GAME REVIEW

OFFENSE

Jimmy Garoppolo’s price tag for next season is beginning to soar. In directing the 49ers to a third straight win, Garoppolo went 20-for-29 for 228 yards, threw a career-high-tying four TD passes and wasn’t intercepted or sacked. The 49ers rushed for 159 yards — averaging 5.7 per carry — and had five plays of at least 20 yards. Tied for fifth in third-down conversions (45.6%) entering the game, they improved on that by going 6-for-11.

DEFENSE

If it’s the second half, it’s a shutout for the 49ers, who haven’t allowed a post-halftime score in three games. They allowed 10 points and 186 yards on the Cardinals’ first five drives, then locked it down. Arizona gained 76 yards on its next four possessions before a trash-time 52-yard drive was ended by the 49ers’ second interception. The 49ers had nine tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and three sacks — including Nick Bosa’s weekly contribution (he has 10.5 in nine games).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mitch Wishnowsky averaged 54.5 yards on his four punts and dropped two of them inside the 20 — including one that was downed at the Cardinals’ 4-yard-line. All seven of Robbie Gould’s kickoffs were touchbacks and he made his only field-goal try (a 39-yarder).

COACHING

Christmas is still a month away, but Kyle Shanahan was playing with all his toys. Christian McCaffrey had 106 total yards and Deebo Samuel 94. Elijah Mitchell rushed for 59 yards (on nine carries). George Kittle had 84 yards receiving and two TDs. Brandon Aiyuk had two TD catches. One thing Shanahan might not have at his disposal next season: defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, whose halftime adjustments have led to those three consecutive second-half zeroes and might lead him to a head-coaching job in 2023.

OVERALL

That wasn’t a home game, but the 49ers certainly enjoyed the home-field advantage in Mexico City — and now they are 6-4, tied for the NFC West lead, and fly back to the Bay Area to play their next three games at Levi’s Stadium. The past three victories have raised one big question: How in the world did this team lose to both the Bears and the Broncos?