The 49ers survive the Arizona Cardinals despite a host of injuries. San Francisco is three games in, and a familiar refrain has emerged: The injury bug has hit the 49ers. This week the 49ers played without Nick Bosa, Romello Height, and James Thompson Jr. The Niners were forced to play a talented Jeremiyah Love without three defensive linemen.
During the game Mike Evans, Gracen Halton, Dre Greenlaw and Trent Williams left the game and did not return. All four players appear to have recoverable injuries. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green were also evaluated for concussions and returned to the game. Kyle Shanahan prefers older veteran players. Couple that desire with a brutal sport, and injury concerns will arise.
The 49ers adversity did not end with injuries today. The Arizona Cardinals are a young, talented and well coached squad. They dominated time in possession, wearing down an already depleted 49ers defense. They leaned heavily on their stars, Love and Trey McBride as they ran a balanced attack in San Francisco.
Special teams for the 49ers was also a massive miss today. In the second half, after the defense secured an important three and out, Sirian Neal stumbles and falls and allows the punted ball to touch him. The Cardinals jumped on the muffed ball and were set up with only about 25 yards to score. The game already felt tight in that moment. Once the Cardinals scored, the feeling became a reality with a three point 49ers edge. Eddie Pineiro also missed two extra points. Thankfully he also booted in a 57-yard field goal at the end of the first half.
Great teams find a way to work thru adversity. The 49ers have the makings of a great team. Despite injuries, a depleted defense and poor special teams, the offense came out and lifted the team to score 36 points.
The Cardinal’s defense is good. The 49ers offense is better. Despite a low completion percentage, Purdy threw for two touchdowns and over 200 yards in the first half alone. During the game, Christian McCaffrey rushed for 75 yards on 15 attempts while catching four receptions for another 41 yards. Late in the game his running was clutch as he pounded out first down after first down during the Niners last drive of the game.
George Kittle looked as if he is in mid-season form. He is as explosive as he has ever been. He blocked well and caught six receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns including the last touchdown of the game. It is fitting he played as well as he did, as it was George Kittle bobble head day at Levi’s stadium.
Today seemed like a coming out party for Jordan Watkins. He is a shifty, quick and speedy route runner. When he gets free, he finds the open space. He caught a 35 yard and a 25-yard pass. Coach Shanahan still favors Jacob Cowing over Watkins. It seems Cowing is the better blocker while Watkins has better route running and hands skills.
The Niners third play of the game had everyone out of their seats. Mike Evans caught a short pass, then lateraled it to Deebo Samuel who ran it in 80 yards for a touchdown. Evans went on catch a touchdown pass later in the first half. Evans ran a stutter go and didn’t bother to let the defender know the ball was coming until the last possible second. Mike Evans veteran savvy will be important later in the season.
The 49ers are already facing injury trouble. However, the offense is playing very well. Brock Purdy appears to have mastered Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He is making good decisions and distributing the ball well. The Niners can survive most problems so long as they can score. Denver comes to town next week.
