Cardinals Rally Falls Short (Twice): San Francisco 20-Arizona 16

Despite two separate opportunities to drive for a game-winning touchdown, the defending NFC champion-Arizona Cardinals couldn’t find the endzone, as they fell to the Shaun Hill and the San Francisco 49ers, 20-16. Hill, written off by most fans and journalists, was solid throughout the game, and shined brightest on what turned out to be San Francisco’s game winning drive. He was 9 of 13 for 72 yards, and finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown to Frank Gore.

With Hill’s star rising, Arizona’s offense faltering, and the Seahawks quietly returning to form in the Pacific Northwest, the NFC West is officially wide open.