49ers 16-15 Cardinals (Sep 21, 2025) Game Recap

The San Francisco 49ers, despite losing star player Nick Bosa to injury and missing starting quarterback Brock Purdy, narrowly defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-15 to maintain their perfect 3-0 start to the season. Backup quarterback Mac Jones led a critical final drive, setting up new kicker Eddy Pineiro for a game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.

After a safety gave the Cardinals a 15-13 lead in the fourth quarter—the first tiebreaking safety in nearly 11 years—rookie Upton Stout broke up a pass on third down, forcing an Arizona punt and giving the 49ers offense one last opportunity. Jones took over with 1:46 remaining, completing five passes for 59 yards to position Pineiro for the decisive kick.

Both teams traded field goals in the first three quarters and exchanged 1-yard touchdown passes in the fourth, but missed opportunities plagued Arizona. The Cardinals failed to capitalize on key drives, including a dropped pass near the goal line and a critical defensive stop that ultimately wasn't enough to secure the win.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating the defense gave them a chance to win but the offense didn't finish the job. Meanwhile, Pineiro, signed after the 49ers' opener, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the victory.