Cardinals come unstuck

Defending NFC champions crash to defeat

Last updated: 15th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cardinals come unstuck

Tackled: Arizona's Kurt Warner is sacked by San Francisco's Patrick Willis (52) and Justin Smith (94)

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Defending NFC champions Arizona Cardinals saw their title hopes dented as they crashed to 24-9 defeat to San Francisco.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner endured a night to forget as he was sacked four times and threw two interceptions in the opening half.

However Warner was not alone in struggling as Arizona gave up seven turnovers at Candlestick Park - the second time this season they had conceded with six or more.

"It was one of those things where the ball didn't bounce in our direction," Warner said.

"There were some instances where guys were trying to gain extra yards and at times they knew what we were doing and made good plays.

"It was a mistake-filled game we have to correct and move forward."

San Francisco's win was built around an intimidating defence as they set a franchise-record of five forced fumbles. Two of those were from safety Dashon Goldson, who also picked up an interception, while Ahmad Brooks posted three sacks.

In attack, Frank Gore and Alex Smith led the way for the 49ers, who have kept alive their play-off hopes as a result of this victory.

Gore ran for 167 yards and a touchdown for his most productive display since week two of the season, while Smith completed 19-of-35 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith, who threw for a career-high 310 yards in the 20-17 defeat to Seattle last time out, found Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree with touchdown passes.

Beanie Wells scored Arizona's only touchdown - and despite the defeat, the Cardinals could still clinch the NFC West title if they win two of their last three games.