Streak of defensive dominance still intact
MEXICO CITY — The San Francisco 49ers were leading by 28 points with less than three minutes left Monday night and pass rusher Nick Bosa was doing something unexpected: Freaking out on the sideline.
“I really wanted to get out there,” Bosa said, “for that last drive.”
Bosa was stressed because the streak was in jeopardy. The 49ers hadn’t allowed a point in the second half of their previous two games, and they managed to keep it alive despite pulling many of their starters in garbage time of their 38-10 win over the Cardinals.
The 49ers haven’t allowed a point in their past 96 minutes and 5 seconds of post-halftime game action after backup cornerback Samuel Womack’s end-zone interception ended the Cardinals’ last possession. Arizona reached the 49ers’ 13yard line on itst final drive.
Bosa indicated defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ second-half adjustments have played a role in the streak.
“He’s amazing,” Bosa said. “He knows when to make the right calls. I don’t think he’ll be here much longer, unfortunately, if he wants a (head-coaching) job somewhere. Three secondhalf shutouts in a row is winning football.”
Game ball: After a victory filled with standouts, the game ball didn’t go to a player or coach. Instead, it went to co-chairman and former co-owner, Dr. John York.
York was recognized after the 49ers spent six days in Colorado Springs last week to adjust to high altitude before arriving in Mexico City on Sunday night. The team stayed at a luxury resort, The Broadmoor, and practiced at the Air Force Academy.
“Just for him to put us in that situation,” Bosa said, “and spend the money that you have to spend to do something like that is why the Niners are a winning franchise.”
The Air Force Academy is at 6,788 feet. Estadio Azteca is 7,200 feet above sea level.
Tight end George Kittle said the time in Colorado, which featured freezing temperatures, was well spent when asked about playing in the altitude.
“I just spent a week in Colorado at 6,000 feet,” Kittle said. “I think that was definitely helpful for us. I got my second wind early. Shout-out to our ownership for taking us to Colorado.”
Meanwhile, the Cardinals spent the week in Glendale, Ariz., before arriving in Mexico City on Saturday.
Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury was asked if he thought the altitude affected the Cardinals in the second half when they were outscored 21-0.
“I didn’t,” Kingsbury said. “Everybody was tired. I think both teams you could see were getting winded at times. But it wasn’t anything that I felt like was game-changing.”
No injury: The 49ers said Tuesday that cornerback Charvarius Ward did not suffer a groin injury after they announced he did in the first quarter on their Twitter account. A team spokesman said there was a miscommunication in the outdoor press box.
Ward was laboring throughout the game, which could have been the effects of the altitude. Ward missed two of the three practices at the Air Force Academy to tend to a personal matter and participated only in Saturday’s half-speed practice. Ward received oxygen on the bench after he briefly exited in the first quarter.
Ward often covered wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had 92 yards on nine catches (12 targets).
Unwelcome Arizona: Despite being the home team, the Cardinals were booed throughout the night, even when they came on the field carrying the Mexican flag before kickoff.
Arizona quarterback Colt McCoy, who often couldn’t communicate offensive signals because of crowd noise, said the reception didn’t surprise him.
“I know the 49ers’ fans travel well,” McCoy said. “They were pretty loud. We went on the silent count most of the night. But it was a really cool stadium and a really cool experience.” Briefly: Head coach Kyle Shanahan did not report an injury for the third straight game. … The victory gave Shanahan a winning record for the first time as the 49ers’ head coach. His record, including playoff games, improved to 49-48. … Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw four touchdown passes in a game for the fourth time in his career. Three of those games have come against the Cardinals . ... Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk became the first pair of 49ers to have at least two touchdown receptions in the same game since Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens in 2000.