Sunday’s 49ers performance at Levi’s Stadium wasn’t pretty.
The Niners lost again to fall to 0-9, this time to the Arizona Cardinals, 20-10, and in the process saw fullback Kyle Juszczyk, safety Jaquiski Tartt and wide receiver Trent Taylor get knocked out of the game. Linebacker Reuben Foster also was injured and had to leave but returned.
All Things Red and Gold: San Francisco 49ers 2017-2018 Season Highlights
The real wonder was that rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard withstood a game-long assault by the Cardinals. He was sacked five times and hit on multiple other occasions, yet finished the game. He completed 24-of-51 throws for 294 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
At one point late in the fourth quarter, Beathard took a late hit while sliding – which drew a flag – and also caused a 49ers-Cardinals pushing and shoving match that resulted in more flags and ejections.
Though the 49ers traded for Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this week, Beathard played the entire game. Garoppolo was dressed and ready in an emergency, but did not enter.
Many of Beathard’s throws went to running back Carlos Hyde, who had nine catches for 84 yards to go with 12 carries for 41 yards.
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The 49ers fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter on Drew Stanton’s 3-yard pass to Jaron Brown. Robbie Gould’s 42-yard field goal cut the Arizona lead to 7-3 early in the second quarter, but the Cardinals responded with Stanton’s 11-yard TD pass to Jermaine Gresham to go up 14-3 at the half.
The 49ers climbed back into the game in the third quarter on Beathard’s 1-yard touchdown run, but then Arizona came back with two Phil Dawson field goals for the final margin.
The 49ers will play host to the New York Giants next Sunday.
