GLENDALE, Ariz. _ Yep, the 49ers are undefeated halfway through the season, and Jimmy Garoppolo reminded everyone Thursday night he can be a sensational reason why.
Garoppolo's career-high four touchdown passes were just enough to lift the 49ers to a 28-25 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
His knack for converting third-down plays, meanwhile, truly saved them in a spooky fourth quarter on Halloween night. That lifted the Cardinals' spell on the 49ers, who lost their past eight meetings and last won in Arizona in 2013.
The 49ers (8-0) converted 11-of-17 third-down plays, and Garoppolo's ability to move the chains with third-down completions to Emmanuel Sanders and Ross Dwelley killed the final minutes. It also effectively served notice to skeptics who questioned Garoppolo's worth on a team that's largely won via its rushing attack and dominant defense.
Garoppolo's career-best game unfolded only after tight end George Kittle injured his knee on their first play, and only after the Cardinals (3-5-1) took a 7-0 lead on their opening possession. Once Garoppolo's fourth touchdown pass found Dante Pettis, it seemed safe to celebrate, which Pettis did with Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance move.
Although Kittle overcame his knee's apparent hyperextension, the 49ers lost starting linebacker Kwon Alexander to a chest injury in the fourth quarter.
Now 5-0 on the road this season, the 49ers next play at home against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, Nov. 11.
Here are the highs and lows _ or tricks and treats, in the spirit of Halloween _ as the 49ers lead 21-7 at halftime.
