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Cardinals at 49ers: 3 things we learned

By Charles Rahrig V

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) defend during a NFL game at Levi
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) defend during a NFL game at Levi /
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Here’s what we learned from the Arizona Cardinals’ victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers played an ugly game on Thursday Night Football for a half. Then the Cardinals came to life behind key offensive players and the game turned ugly for San Francisco.

Drew Stanton did what he had to do to get the Cardinals the victory on the Thursday night. He didn’t turn the ball over and found the guys that make plays for the team. Larry Fitzgerald caught two huge touchdowns and David Johnson put the team on his back en route to another big night for Arizona.

With the Cardinals coming away with a big night on both sides of the ball, they can still get back into things in the playoff race. San Francisco once again has plenty of questions to answer. Here are three things learned.

1. Markus Golden is turning into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL

If you don’t know the name already, Markus Golden is becoming one of the best in the league. The second-round pick out of Missouri in 2015 now has six sacks on the season and leads the league. He had a great rookie season and was praised for his relentless motor. If he keeps doing what he does, he will be one of the best in no time.

2. The 49ers need to turn to Colin Kaepernick

The 49ers can’t justify keeping Blaine Gabbert out on the field. The offense is stagnant under him and the team is falling apart. There’s no reason Colin Kaepernick shouldn’t be starting at quarterback. He has it in him to be a pretty good quarterback in this league and at the worst would be an improvement.

3. David Johnson should make Arizona a run-first team

Bruce Arians likes to air it out deep behind his quarterbacks. He even had Drew Stanton throwing deep on Thursday night. However, the incredible running prowess of David Johnson is going to make it tough for him to not run the ball more. When Johnson gets the ball, he doesn’t go down. A run-first team would be a sight to see in the desert.

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