GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals suffered another gut punch Sunday afternoon, this time courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers, losing 41-22.
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Arizona Cardinals receiver Andre Baccellia (82) returns a kickoff as San Francisco 49ers linebacker Luke Gifford (57) closes in at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The season has been one to forget, and the Cardinals continue to extend their trend of losses within the division, having yet to secure a win against an NFC West opponent and falling to 3–7.
Arizona also suffered its worst-disciplined game since 1936, committing 17 penalties for 130 yards against San Francisco. Their undisciplined play cost them key drives and points, and gave the 49ers extra opportunities to redeem their mistakes.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon walks the sidelines as his team plays the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Frustration among fans continues to pour online, with many calling for some type of leadership discipline to be implemented. Self-inflicted mistakes have contributed to many of the Cardinals’ losses, and Sunday was no different.
If the Arizona Cardinals were serious about winning games, Kyler Murray would be playing right now.
— Jireh #BirdGang (@jirashon) November 16, 2025
I will always love the cardinals no matter what happens because I’ve watched the team for too long.
But it needs to be said this organization will always be worst in the NFL because of the Bidwells
Generational losers and they are OK with it
Until they sell, no hope in AZ 🏈
— Anthony Pacione (@apacione27) November 17, 2025
Absolutely humiliating.
Fire Gannon.
— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) November 16, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 47 of 57 passes for 452 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His 47 completions are an NFL record and his 452 passing yards are the most of his career.
On the other side, Arizona native and San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy had an excellent return from injury, completing 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns.
“I told my players we’re on the mat,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said post-game. “When the alarm goes off tomorrow, you better wake up and come to work and get off the mat.”
Arizona Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch (4) tries to stiff arm San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters (53) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gannon also took accountability for the team’s “shortcomings” and said they “beat themselves.” The Cardinals have two more divisional games left this season, both against the first-place Los Angeles Rams.
“We gotta do a better job collectively,” he said. “But we will get up. We will have a good attitude and we’ll have focus.”
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates Jake Tonges (88) and Kendrick Bourne (84) during their game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
What once looked like a rebound year may now require revisiting the blueprint to determine where things went wrong. Whether it’s game discipline, the absence of starters or issues within the coaching staff, Arizona is facing an unprecedented future.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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