Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers hosted the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium in a nail-biting NFC West clash that ended 16–15 in favor of the 49ers. From the opening kickoff, both teams demonstrated aggressive defensive schemes, forcing multiple three-and-outs in the first quarter. Arizona’s running game, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, found early success with short passes and inside runs, keeping San Francisco’s secondary on edge. Despite the Cardinals’ initial momentum, the 49ers’ disciplined tackling and pressure on the quarterback prevented them from turning drives into touchdowns.

Arizona’s defense made a pivotal play late in the third quarter when defensive tackle Calais Campbell drew a holding penalty in the end zone, resulting in a safety and temporarily giving the Cardinals a 15–13 lead. The moment electrified the home crowd and seemed to shift momentum toward Arizona, but San Francisco quickly regrouped. The 49ers’ defensive unit, led by rookie Upton Stout, tightened coverage and forced a critical punt on the Cardinals’ next drive, maintaining their chances for a comeback.

Missing key starters Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa, the 49ers leaned on their depth and experience. Quarterback Mac Jones stepped into the spotlight, orchestrating a poised and efficient final drive. He completed five consecutive passes for 59 yards, mixing quick throws with carefully timed sideline completions. The drive showcased Jones’ composure under pressure and the reliability of his receivers, setting the stage for a dramatic finish that would define the game.

Eddy Piñeiro, recently added to the roster, became the hero of the day. With just seconds remaining, he lined up for a 35-yard field goal that would ultimately decide the game. As the snap came and the ball sailed through the uprights, the stadium erupted, cementing the 49ers’ 16–15 victory. Piñeiro’s clutch performance not only secured the win but also relieved pressure from a team dealing with early-season kicking struggles, offering a boost in morale for the team moving forward.

The win improves San Francisco’s record to 3–0 and demonstrates their resilience in overcoming injuries and adversity. For the Cardinals, the loss drops them to 2–1 but highlights their competitiveness in a tightly contested division matchup. Both teams showed moments of brilliance, but it was San Francisco’s composure in the final minutes and key defensive stops that made the difference. As the season progresses, this game will be remembered as a testament to strategic adjustments, depth, and clutch execution in high-pressure situations.

NFL 2025-26 Week 3 – Sunday, September 21, 2025, Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers Full Game Replay

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