GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals were completely outmatched against the San Francisco 49ers at home, despite the fact that quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed an NFL-record 47 passes, tallying up to 452 passing yards.
The big reason it got so out of hand is actually completely fixable, as Arizona was penalized a total of 17 times for 130 yards, a franchise record. Eleven of them took place in the first half; as a matter of fact, the Cardinals accounted for more penalties than points scored.
An absolute killer of a penalty occurred in the third quarter when running back Bam Knight broke free for a 60-yard touchdown on fourth down. However, it was called back due to a holding penalty on tight end Pharaoh Brown. Instead of having the chance to make it a one-score game with an extra point, Arizona was forced to punt, down 25–10.
Another crucial penalty happened on the last play of the first half, as San Francisco kicker Eddie Pineiro had his 62-yard field goal attempt blocked. But officials called future Hall of Fame pass rusher Calais Campbell for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, allowing Pineiro to have another attempt at it, this time from 47 yards out, which he converted.
The 49ers, on the other hand, only committed one penalty for 15 yards, playing an incredibly clean game for 60 minutes.
While the Cardinals did get blown out, it shouldn’t have been as bad on paper, and there are some very easy fixes. Cleaning up unnecessary penalties could go a long way for Arizona. There was way too much “shooting themselves in the foot” today.
With all the favorable calls going the 49ers way, it is honestly surprising that the Cardinals only lost by 19 points, as it could’ve been way more. You already know head coach Jonathan Gannon is going to be critical during film study this upcoming week.