The Arizona Cardinals of 2026 looked a little like the 2025 version on Sunday. That's not good

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals of 2026 looked a lot like the 2025 version against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

No, that's not a compliment.

The Cardinals (1-2) lost their second game in a row on Sunday, falling to the 49ers 36-30 for their eighth straight defeat against an NFC West opponent. The game had a familiar theme that harkened back to last year's 3-14 season — the offense was pretty good, the defense was pretty bad and penalties were a problem, particularly in the first half.

The biggest similarity? A loss.

“We've got to do some of the little things better and it starts with coaching,” first-year coach Mike LaFleur said. “We have to provide clarity — and I'm talking in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams. Because on offense, let's not mask this by scoring 30 points, there's a lot to clean up. It's the same on defense.”

San Francisco is the sixth straight NFC West opponent to score at least 30 points against Arizona's defense. The Cardinals had no sacks against Brock Purdy and the 49ers quarterback threw for four touchdowns and no interceptions.

“There's just little detail aspects in terms of blitz timing, being in the right fronts, all those kinds of things,” LaFleur said. “Again, I'll start with that it's the clarity we need to provide these guys, so that they can go out and execute in a way that's going to be successful.”

Jacoby Brissett bounced back from his least productive game with the Cardinals to put up his usual good numbers, completing 38 of 52 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Wilson had 11 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, tight end Trey McBride caught nine balls for 75 yards and the much-maligned Marvin Harrison Jr. had a better game with three catches for 40 yards.

LaFleur said the offense has been fairly consistent, but needs to figure out a way to get bigger gains in the passing game.

“We're three weeks in and we haven't been extremely explosive,” LaFleur said. “I know this, when you're trying to play good offensive football in this league and you're having to do it through drives — drive in and drive out — it's tough.

“At some point we've got to get a little bit more explosive.”

The Cardinals' defense has been gashed for long touchdowns during the first quarter in each of the last two games. Against Seattle, it was a busted coverage that led to an 82-yard touchdown for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. On Sunday, it was a hook-and-ladder play by the 49ers that started with Purdy's short pass to Mike Evans, who flipped a lateral to Deebo Samuel for an 80-yard touchdown.

Jeremiyah Love had 90 yards rushing on 21 carries and 19 yards receiving and a TD on five catches against the 49ers. Those aren't monster numbers, but the rookie out of Notre Dame has flashed his speed and shiftiness in each of the first three games. It's clear the Cardinals trust his ability — and his mind — and he'll have a big role going forward.

“I thought he got in a groove right there,” LaFleur said. “Like I just told him, I said, ‘Hey, just keep trusting your reads, keep taking the ball.’ You have to stay disciplined as a back, but we don’t have a clicker in our hand on Sundays. These guys have to go play their game, see it and play fast. I thought he did that.”

Edge rusher Josh Sweat has been nearly invisible through three games, with no sacks and one tackle for loss. The 29-year-old had a career-high 12 sacks last season and the Cardinals were hoping for similar results in the second year of his $76.4 million, four-year deal . Sweat missed most of preseason camp while nursing a knee injury, so maybe it's just a slow start, but the defense needs his 2025 version on the field.

The Cardinals emerged from the game fairly healthy. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (back) missed the game but the team hopes he can return soon.

39 — The average number of points the Cardinals have surrendered during their last six games against NFC West foes. They've lost all six.

The Cardinals visit the New York Giants on Sunday.

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