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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 defensive end Josh Mauro (97) and Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Corey Peters (98) tackle San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro (97) and Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Corey Peters (98) tackle San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ugly

Linebacker Nick Bellore. Enough said.

Bellore had plenty of gaffes, and it’s a wonder why defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil continues to put him in coverage situations.

On a critical 3rd-and-8 play late in the fourth quarter, Bellore allowed a 12-yard reception to running back David Johnson. This play was crucial in setting up the game-winning field goal for Arizona.

San Francisco needs to experiment with other linebackers, like Shayne Skov or anyone else. Bellore isn’t cutting it.

He wasn’t the only problem though. The 49ers got themselves into plenty of trouble with penalties. Head coach Chip Kelly’s squad has done a solid job not getting flagged this season. But Sunday’s nine penalties for 100 yards are probably equally a cause behind the loss as was Bellore.

Numerous defensive backs — such as Jimmie Ward and Eric Reid — were flagged on costly plays. And those certainly added to the Cardinals maintaining drives and momentum.

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The 49ers also allowed 26 first downs, which is a direct indication how bad this defense is right now. But don’t expect anything to change soon. It isn’t as if this unit will get a lot of reinforcements back anytime soon.

Still, the Niners have to feel somewhat good about the effort. It wasn’t a blowout, the defense held the No. 4 rusher in the NFL to just 55 yards on the ground and San Francisco was in position to win the game late.

Something the 49ers haven’t been able to say for a while.

Next: 49ers vs. Cardinals: Live Week 10 In-Game Thread for San Francisco

Things won’t get easier. The Niners have to host the New England Patriots in Week 11.