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Snapshot: Skelton, defense lead Cardinals over 49ers

Dec 12, 2011, 12:23 AM | Updated: 12:43 am
Carter Nacke's Profile Picture BY
Arizona Sports

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was left frustrated on Sunday. His team has been in top form all season, but they didn't look the part. There were blatantly dropped passes, missed tackles and even a missed field goal by kicker David Akers. The Niners are still on top of the NFC West, but there weaknesses were exposed by the Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald set another Cardinals franchise record on Sunday. Fitz is the first Cardinal to have six seasons where he has put up over 1,000 receiving yards. His 147 yards, a touchdown and a key block that created another touchdown were huge factors on Sunday. Running back Beanie Wells didn't get very far on Sunday. The 49ers have one of the top run defenses in the NFL and it was out in force. No matter where Beanie went to, he hit a wall of Niners. He finished the game with 15 carries for 27 yards. The Cardinals defense were huge on Sunday. They only gave up 90 rushing yards and forced the 49ers to work the ball in the air. Then the blitz came. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton sent his guys after Niners quarterback Alex Smith over and over and it disrupted the passing game. Smith threw for 175 yards and was sacked five times. Are the quarterback controversy rumors about to start flying again? After quarterback John Skelton's game on Sunday, they just might. Starter Kevin Kolb left after the first set of downs due to a head injury and Skelton took over. His first half was rough, but his second half led to a win. In all, he went 19-for-28 for 282 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

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Snapshot: Skelton, defense lead Cardinals over 49ers