SANTA CLARA — What began so promisingly with a picture-perfect touchdown drive evolved into a dull, dreary and error-prone defeat for the 49ers, allowing the previously winless Arizona Cardinals to prevail 28-18 Sunday.
The 49ers (1-4) will take a three-game losing streak into Lambeau Field when they visit the Green Bay Packers next Monday night.
This loss was pockmarked by five turnovers, numerous dropped passes, offensive penalties and, of course, more injuries to a snakebit team, including the loss of leading rusher Matt Breida to a first-quarter ankle injury.
The 49ers flirted with a fourth-quarter comeback, and C.