Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

In the ugliest game so far in this young season, the Cardinals somehow managed to eek out a win. Like, I literally had this entire article ready to go, assuming the Cards were going to lose (because that’s what I’ve been conditioned to after 20 years of Cardinals football).

With that shameful admission, I deflect with this: Larry Fitzgerald, I am so glad the Cardinals drafted you. The greatest Cardinal to ever wear the uniform.

The Good:

Well somehow they won. Phil Dawson was perfect on the day.

The J. Browns had a fantastic day. Having John back was huge for the passing game, and Jaron had an incredible day. Tough catches and forcing penalties are a big reason the Cardinals won today.

Andre Ellington should have had a TD, and if the offensive line wasn’t an assembly of bums off Van Buren, he would have had a career day. The 9 receptions (including a sick 1 hander), 86 yards in the air, plus a paltry 18 on the ground got the re-surging Ellington over a 100 yards on the day.

The Bad:

The offensive line is going to get a lot of hate this week. I really like my “bums from Van Buren” comment so I want to highlight that. They aren’t in the ugly column because they had a first time starter at LG and a backup LT and somehow did enough to give Palmer enough time to hit Larry for the game winning TD.

The secondary looks good on paper, but if you add in all those easy drops the 49ers WRs/TEs/Rbs had, it could have been an even uglier day. The defense is too predictable at times but did enough, against a better QB they would have been spit roasted.

The run game. Read: Offensive line, bums, etc, above.

Palmer taking that many hits is scary. Just what else is there to say.

The Ugly:

Markus Golden’s injury. I really hope it’s a sprain and not what we all dread. He hasn’t been racking up sacks, but he’s been getting pressures and solid in the run game. Would be a big loss.

Penalties: Almost cost the Cardinals the game in overtime. Just too many dumb penalties.

The Cardinals chances at a winning season. If they can barely squeak by an 0-3 team at home, then what hope is there to win against the Eagles, Buccaneers and Rams in the next three games? The offensive line needs to be figured out, but with the injuries, it doesn’t look good.

What was your good, bad and ugly this week?