The Arizona Cardinals opened the game with a touchdown drive, giving them the lead. Newly acquired running back Kenyan Drake looked good. But the story of the first half was how poorly the Cardinals defense played after the first two drives.
The defense held the 49ers to two three-and-outs in a row to start the game. They held them to 18 rushing yards in their first three possessions.
But Jimmy Garoppolo had time to throw, picked the Cardinals defense apart and then the running game appeared, leading to a 21-7 halftime lead for the 49ers.
Garoppolo completed 17-of-21 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns. He was not sacked or even really pressured. Emmanuel Sanders got the best of Patrick Peterson and have five receptions for 74 yards and score. The 49ers finished the half with 78 rushing yards.
On the brought side, Kenyan Drake rushed for 70 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown, 36 of which came on his first carry of the game. He also had a seven-yard reception.
He was the lone bright spot of the offense. Kyler Murray had only 46 passing yards and was sacked twice. The Cardinals had only 15 net passing yards in the first half.
Things were ugly outside of Drake.
The second half must be better.
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