Kyler Murray, still in full uniform, approached the media podium Sunday night, visibly exhausted but with a small smile of satisfaction. His weariness was well-earned after the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a dramatic 24-23 comeback win against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
“I’m tired,” Murray admitted quietly, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that ultimately led to a thrilling victory. Despite the challenges throughout the game, the Cardinals found a way to win. “A win like this does wonders for us,” he added.
The defining moment of the game came in the final drive, made possible by linebacker Jesse Luketa. Playing his first game of the season, Luketa forced a crucial fumble deep in Cardinals territory, which was recovered by fellow linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. What had seemed like a sure 49ers scoring drive was halted, giving the Cardinals new life.
The ensuing drive was fueled by running back James Conner, who steadily moved the Cardinals down the field. Marvin Harrison Jr., quiet for much of the game, made a clutch 14-yard reception on fourth-and-5 to keep the drive alive. Chad Ryland, a practice-squad kicker signed earlier in the week due to Matt Prater’s injury, capped the 14-play, 75-yard drive with a 35-yard field goal, giving Arizona a one-point lead.
On defense, safety Jalen Thompson blitzed 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, forcing an errant pass that floated long enough for linebacker Kyzir White to make a diving interception, sealing the win. “My eyes got real wide,” White said after the game. “I’ve been manifesting a play like that all year.”
The Cardinals’ locker room was buzzing with celebration, but head coach Jonathan Gannon kept things in perspective. “There was no panic,” he said. Arizona (2-3) had started strong, forcing a 49ers three-and-out and scoring quickly on their first drive, with Murray taking a read-option 50 yards for a touchdown. But the game wasn’t without its challenges. The 49ers blocked a field goal attempt for a touchdown, and Nick Bosa intercepted a screen pass from Murray, setting up another 49ers score. Arizona trailed 23-10 at halftime.
Frustrated but undeterred, Murray rallied his team. The Cardinals’ defense delivered a second-half shutout, with the 49ers going 1-for-6 in the red zone, a key factor in the game’s outcome. “Our defense played lights out in the red zone,” Gannon said proudly.
While the Cardinals’ run game struggled for much of the day, Conner stepped up when it mattered most, finishing with 86 yards on 19 carries, including key runs during the final drive. “That’s what we want,” Conner said. “Stick with it, and the game will reward you.”
Despite a few miscues, including dropped passes and Murray’s interception, the team found a way to win. Murray’s ability to use his legs—rushing for 83 yards, including the 50-yard touchdown—proved crucial. “I hated the way the last drive stalled,” Murray admitted, noting that the plan was to run the clock down before Ryland’s game-winning field goal.
The Cardinals now face uncertainty on the offensive line, with starting right guard Will Hernandez leaving the game after a leg injury. The team will await further updates on his condition.
Turning Point: Jesse Luketa’s forced fumble in his season debut, recovered by Mack Wilson Sr., turned the tide for the Cardinals, preventing a 49ers score and setting up Arizona’s game-winning drive.
Standouts: Mack Wilson Sr. had another stellar performance with an interception and fumble recovery. James Conner overcame a slow start to power the Cardinals’ final drive, while Kyler Murray’s dual-threat ability kept the 49ers defense on edge.
Fourth-Down Heroics: On a crucial fourth-and-5, Marvin Harrison Jr. made an unbelievable 14-yard catch to extend the drive, a play that could have spelled defeat if not for his clutch performance.
The win lifts Arizona to 2-3, while San Francisco falls to 3-2, as the Cardinals celebrate their first road win of the season and a hard-fought victory against a fierce rival.
