GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A few thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers' 23-14 loss to the the Arizona Cardinals:
What it means: A shocking lack of discipline, especially in the second half, doomed the 49ers for a second week in a row. The Niners were flagged nine times for 107 yards, which kept alive Cardinals drives and wore out the defense. The 49ers have scored on their opening offensive drive in all three games thus far, but they have been outscored by a combined 52-3 in the second half. Ouch. The Cardinals are 3-0, while the 49ers and St. Louis Rams are 1-2.
Stock watch: Rising -- Colin Kaepernick. Sure, he slowed down a bit after halfime, again. But he was without his security blanket in Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis. After the past week's four turnover meltdown and penalty for “inappropriate language” against the Chicago Bears, Kaepernick atoned as the Cardinals had no answer for the dual-threat quarterback early. Kaepernick finished with 245 yards through the air on 29-of-37 passing while rushing for a 49ers-high 54 yards on 13 carries. In the Niners' first two drives, which culminated in touchdowns, Kaepernick was 11-of-12 passing for 94 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 44 yards on eight carries. His 14 completions in the first half tied for the most before halftime in his career, and his nine rushing attempts were his most in the game's first 30 minutes.
No tight ends? No matter: Davis was inactive with his injured left ankle and knee, as was backup Vance McDonald. The Niners responded with a hurry-up offense, complete with four- and sometimes five-receiver sets. And even third-string tight end Derek Carrier got in on the fun and came down with a clutch 23-yard reception in traffic for a first down on third-and-1. The lack of a security blanket hurt late, though.
And the game ball goes to: Stevie Johnson entered the game with four catches for 59 yards in his first two games as a member of the 49ers. Against the Cardinals, he had nine receptions for 103 yards.
What's next: The 49ers (1-2) play host to the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0), who survived a brutal game against division rival Washington 37-34, while quarterback Nick Foles threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-41 passing, though he was shaken up. Before the Niners beat the Eagles 24-23 on Oct. 2, 2011, Philadelphia had won five straight in the series.
