Passing game and coaching moves win the day for Cardinals.

Kent Somers breaks down what we learned in the Cardinals' comeback victory over the 49ers on Sunday at State Farm Stadium.

Offense

The Cardinals mucked around for the better part of three quarters. By the start of the fourth, they had gained 135 yards and scored only three points. New offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich did install some new wrinkles. There were far more screen passes to running back David Johnson than in previous weeks. And Johnson occasionally gained a few yards running the ball. Leftwich did a solid job of getting plays called in a timely manner, which had been a problem over the first seven games. But overall, the Cardinals had the same old problems. Quarterback Josh Rosen was inconsistent and the offensive line was struggling. That changed in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals gained 186 yards and scored 15 points in the quarter. So why the difference? Well, Rosen got hot. He looked antsy in the pocket for much of the game, but some completions in the fourth quarter seemed to give him confidence. Rosen is smart enough, too, to throw the ball to receiver Larry Fitzgerald in times of trouble. Rosen was impressive down the stretch, and the Cardinals should be able to find some hope in four rookies being in the game for much of the final drive: Rosen, center Mason Cole, receiver Christian Kirk and running back Chase Edmonds. The Cardinals finished with 321 yards, a season high.

Defense

The Cardinals used a 4-3 as their base defense for the first time this season. In previous weeks, they used nickel, with only two linebackers and five defensive backs. But they knew the 49ers wanted to run out of a two-back set. So they added a linebacker, Deone Bucannon, who had been benched earlier this season. Bucannon appeared to play well and had five tackles. Haason Reddick, an inside linebacker, appeared to play his best game as a pro. He had only two tackles, but one was for a loss and he knocked down a pass. More importantly, Reddick appeared to always be filling the proper gap, which hasn’t been one of his strengths. Defensive end Markus Golden is improving weekly. Golden suffered a torn ACL a year ago, so he’s just now feeling more like his old self. He led the Cardinals with seven tackles and had a sack. The Cardinals played without defensive tackle Corey Peters (ankle/heel), their best run defender. Olsen Pierre and Robert Nkemdiche appeared to hold up well with Peters out. The Cardinals sacked C.J. Beathard four times and only gave up one big play. Cornerback Patrick Peterson was beat on a short slant by Marquise Goodwin. A former Olympic long jumper, Goodwin left Peterson behind and no other Cardinal could catch him. He scored from 55 yards out.

Special teams

Punter Andy Lee was very good, again, and had a net average of 39.4. Kicker Phil Dawson made his only fieldgoal attempt, a 31-yarder. Christian Kirk fair caught five punts, but he probably made a mistake fielding one at his 5yard line. That contributed to the 49ers scoring a safety when Rosen was called for intentional grounding while throwing out of the end zone.