49ers Vs. Cardinals: Arizona Blows Golden Opportunity To Get Back In Game Before Half

After forcing the Cardinals into sidle into half with a second field goal rather than a possible momentum-seizing touchdown, the 49ers got the ball back with a 21-6 lead and just over two minutes left to play in the first half.

San Francisco appeared content to run out the clock on the second quarter after gaining a first down with two Brian Westbrook runs. But then the Niners surprisingly went to the air, with Troy Smith throwing the ball over the middle to Michael Crabtree. The throw was high but catchable, yet still careened off Westbrook’s hands and into those of Arizona defensive back Michael Adams.

It seemed like the ideal break for Arizona, who had been dominated all half by San Francisco. A touchdown there could have pushed the score to a presumably winnable 21-13 halftime score. Instead, the Cardinals went three and out on three incompletions and just like that, the opportunity was gone. Now Arizona faces a daunting 21-6 disadvantage heading into the second half, in a game where they seem hard-pressed to stop the San Francisco rushing attack.