49ers beat up Cardinals for third straight win

CANDLESTICK PARK — Stout defense, an solid running game and Vernon Davis highlighted the 49ers’ 32-20 victory over the Cardinals Sunday afternoon.

San Francisco improved to 4-2 with their third consecutive win, taking sole possession of second place in the NFC West while dropping Arizona to 3-3.

San Francisco’s ground game rolled up 149 yards against the Arizona defense — 101 yards by Frank Gore —  allowing Colin Kaepernick to hit Vernon Davis eight times for 180 yards and touchdowns of 61 and 35 yards.

Fullback Bruce Miller commended Gore’s effort:

“He’s probably the heart and soul of this offense. When he’s running the ball effectively I think our offense is effective in moving the chains and putting the ball in the end zone.”

Regarding the win head coach Jim Harbaugh said post-game:

“Everybody was contributing. We got big time plays.”

Carson Palmer threw three touchdowns, but also completed two passes to 49ers defensive backs Eric Reid and Carlos Rogers resulting in two Phil Dawson field goals while Corey Lemonier also sacked Palmer in the end zone for a safety.

Lemonier also forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter that was recovered by NaVorro Bowman.

Center Jonathan Goodwin also commented on today’s win:

“Just a hard fought game and fortunately we were able to open up some holes at the end for Frank and Kendall.”

Meanwhile Kaepernick threw one interception and lost a fumble, but still went 16 for 29 for 252 yards and two touchdowns while the Cardinals did not fully capitalize on the takeaways.

Larry Fitzgerald led Arizona with six catches for 117 yards including a 75-yarder, but the 49ers defense held the Arizona running game to 109 rushing yards which effectively stiffed the offense.

All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman later spoke to the media about the 49ers ability to force turnovers:

“I think we’re just playing 49er football and that’s something that we add to our game is just turnovers turnovers, turnovers. It’s starting to pan out for us.”

Turnovers ultimately cost the Cardinals who are now back to .500.

Notes

Nose tackle Glenn Dorsey (hamstring) and linebacker Michael Wilhoite (forearm/quadriceps) left the game with injuries and did not return. … Long time 49ers front office guru John McVay was inducted into 49ers ring of honor at halftime. … A shameful moment for 49ers fans occurred in the fourth quarter when Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell went down with an injury and while receiving treatment on the field, the Candlestick crowd began doing the wave even as 49ers players tried to signal them to stop. … Next up the 49ers travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans on Oct. 20. … The 49ers need one more victory to reach 500 franchise wins.

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