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49ers Edge Cardinals 16-15 in a Nail-Biter: Iron Will at Levi’s Stadium!

49ers Edge Cardinals 16-15 in Nail-Biter: Heart & Grit Shine at Levi’s Stadium
September 22, 2025

In a wild finish at Levi’s Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers narrowly defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-15 in Week 3, delivering a clutch performance that thrilled fans and proved their mettle. 


The Comeback Drive

With the game tied 15-15, the 49ers relied on backup quarterback Mac Jones to lead the final drive. He calmly marched the team from their own 20-yard line with just 1:46 left, completing critical passes that set up rookie kicker Eddy Pineiro for the game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.


Standout Performances

  • Christian McCaffrey was dominant, combining for 140 total yards from scrimmage and making a key 20-yard catch that helped flip field position on the final drive.

  • Mac Jones threw for 284 yards, recorded one touchdown and one interception.

  • On the Cardinals side, Kyler Murray threw for 159 yards and one touchdown. Trey McBride caught five passes for 43 yards and hauled in the TD.


  • Turning Points & Drama

    • The game saw a fourth-quarter safety awarded to Arizona after a holding penalty in the end zone by the 49ers, giving the Cardinals a temporary 15-13 lead.

  • Earlier, starting quarterback Brock Purdy was out due to injury, so Mac Jones was under pressure to deliver.

  • Defensive contributions came in clutch: Upton Stout broke up a critical pass on Arizona’s possession late in the game, giving San Francisco the opportunity for their final drive.


  • Status & Implications

    With the win, the 49ers improved to 3-0, remaining unbeaten in the season so far and strengthening their place in the NFC West.

    The game also highlighted resilience in the face of injuries, especially with Nick Bosa exiting early due to a knee issue.


    Final Take

    This isn't just a win; it’s a statement. Under pressure, with starters out and time winding down, this 49ers roster showed poise, determination, and the depth to pull through. Faithful fans — the season is young, but nights like this are what build momentum. Onward!

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    Just Hours Before Kickoff vs. Bengals at Paycor, Drake Maye Shares the Real Story Behind His Cleats – A Tribute That Left the Entire Patriots Nation Speechless
    Cincinnati, Ohio – Just hours before the Patriots take the field at Paycor Stadium Drake Maye turned the NFL’s attention away from schemes and stats to something far deeper: family and love. The young New England star will wear a very special pair of “My Cause My Cleats,” and the reason behind them has left fans completely silent with emotion. Maye revealed the cleats are a tribute to his cousin who has Down syndrome – the person who played a huge role in his childhood. She was the first in the family with the condition, and she taught him patience, compassion, and how to treat everyone with kindness. After their grandmother passed away, the Maye family took turns caring for her for many years – an experience that shaped the empathetic Drake Maye we see today. Just hours before the game, Maye shared with visible emotion: “I want the world to know my cousin’s story. She has always been the softest, brightest light in our family. If these cleats help even one person understand more, love more, or open their heart more to people like her, then that’s the greatest gift I could ever give her today.” The words spread like wildfire and brought Patriots Nation to tears. For the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign, Maye chose to support Best Buddies North Carolina – the organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into the community. His cleats are designed in the organization’s signature colors and will be auctioned immediately after the game to raise funds for families with loved ones who have Down syndrome. Even as a rookie, Maye has already proven that true leadership isn’t measured only on the field – it’s measured by the heart and the way he inspires an entire community. As the Patriots walk into Paycor Stadium to face the Bengals, Drake Maye’s cleats carry more than just hope for a win – they carry the love for a cousin who has shaped his life forever.