GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A few thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals' 23-14 win at University of Phoenix Stadium.
What it means: This is a team that knows how to scrap together a win. It was tough at halftime to believe the Cardinals could come back, but whatever Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said worked. The second-half Cardinals looked nothing like the first-half Cardinals. (However, some credit has to be given to the 49ers for imploding for a third consecutive second half.) And that’s good news for this team, which might be without starter Carson Palmer for a while. Arizona figured out a way to slow down 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the second half, and on offense, the Cardinals were able to convert on third down and turn scoring opportunities into touchdowns instead of field goals. If Arizona can start putting together full games, it could be a dangerous squad.
Stock watch: Ted Ginn Jr.'s ability in the return game and as a receiver were well known, which is why Arizona signed him during free agency. But what he’s added in other facets has been a bonus. He threw a pass Sunday -- 10 yards to Michael Floyd for a first down -- and he was used on a jet sweep that he cut inside.
Second-half shutdown: After Kaepernick ran at will in the first half, Arizona held him to 9 rushing yards on four carries and 102 passing yards in the second half. Arizona also held San Francisco to six first downs in the second half and just 16 rushing yards as a whole.
Game ball: Quarterback Drew Stanton took the hits and kept on ticking. He threw for 244 yards on 18-for-33 passing. His two touchdown passes to John Brown gave Arizona the lead for good.
What’s next: The Cardinals are off next week before traveling to Denver in Week 5.
