49ers Hold Slim Advantage Over Cardinals at Half
The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals faced off in a tightly contested matchup, ending the first half with the 49ers leading 6-3.
Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with limited scoring opportunities presenting themselves.
Pineiro Kicks Give 49ers the Edge
49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro stood out, nailing field goals from 38 and 51 yards for San Francisco’s only points.
His efforts allowed the 49ers to capitalize on a two-minute drill, ensuring a narrow lead heading into the locker room.
Cardinals Offense Falls Flat
On the other side, the Cardinals managed just three points, primarily due to a missed 57-yard field goal attempt by Chad Ryland.
However, Ryland redeemed himself with a 34-yard successful attempt later in the second quarter.
Defense Dominates Early
The game showcased strong defensive performances, particularly from the 49ers.
San Francisco limited the Cardinals to only 117 yards in the first half, showcasing their strength.
Quarterback Stats and Struggles
49ers quarterback Mac Jones, starting in place of Brock Purdy, went 12-of-18 for 112 yards, showing signs of promise.
Christian McCaffrey struggled to find running room, with just 9 yards on five carries.
Cardinals’ Murray Limited
Kyler Murray completed 14 of 20 passes but managed just 81 yards, reflecting the overall struggle of the Cardinals offense.
His key target, Trey McBride, led with three receptions for 30 yards.
Injury Concerns for 49ers
Adding to the tension, the 49ers faced injury concerns, particularly with standout defensive end Nick Bosa questionable to return due to a knee issue.
Mykel Williams also found himself in a questionable position with a wrist injury, raising concerns for the second half.
Limited Offensive Productivity
Overall, San Francisco’s offense produced just 119 yards in the first half, going 1-of-5 on third down conversions.
The 49ers were clearly struggling to maintain drives, which could have significant implications as the game progressed.
Second Half Prospects
As the teams prepared for the second half, all eyes were on whether the 49ers could build their slim lead.
Conversely, the Cardinals needed to regroup and find offensive solutions to turn the tide.
Crucial Adjustments Needed
Both coaching staffs would need to make key adjustments during halftime to swing the momentum.
With the second half set to begin, the outcome remained uncertain.