Arizona Cardinals find defense to defeat 49ers 24-20

The Arizona Cardinals made mistakes but found enough big plays to defeat the defending NFC Champions

It didn’t start pretty but it only counts how you finish.  For the Arizona Cardinals, mission accomplished.

The Cardinals went into Santa Clara and came away with a week one upset of the San Francisco 49ers 24-20.  The offense had a decent day and a lot to talk about there.  However it was the Cardinals defense that came up big to come up with the W.

Cornerback Byron Murphy came up with a  big stop on the 49ers final drive on 4th and 5.  Cornerback Patrick Peterson also made a big play earlier in the end zone on the same drive.

That said, the offense had their great moments as well.  Particularly quarterback Kyler Murray.  He ran for 91-yards, which would have been 100 until a couple of kneel downs late.  He also had 230-yards passing.  He did have an interception but that was on a tipped ball.

Receiver DeAndre Hopkins had a single game career high 14 receptions for 151-yards.  He came as advertised.  He didn’t have a touchdown, although he appeared to initially score on the Cardinals fourth quarter score.

His knee was ruled down at the one and running back Kenyan Drake took it in for the score.  That put the Cardinals up 17-13 at the time.

The 49ers offense predictably came to life to quickly go back up 20-17.  However the Murray came to life and ran into the end zone on a 22-yard scurry.

The biggest play of the game however was the Cardinals blocked punt in the first quarter after coming out pretty flat.  The blocked punt lead to a touchdown and put the Cardinals back in the game quickly after falling down 10-0 early.

So despite no turnovers for the Cardinals defense, all three aspects came into play.  That’s what it will take for the Cardinals to continue to win.  Next up is thre Washington Football Team next week at State Farm Stadium.