Cardinals Crush 49ers: 11 Takeaways from the Season Finale

Well, that was a season. The 49ers closed things out in a 47-24 blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a game that started with some promise but quickly unraveled into chaos, injuries, and missed opportunities. Let’s break down the game—and the season—with 11 key takeaways from this merciful finale.

Table of Contents

1. Ricky Pearsall’s Early Flash

The game actually began with hope! Ricky Pearsall snagged a 30-yard catch on the second play, and it felt like maybe—just maybe—the 49ers were here to play. Spoiler alert: They weren’t.

2. Isaac Guerendo’s Heartbreaking Injury

Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo went down early with what looked like a serious knee injury. It’s the kind of blow that feels bigger than the game itself. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for the young back.

3. Jake Moody: Mixed Bag

Moody nailed a 51-yarder early, improving his road percentage from 40+ yards. But, as if the football gods couldn’t resist, he missed a 47-yarder not long after. Moody’s season has been as reliable as my Wi-Fi on a stormy night.

4. Fake Punt Fiasco

Just when you thought the special teams were holding it together, Arizona ran a fake punt for 22 yards, setting up a field goal. The 49ers’ sideline reaction? Somewhere between disbelief and resignation.

5. Jauan Jennings’ Implosion

Jennings, just shy of the 1,000-yard mark, picked up two unnecessary roughness penalties and got himself ejected. Classic Jennings—his own worst enemy. Shanahan didn’t seem fazed, though. Maybe he’s already planning the offseason yoga retreat.

6. Fred Warner and the Defense Were Gashed

Fred Warner tried to keep things together, but the Cardinals’ Tre McBride exposed the Niners’ secondary repeatedly. Missed tackles, busted coverages, and a lot of hands-on-hips frustration summed it up.

7. Kyle Juszczyk’s Career Highlight

Here’s a bright spot: Kyle Juszczyk’s 36-yard touchdown trick play! It was the longest TD of his career and his second score in back-to-back games. A rare gem in a sea of mediocrity.

8. Injury Roulette Strikes Again

By the third quarter, the Niners’ injury report read like a phone book: Talanoa Hufanga (concussion), Malik Mustapha (knee), Renardo Green (groin), Chris Conley (groin), and Colton McKivitz (hobbling). At this rate, Shanahan might suit up next season.

9. Dobbs’ Career Day, Ruined

Josh Dobbs threw for a career-high 301 yards, but turnovers sunk any chance of a comeback. A deflected interception and a late fumble sealed the Niners’ fate.

10. Cardinals Exploit Every Weakness

Arizona scored 47 points—a number the Niners hadn’t surrendered since, well, ever. Tony Jones capped it off with a 46-yard TD after Ji’Ayir Brown’s missed tackle. Brutal.

11. A Season to Forget

The 49ers finished 6-11, giving up 30+ points in five of their last seven games. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a defense that collapsed late in the season defined this year. It’s a bitter pill for a team that started with so much promise.

This game felt less like a finale and more like a mercy rule. The 49ers limped to the finish line, and while there were flashes of brilliance—Juszczyk’s TD, Dobbs’ big throws—they were overshadowed by mistakes and missed opportunities.

The offseason can’t come soon enough. Here’s hoping the front office takes a hard look at the roster, the injury management, and maybe even the play-calling.

Oh, and if you made it through this game without breaking a TV or shedding a tear, you deserve a medal.

P.S. Kyle Juszczyk for QB next season? Just saying. 😉
P.P.S. My fantasy team was ALSO ruined by this game. Thanks, 49ers.