3 reasons why SF 49ers lost ugly to Cardinals in Week 1

No. 1: Kyler Murray ran around the SF 49ers defense all afternoon

Pro: The SF 49ers only play Arizona and Kyler Murray one more time.

Con: It’s right near the end of the season when playoff positioning could be crucial.

Once again, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and his defense had troubles stopping Murray. Passing for 230 yards and a touchdown while adding 91 yards on the ground with another score, the second-year starter had his way with the SF 49ers defense.

It seemed like whatever Murray wanted to do, he could. In our pregame notes, one of the reasons the Niners would lose was because of the quick quarterback.

To be fair to the 49ers defense, it wasn’t horrible. But this group wasn’t stellar also. But the Niners just aren’t built to cover a mobile quarterback like Murray. His eyes are always downfield trying to find an open receiver like DeAndre Hopkins was a few times, or he’s scrambling out of the pocket and picking up a first down or more.

On his touchdown rush, Murray received a great block by his running back which opened a massive hole. Downfield, the receivers were blocking all 49ers.

All Murray had to do was use his speed to find the pylon:

As the commentator said in the clip: “Kyler Murray in space is dangerous, dangerous, dangerous.”

There was a lot of bad in this game. Top to bottom, everyone needs to do better. But the focus shifts to next week with a date with the New York Jets. Can the SF 49ers collectively improve against a team they theoretically should beat?

Let’s hope so.