Arizona Cardinals: The good, bad, and ugly

October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) and free safety Eric Reid (35) during the third quarter at Levi
October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) and free safety Eric Reid (35) during the third quarter at Levi
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Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) elects to run against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Levi
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) elects to run against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Levi

The bad

The rushing defense.  They allowed quarterback Blaine Gabbert to get free several times.  He ran the ball 11 times for 70 yards. He had a long of 24 yards.

The Cardinals had issues against the Los Angeles Rams Case Keenum and Buffalo Bills Tyrod Taylor as well.  It is something they will need to work on.  The Cardinals gave up 78 yards to 49ers running back Carlos Hyde as well.

The first quarter.  The Cardinals went scoreless in the first quarter for the fifth-straight game to start the season.  It only matters in the end but the slow starts once again become a concern.

Maybe the momentum can carry into the New York Jets game on Monday Night Football in 10 days?  They need to start taking pressure though off the defense and special teams by grabbing early leads.

While grabbing early leads doesn’t always translate into wins, it sets the game flow.  After the slow start Thursday night, the 49ers were able to grab the 7-0 lead with 4:12 remaining in the first half.

Schedule