Cardinals 20, 49ers 23

The Cardinals fall to the 49ers 23-20 today at the University of Phoenix Stadium.  The Cardinals finish the year with a 10-6 record.  This loss eliminates the Cardinals from playoff contention.  I hate to see this season end, it's been a lot of fun, I couldn't be more impressed by the job that Steve Keim, Bruce Arians, Todd Bowles, Carson Palmer and company did this season though and I can't help but think that the Cardinals future is bright with this group leading the way.   

Observation:

• First Quarter Score:  49ers 17, Cardinals 0.  That hole was too deep to climb out of.
• I loved that 2nd quarter fourth & goal call by Bruce Arians that resulted in a TD. 
• The Cardinals did win 7 of their last 9 games, that slow start to the seasons really doomed them.
• A full season out of Jonathan Cooper should help next year.  
• Michael Floyd with yet another big catch, he really stepped up big this year.
• Total Yards:  Cardinals 482, 49ers 375.
• Total Plays:  Cardinals 72, 49ers 59.
• I wish that the Cardinals had gone for a 2 point conversion after that late touchdown. 
• DE Calais Campbell had yet another solid year.  9 sacks on the season.
• It was a rough day for Cardinals kicker Jay Feely.  
• How is it possible that Dan Williams just got his first career sack today?
• Carson Palmer had 407 passing yards today.  He also surpassed 4,000 on the season. 
• The Cardinals were 3-4 on fourth down today.  That's damn good. 
• How did the Cardinals ever let Anquan Boldin leave Arizona in the first place??? 
• NaVorro Bowman is a heckuva football player for the 49ers.  
• The Cardinals will be selecting 20th in the 2014 NFL Draft.  
• A round 2-2 QB pick wouldn't be a bad idea for the Cards (Zach Mettenberger? Kevin Hogan?). 
• Up next?  The offseason, no playoffs this year.  Bring on the NFL Draft!