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Sports
06 January 2025

Cardinals Edge 49ers To Conclude Tough NFL Season

Arizona shows resolve as they send off 2024 with defeat of San Francisco at home.

The Arizona Cardinals faced off against the San Francisco 49ers on January 5, 2024, at State Farm Stadium, bringing their disappointing NFL seasons to a close. The matchup, which carried significance for determining placement within the NFC West division, showcased both teams striving to finish on a high note amid many challenges.

Entering the game, the Cardinals held a record of 7-9, positioning them slightly above the 49ers, who sat at 6-10. This Week 18 clash was not just another game; it represented the culmination of uncertain seasons riddled with injuries, coaching decisions, and fluctuated team morale. Most notable was the absence of the 49ers' starting quarterback Brock Purdy, sidelined due to a right elbow injury. He was replaced by Joshua Dobbs, formerly of the Cardinals, who was expected to step up.

Despite the weight of expectations, Kyler Murray's performance was under scrutiny. Known for his dual-threat ability, he had faced criticism for inconsistent play, particularly as he had thrown more interceptions than touchdowns over recent weeks. Nevertheless, fans hoped to see glimpses of the player who had energized the Cardinals earlier in the season.

The game commenced with the Cardinals asserting their creativity and decisiveness. Early on, they executed a fake punt on fourth down, where running back DeeJay Dallas took the snap and dashed 22 yards to secure the first down at the 49ers’ 35-yard line. This pivotal moment set the tone for the Cardinals' offense, culminating soon after with kicker Chad Ryland converting a 51-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

Not only did this trick play set the score board moving, but it also highlighted the Cardinals' tendency to surprise opponents with unique plays. Last season, they similarly showcased creativity with successful trick plays, like punter Blake Gillikin running for first downs and amazing catches off helmets.

Following this exchange of early scores, the game shifted momentum when Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting intercepted Dobbs's pass. This led to another scoring opportunity for Arizona as they capitalized on the short field, resulting in Greg Dortch catching a 23-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 10-3.

The challenges persisted for the 49ers as they attempted to regroup under pressure. Josh Dobbs, tasked with stepping up as the new quarterback, faced difficulties finding rhythm against the Cardinals' resilient defensive strategy. Although he previously had success as the Cardinals' quarterback, this time he struggled with turnovers and performance under the Cardinals' defense.

San Francisco was not completely without its highlights. Despite the mounting pressure, they made commendable efforts to put points on the board, but they consistently fell short against the determined Cardinals defense. Both teams fought hard, but with their season performances under scrutiny, neither side truly soared.

Halfway through the game, both teams grappled with the atmosphere of uncertainty. Would this final game serve as redemption or merely prolong the agonizing evaluations facing both franchises as they move forward? For the Cardinals, this victory, if earned, would be seen as necessary encouragement for upcoming seasons.

The latter parts of the game saw both offenses struggle, with neither quarterback finding the spark needed to turn plays successful consistently. Kyler Murray, with fluctuated performance, showcased flashes of brilliance but continued to lack protection and consistent execution. Similarly, Joshua Dobbs faced relentless pressures from the Cardinals' defense.

With mounting anticipation, the game's closing minutes drew near, leading fans to wonder whether either team could emerge with the assurance they desperately sought. The matchup bore significance beyond the scoreboard; it represented finality for the players and coaching staff who may have their futures evaluated based on this performance.

When the final whistle blew, the Cardinals ended the game victoriously, marking the close of disappointing seasons for both teams and leading fans to ponder the future with mixed emotions. Fans celebrated the performance and resolve demonstrated by the Cardinals, even as questions loomed about their long-term prospects, particularly surrounding Murray's role as the future leader of the franchise.

This duel between the 49ers and Cardinals was more than just another game; it was the culmination of storylines woven throughout the year filled with ups and downs. With players like Trey McBride capturing the headlines and future uncertainties plaguing both organizations, the narrative surrounding the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers leads us to the next chapter—a film yet unwritten.