The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2024 NFL season on a high note, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 47-24 at State Farm Stadium on January 6, 2025. The victory not only provided a powerful conclusion to their season but showcased the potential of key players, especially quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Greg Dortch.
Coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, “I’m proud of them, I really am. They fought, they battled…to put out this kind of effort against [the 49ers], I thought was pretty cool to see.” The Cardinals, who finished the game with impressive statistics, featured strong offensive play, particularly from Murray, who threw for four touchdowns.
Attendance for the season-finale reached 63,849, as fans witnessed the Cardinals’ offense flourish. Murray ended the day with remarkable execution, reflecting, “I thought everybody did their job...for the most part, I thought everybody did their job.” His ability to connect with receivers and make precise throws was instrumental against the 49ers’ defense.
Dortch had particularly memorable moments during the matchup, converting all four of his targets. His remarkable second touchdown reception, which covered 23 yards, energized the home crowd and set the tone for the offensive showcase. Coach Gannon noted how the absence of running back James Conner led the team to adjust their offensive strategy, making way for more plays focused on short and intermediate throws which benefitted Dortch significantly.
On the other side of the field, 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan offered candid reflections on the team's disappointment after the loss. “We’ve been processing it all year,” he shared, emphasizing the buildup to this game and the wish to finish strong. Yet, the reality was stark as turnovers plagued the 49ers' efforts, leading to missed opportunities.
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs acknowledged this struggle as well, stating, “If you take out those turnovers…I think he had a hell of a game.” His perspective illustrated how close the match could have been if not for mistakes made during play. He also praised the efforts of his teammates, affirming their resilience throughout the season, citing running back Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie receivers Jacob Cowing and Ricky Pearsall for stepping up when needed.
Despite the efforts, turnover woes haunted the 49ers, particularly on third downs where execution faltered. Shanahan's disappointment was palpable, stating, “We tried to finish with a win. Didn’t get it done today.” This marked the end of the 49ers' season with key questions looming for the offseason on how to improve moving forward.
For the Cardinals, this victory serves as a boost of confidence heading toward the next season. Murray, optimistic about the future, believes there is significant room for improvement, stating, “I think we can be even crisper next year.” He knows the potential for growth exists as they transition to next season with newfound momentum and determination.
With both teams now facing differing paths, the Cardinals can celebrate this resounding win as they prepare for off-season strategies and player adjustments. For the 49ers, the exit is bittersweet, but the lessons learned will undoubtedly influence their direction heading forward and prevent future playoff eliminations.