While injuries have been a major part of the 49ers’ early season story, a lack of execution in big moments has been too and this was on display in Week 5 as the team dropped to 2-3 following a 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Late in the fourth quarter, with San Francisco leading by two points and driving deep into Arizona territory looking to seal the game, running back Jordan Mason coughed up the football and gave the Cardinals an opportunity to steal a win on the road. They would do just that as Kyler Murray led his offense on a 14 play, 75-yard drive that ended with the eventual game-winning field goal from kicker Chad Ryland.
San Francisco got the ball back with 1:32 remaining, needing just a field goal to escape with a win. Instead, on the second play of the drive, Brock Purdy’s arm was hit as he threw and the ball fluttered directly to Kyzir White who hauled in the game-ending interception. This frustrating ending marked the second divisional game the Niners have lost in the final moments already this season.