The 49ers suffer another 4th-quarter collapse under coach Kyle Shanahan

In Santa Clara, California, the San Francisco 49ers faced a disappointing 24-23 loss against the Arizona Cardinals, marking their second consecutive defeat in the NFC West. The game saw the 49ers leading 23-13 in the fourth quarter, but they failed to maintain their advantage. Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled, throwing two interceptions, while running back Jordan Mason lost a crucial fumble in the red zone. The defense also faltered, allowing the Cardinals to score two late touchdowns, including a decisive 2-point conversion. This loss highlighted a troubling trend for the 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan, as it was the sixth time they have squandered a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter since he took over in 2017. Players expressed frustration over their inability to close out games, with All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams emphasizing the need to finish strong when in control. Despite some positive plays, such as a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown and an interception that set up a scoring opportunity, the 49ers could not capitalize on these moments. The team’s struggles were compounded by injuries, including kicker Jake Moody, which forced them to make risky decisions on fourth downs. As the 49ers prepare for a critical matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, they must address their late-game execution issues and find their identity early in the season to avoid further setbacks in the competitive NFC West.