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49ers vs. Cardinals: The Good, Bad and Ugly in Week 10 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) dives to score a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) dives to score a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bad

Despite running back David Johnson’s relatively lowly ground-game performance, he still managed to torch the Niners with one receiving touchdown and another one on the ground.

San Francisco’s defense remains a work in progress. While defensive backs like Tramaine Brock, Keith Reaser, Eric Reid and Jimmie Ward all registered pass breakups — a net total of 10 on the game — the secondary was still torched for 376 yards through the air.

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers pass rush was also relatively absent. In spite of two sacks on quarterback Carson Palmer, Arizona’s offensive line still managed to keep the pocket open long enough for the veteran to do his work.

If only San Francisco’s pass-rushers were a bit quicker or more decisive. The Niners clearly lack an elite-level guy to get to the quarterback.

On the flip side, running back Carlos Hyde didn’t have much of a game at all. After missing the last two games with a shoulder injury, Hyde managed only 14 yards on 13 carries.

Granted, he was going up against the NFL’s second-best defense, in terms of total yards allowed. But it’s safe to say Hyde was a non-factor for San Francisco’s offense. And it could have used his production.