The San Francisco 49ers before Sunday’s game in Arizona had not held an opponent to fewer than 24 points this season. So coach Kyle Shanahan knew 15 points likely wouldn’t be enough against the Cardinals.
He was right. San Francisco dropped its sixth consecutive game when Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen orchestrated two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, leading his team back from a 15-3 deficit to its second victory over the 49ers this month.
Offensive execution in key situations and the defense faltering late led to an 18-15 defeat. The 49ers had a chance to tie the score after the Cardinals took the lead with 39 seconds left.