The San Francisco 49ers secured a narrow 16-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in their recent divisional matchup, but the triumph comes with a heavy cost. The team will have to proceed without star defensive end Nick Bosa, who sustained a season-ending ACL injury after playing just 14 snaps in the game.
Despite Bosa’s departure, the 49ers’ defense managed to stifle Arizona’s quarterback Kyler Murray, limiting him to merely 159 passing yards and 37 rushing yards. This collective effort from the defensive unit ensured that the Cardinals only managed to score 13 offensive points.
One standout from the game was rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams, who was pivotal in applying pressure on the quarterback. Drafted 11th overall, Williams has increasingly justified his selection, leading the team in quarterback pressures. His performance underscores the depth the 49ers have on the defensive line, providing hope that they can compensate for Bosa’s absence.
Throughout the game, the defense was formidable, as evidenced by various individual performances. Bryce Huff received an impressive PFF grade of 90.1, ranking fourth among all edge rushers with 11 quarterback pressures in just 65 pass rushes. Linebacker Fred Warner also delivered an outstanding performance with 12 tackles and a pass breakup.
Despite some difficulties with missed tackles, the defense’s ability to hold their own against the Cardinals was clear. This comes at a crucial time, as the team adapts to new defensive strategies under Robert Saleh’s guidance. Saleh adjusted the blitz rates in response to Murray’s style, showing strategic flexibility.
Offensively, the 49ers found success as well. Quarterback Mac Jones showed marked improvement, particularly in short passes, completing an impressive 20 of 21 attempts at this range. Meanwhile, running back Christian McCaffrey continued to display his prowess, with a significant portion of his yardage coming after contact or the catch. His consistent ability to gain first downs remains a key asset for the team.
Ricky Pearsall stood out among the receivers, making eight catches for 117 yards and demonstrating his competitive edge with multiple contested catches.
Overall, despite the setback of losing a core defensive player like Bosa, the 49ers showed resilience and depth against the Cardinals. The team’s combination of defensive grit and offensive sharpness promises a competitive season ahead. With adjustments and strong performances from developing talent, San Francisco fans have reasons to remain optimistic.