Cardinals’ comeback bid falls short in loss to 49ers

The Arizona Cardinals (1-2) couldn’t successfully complete their comeback bid over the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) on Sunday, falling 36-30 to the home team.

In what started as a beatdown in the first half, highlighted by the Cardinals’ miscues and the 49ers’ offensive successes, Arizona bounced back in a major way across the final two quarters.

The hole dug, however, was just too deep to overcome.

Among the biggest sore spots was another mountain of penalties for Arizona, especially early on. A couple of questionable offensive pass interference calls, false starts and holds included, the Cardinals finished the half with eight penalties for 65 yards.

At one point in the second quarter, the Cardinals had three penalties across a five-play stretch.

The Cardinals have now been flagged at least eight times in two of their first three games of the year with Sunday’s showing.

Those are drive killers and played a part in the Cardinals’ settling for field goals early on.

Head coach Mike LaFleur cannot be happy with the continued issues on that side of the ball.

Cardinals issues go beyond the penalties

Another issue for Arizona this year has been giving up opening-drive touchdowns to opposing offenses.

The team is now 3-for-3 in that department through three games.

San Francisco added another to make it 14-0 in the first quarter.

You know what else doesn’t help? Not having a consistent pass rush.

The Cardinals were held to zero sacks on Sunday after recording just one last week.

Pass rusher Josh Sweat had more penalties (one) than tackles (zero). Not good!

Arizona also had no answer for Christian McCaffrey or the rest of San Francisco’s run game.

With CMC leading the way with 75 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, the 49ers averaged 6.4 yards per attempt on their way to 141 yards and the score on 22 carries.

In both losses, the Cardinals allowed at least four yards per carry to opposing offenses.

Quarterback Brock Purdy’s four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards passing didn’t help, either.

Not even Jeremiyah Love’s upped usage or Simi Fehoko’s continued special teams impact could overcome that.

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