Game review

OFFENSE

Perhaps this should have been the formula in the first 15 games: Frank Gore (144 yards) had 25 carries, and QB Colin Kaepernick (108.5 rating) appeared to benefit from the robust ground game. The previously leaky offensive line allowed one sack, and ageless Anquan Boldin’s 76-yard TD catch was his longest since 2008.

DEFENSE

Besieged by injuries, this rag-tag group — starters Nick Moody, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Craig Dahl et al. — found its footing after thirdstring QB Ryan Lindley threw for 260 yards and two TDs in the first half. The Cardinals managed seven first downs and 81 yards in the final two quarters. Defensive backs Chris Culliver and Dahl and linebacker Michael Wilhoite had interceptions.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Phil Dawson had just enough foot on a 53-yard FG and made 6 of 9 from 50-plus yards this season. Emergency kickoff returner Trindon Holliday, signed two days before kickoff, handled his duties with aplomb, averaging 27.7 yards on three runbacks. The 49ers limited an ex-teammate, speedster Ted Ginn, to a 16.3-yard average on three kickoff returns.

COACHING

Jim Harbaugh is reportedly going to be an $8 million coach, but the man is not gifted when it comes to challenging plays: He lost yet another challenge on a first-half catch by wide receiver Michael Floyd. The 49ers’ late-game give-the-ball-to-Gore strategy was sound: He had 17 carries and 122 yards in the final two quarters. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio deserves credit for another solid performance from his noname unit.

OVERALL

The 49ers showed pride and respect for their outgoing head coach by summoning a winning effort in a meaningless game against a playoff-bound opponent. Gore’s stirring performance in his possible farewell shouldn’t be lost amid the Harbaugh saga.