ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals maintain glimmer of hope with win over 49ers

Oct 1, 2017, 7:21 PM | Updated: Oct 2, 2017, 12:23 am
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is hit as he throws by San Francisco 49ers defensiv...
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is hit as he throws by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aaron Lynch (59) to force an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cardinals coach Bruce Arians made a wish last week, one he shared with his players.

“I wanted to see us get in a game that was gonna go to the wire and see what we’re made of,” Arians said.

Arians got all that and more when the San Francisco 49ers marched 73 yards on 17 plays while eating up 7:36 of overtime to take a three-point lead on Robbie Gould’s 23-yard field goal with 2:24 remaining in extra time.

That’s when the Cardinals offense, which hadn’t found the end zone all day, turned it up a notch in an 18-15 win at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona went 50 yards on five plays to get within field goal range for kicker Phil Dawson, raising the specter of another tie against a division opponent, just like last year’s stomach-turning, 6-6 tie with Seattle.

“Obviously, we didn’t want to walk out of here with a tie,” receiver Larry Fitzgerald said. “That would have been demoralizing because we had our shots.”

When receiver John Brown’s apparent TD catch was ruled out of bounds — the second TD Arizona had taken off the board by the officials — the Cardinal didn’t blink. Instead, they went to old reliable and Fitzgerald evened the team’s record at 2-2 with a leaping 19-yard TD catch from quarterback Carson Palmer with 32 seconds left on the clock.

I saw single high [coverage] and once I started running vertical, I saw the nickel back and he didn’t really drop much so I knew it was zone so I knew I was a viable option on that play call,” said Fitzgerald, who had been blanketed most of the day by a 49ers defense determined not to let him beat them. “They were playing a 2-to-1 coverage on me and I just bent it in there and Carson gave me a good ball to go make a play on.”

This win wasn’t pretty. It was downright ugly. If you’re scoring at home, that’s OT games against the lowly Colts and 49ers — not the substance of inspiration.

The Cards’ patchwork offensive line allowed six sacks and 16 QB hits on Palmer, who took a handful of brutal shots.

“I’m tired,” Palmer quipped. “Hopefully, we have a walk-through Wednesday and don’t have to practice.”

Palmer threw an interception in the end zone on the Cardinals’ first drive, the officials took away an apparent touchdown for Andre Ellington and penalties hurt Arizona on offense and defense on a frustrating afternoon.

When Gould connected in overtime, it looked like the Cardinals were going to lose to a team that had lost 17 of its last 18 games. Instead, the Cardinals got what felt like a push to keep pace with Seattle and stay a game behind the surprising Los Angeles Rams.

Hope may not come in the form of recent performances, but John Brown’s return and steadily progressing health gave the Cardinals a boost in the passing game. If left tackle D.J. Humphries is back in the lineup next week at Philadelphia, and if guard Alex Boone can get back soon, the Cardinals may be able to stay in position long enough to seize an opportunity.

“This was essentially a must-win football game for us in early October,” Fitzgerald said. “After seeing what the Rams did, go down to Dallas and get a big win down there, get to 3-1, you can’t fall that far behind, especially going on the road against a really tough team in Philadelphia.

“You’ve got to be able to stay on pace. Now, we’re only one game out of the lead in the division and that’s exactly what we wanted to be.”

Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the national anthem as others stand prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the national anthem as others stand prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the national anthem as others stand prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the national anthem as others stand during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the national anthem as others stand during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel as others stand during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is hit as he throws by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aaron Lynch (59) to force an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) can't make the touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) pulls in a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers as punter Andy Lee (2) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is hit by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal as punter Bradley Pinion (5) holds against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is hit by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) is pulled away from San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) after a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel as others stand during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to throw as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) and defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) runs back an interception as San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) and ffensive guard Laken Tomlinson (75) pursue during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal as punter Bradley Pinion (5) holds against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner shows his Football Hall of Fame ring during his ring ceremony at half time of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner as linebacker Dekoda Watson (97) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) celebrates his sack of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks celebrates his field goal against the San Francisco 49ers wth teammates during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) is hit by Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Corey Peters during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) celebrates his field goal with offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) walks to the bench during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal as punter Bradley Pinion (5) holds during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer looks to throw as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) and outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) pursue during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor is hit by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Antoine Bethea, left, and strong safety Tyvon Branch, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) is hit by San Francisco 49ers free safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Aldrick Robinson (19) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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