Kliff Kingsbury and the Cardinals opened the game with a great game script. Kenyan Drake had a long run to put Arizona in 49ers’ territory. Dee Ford sacked Kyler Murray, but the play was negated after a horse-collar penalty was called. The Cardinals scored on a six-play, 71-yard drive.
The Niners’ opening possession didn’t go as well. George Kittle hit his knee on a Cardinals defender and had to go to the medical tent. A false start by Deebo Samuel on third down made it 3rd & 12, and the 49ers were forced to punt.