49ers Debut

9/14/09

My boy Patrick Willis had 13 tackles (11 solo) and an INT. Frank Gore after his 2nd TD of the game.

The San Francisco 49ers (last year 7-9) started off 09-10 season strong with a 20-16 road victory against the defending NFC champions and division rivals, Arizona Cardinals. Despite average numbers and a pedestrian first half Shaun Hill led a 4th quarter comeback and the defense stopped the potent Cardinals defense to seal the game.

Gore hauled in the deciding TD on a 3rd and goal play at the 3 and strolled into the end zone untouched. Despite a horrendous rushing performance by Gore and the 49ers in general, Frank managed a 6 yd rushing TD in the 2nd quarter to go with his receiving TD. It seems clear that the 49ers are committed to the run. Despite a lack of success in their opener the 49ers fate will depend on Frank Gore winning games for them.

The 49ers put a lot of pressure on Kurt Warner, forcing 2 INTs (Willis and Clements) and workhorse Justin Smith had a great game. He constantly was harassing Warner and ended the game emphatically with a sack and forced fumble on Warner.

Now focusing on individual players. Vernon Davis made some nice catches (4) on the final drive to set up Gore's catch and Isaac Bruce had a long catch to set up Gore's first rushing TD.

For Arizona Tim Hightower had a great game receiving, catching 12 for 121 yards. It was partly due to the 49ers excellent coverage of Fitzgerald and Bolding, limiting them to 71 yards and a TD and 2 catches for 19 yards.

Pic citations:

http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-Start-Season-1-0/2c261810-9842-48ab-9f7e-302aac0201c2