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GLENDALE – Victories last forever. Even when they’re instantly forgettable.
The Cardinals played one of those games on Sunday.
They did just enough to stay undefeated, surviving a flag-filled brawl with the 49ers. They are 5-0 for the first time since moving to Arizona, with a three-game lead over two of their three NFC West opponents.
So what does this game prove?
“How strong we are,” said wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. “Not just physically, but mentally. Things are not going in our direction and are still not giving up… ”
The victory was in a way a gift. The 49ers were counting on Trey Lance, a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Lance competed fiercely and put his face in danger often, but there was no intrigue surrounding the experience he didn’t have. A healthy Jimmy Garoppolo probably wins this game for the visitors.
Still, the win was progress as well, as the Cardinals have a long, sordid history of losing to disappointing second-string quarterbacks.
“I think it was good for us to prove that we can win a tough game like this,” said defensive end Zach Allen.
There were other issues. The quick defense remains a glaring weakness. The referees made fun of the game and should be denied their game checks. The two-party crowd was another slap in the face for an Arizona team that has ranked among the NFL’s most exciting.
As to the offense:
Have you ever woken up from a long nap in the fog and unable to function? This is how the Cardinals appeared on Sunday. Kyler Murray never caught the pace. The offensive line struggled to create a clean pocket for their quarterback, and this time Murray couldn’t make his way into the big plays. Their much-needed cross, Rodney Hudson, suffered a rib injury as tight end Maxx Williams left the field on a cart following a horrific knee injury.
The latter was a shame, given the excitement and increased role of Williams in 2021. It also produced a heartwarming scene. After the game, the entire Cardinals sideline ran across the field to wish Williams the best. It was a tangible sign of the great chemistry that seems to fuel this group.
There have been other positive developments. The defense made four saves in fourth place. One of them came to the goal line, when Isaiah Simmons landed a crushing blow on Lance. Two of the fourth down saves came in the fourth quarter, when the 49ers had a chance to take the lead. JJ Watt played his most impactful game to date.
“Amazing,” said head coach Kliff Kingsbury. “I’ve never seen four saves in fourth place.”
Hopkins said, “It’s championship football.”
When told the 49ers only converted a quarter-in-five convert, Budda Baker couldn’t resist:
“If I was in school right now and got one in five, I wouldn’t be happy,” he said.
The game also showcased the dizzying skills of Rondale Moore, a rookie with enough electricity to be Murray’s double. And DeAndre Hopkins made a series of big plays on the home stretch to tidy up the game, breaking Larry Fitzgerald’s record for most receptions before the age of 30.
“I have to thank my 20 quarterbacks,” Hopkins said unmoved.
Perhaps this is further proof that our luck is changing. The Suns and Mercury had consecutive appearances in the final. Arizona State could be the best team in the Pac-12, and the Cardinals are the only undefeated team in the NFL. And despite the hard-working nature of Sunday’s win, Kingsbury stressed that beating San Francisco is always a Sunday to celebrate, given the 49ers’ culture, competitiveness and touchdown energy.
In the end, the Cardinals found themselves on the left side of the standings and on the right side of history. And when you’re sitting atop the toughest division in the league, that’s more than enough.
Contact Bickley at [email protected]. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Arizona Sports Station 98.7 FM.
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