 49ers would be all but eliminated from playoff contention with a
loss at home.
The game was completed dominated by the San Francisco 49ers on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals were sloppy,
unorganized, and over matched in all aspects of the game. In total, the Cardinals accumulated eleven (11) penalties for
78 yards. The game was filled with false starts, encroachment and holding penalties – mainly by Arizona. In addition to
the mental lapses, the 49ers forced five (7) uncharacteristic turnovers: 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Lastly, the stellar
Arizona run defense was absent, as the 49ers pounded the ball with Frank Gore who rushed for 167 yards on 25 carries
and 1 touchdown (6.7 YPC).
The formula seemed pretty simple and straight-forward: be more
physical on both sides of the ball. The San Francisco defense
pressed the receivers with confidence disrupting both route running
and timing. It was clear this scheme was effective as Warner was
unable to perform his notorious quick release, and was sacked four
(4) times and pressured numerous others.
In the second half star wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, left the game
with a sprained knee. Fortunately he would only miss two series
and return later as MRI results showed only a sprain.
San Francisco started the 2nd half off quiet and conservative. Smith
turned the ball over with a late 2nd half interception by Adrian Wilson
in 49er territory. The turnover allowed the Cardinals to march down
the field and score on a 4th and 1, cutting the lead to 8 (17-9, missed
extra point). Adrian Wilson essentially put the defense (and team for
that matter) on his shoulders with the interception, several batted balls,
and lock-down coverage on Vernon Davis, who was seemingly no longer
a threat.
However, just as momentum seemed to swing in favor of the Cardinals, the offense (Chris Wells) fumbled, setting the
49ers up deep into Cardinals territory. The fumble resulted in a punishing drive compliments of Frank Gore, who
finished the drive off with a 2 yard touchdown run, putting San Francisco up 24-9.
The game ultimately exposed two important facts: 1) The Cardinals offensive line, especially the left tackle position,
needs a serious upgrade. Mike Gandy was out with injury and Jeremy Bridges surrendered three sacks alone, all to
49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks. 2) Parity in the NFL is not as evident as thought, as teams week in and week out have
a legitimate chance for a victory. How can an Arizona Cardinals team hold arguably the NFL’s best running back (Adrian
Peterson) to 19 rushing yards, and allow 167 to Frank Gore? Reason would lead one to believe that perhaps the 49ers
offensive line is better than the Minnesota offensive line OR perhaps Frank Gore is better than AP. However, the game
showed that the old adage “any given Sunday” holds true with any NFL game. The Cardinals followed up their dominant
victory against the 11-2 Vikings, with a dreadful, seven turnover performance against the 5-7 49ers. This same time last
year, the Denver Broncos held a three game lead over San Diego, but lost 3 of the remaining 4 games missing the 2008
playoffs. Hopefully this year the Arizona Cardinals do not follow in the same footsteps.
- Draft Huddle
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