Game Recap: Week 5 San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

Arizona win 33-21

In a division that boasted two clear contenders for the superbowl, the NFC West has been turned on its head with the newly relocated LA Rams sitting atop of the division at 3-1. This sets the precedent for todays game with the Arizona Cardinals taking on the San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners came into this game with nothing to lose, external expectations have been set low this year with the loss of key defensive players and a complete lack of explosive options on offence. With Blaine Gabbert under center the Niners managed to have their first four offensive drives end in a punt, until a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Kerley gave the 9ers the lead. While Gabbert broke the scoring drought, it would be the Cardinals Drew Stanton and David Johnson that would lead their team to victory.

Although the Niners were missing star linebacker Navorro Bowman, their front 7 looked formidable against the Cardinals, forcing Stanton out of the pocket on the majority of his attempts. This showed in Stanton’s final stat line completing less than 50% of his passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, his favorite target of the night was future hall of famer Larry Fitzgerald (81 yards and 2 touchdowns). While the passing game couldn’t really get off its feet for either team, David Johnson was able to get going on the ground for the Cardinals racking up an impressive 157 yards off of 27 attempts and two touch downs. Unsurprisingly however, it was the Cardinals defense that saw Arizona overcome the Niners, by getting the ball back into their running backs hands one three occasions. Two intercepts from Gabbert and one turn over from a kick return fumble by Chris Davis.

While this wasn’t the perfect Thursday Game, it may have shown a resurgence from the Cardinals even it was against the lackluster 49ers. The Cardinals needed an offensive boost moving forward, hopefully remembering that they possess one of the best running backs in the game will help that. Whilst the 49ers look like a team struggling all over the field, besides the one bright spot of Hyde carrying the ball today 22 times for 78 rushing yards and a touchdown, this Niners team is lacking any big play makers. It could be a long season for the red and gold.