Arizona Cardinals 6 San Francisco 49ers 3 Halftime

Slugglish first half between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals seem to be playing to the level of their competition so far Sunday afternoon.  They have gone to halftime with a 6-3 lead over the San Francisco 49ers.  The 49ers outgained the Cardinals 130-128 yards in the first half.

The biggest reason why the Cardinals have the slight lead is because of turnovers.  The 49ers have fumbled once and quarterback Blaine Gabbert was intercepted by Tyrann Mathieu once.  It is a far cry from the game between these two in Glendale back in September.

So what’s wrong?  Well the Cardinals offense has been rather predictable in their play calling.  They failed on two third downs and went for it on one of those failures and failed on fourth and short as well.  The fourth and short play was a long pass to running back David Johnson which never had a chance.

Give the 49ers some credit though.  They have maintained a ball control offense, rushing for 55 yards to the Cardinals 31 in the first half.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown 11-17 for just 97 yards in the first half.  He doesn’t have a touchdown pass yet.  It is the second straight slow start for the Cardinals.  Last week they only had seven points at halftime against the Cincinnati Bengals.

However they have had some good third quarters this month, so I expect a crisper third quarter by the Cardinals.  They will get the ball to start the second half, so that may get them on track.  If they allow the 49ers to keep it close, then anything can happen.  The 49ers have nothing to lose at this point.  They are playing hard.

The Cardinals have been aggressive but not smart so far.  They need to keep feeding running back Chris Johnson and receivers John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald.  Receiver Michael Floyd has seen limited action so far.