SANTA CLARA, California. – La grabación en video del partido del domingo brindará a Cardenales una larga lista de problemas que deben corregir, y Steve Wilks reconoció eso al final.
Aunque eso no detuvo la media sonrisa que mostró el rostro del entrenador de Cardenales cuando finalmente le preguntaron sobre lo especial que resultaba a nivel personal su primera victoria.
"Sí, es especial," respondió Wilks, luego que Cardenales vencieron 28-18 a 49ers, en el Estadio Levi's para la primera victoria de Wilks y la primera de Cardenales en cinco partidos esta temporada. "¿Saben con lo que he estado lidiando las últimas cuatro semanas? ¿En serio? Sí, se siente muy bien.
"Espero sea el primero de muchos."
Salvo el pase para touchdown de 75 yardas que Josh Rosen lanzó a Christian Kirk en la primera jugada ofensiva, fue poco lo bonito para Cardenales el domingo. No obstante, Wilks habló sobre cómo "no existe tal cosa como una victoria fea," y con todos los defectos, hubo destellos atractivos.
Cinco robos de balón aportaron algo de eso, incluida una captura del linebacker Haason Reddick que incluyó balón suelto que el apoyador Josh Bynes regresó 23 yardas para un touchdown en el cuarto periodo para ampliar la ventaja a nueve puntos. El bombazo de Rosen en la primera jugada también podría hacer que un entrenador se desmayara.
La defensa fue vapuleada de nuevo por tierra – 147 yardas por acarreo para 49ers (1-4), empleando a su tercer corredor – y después de la anotación de Kirk, la ofensiva nuevamente se estancó muy a menudo. 49ers se la ingeniaron para ejecutar la aparatosa cantidad de 92 jugadas, superando a Cardenales enormemente en primeras oportunidades (33 contra 10) y en tiempo de posesión (40:12 contra 19:48).
Sin embargo, para sacar el día, el marcador fue suficiente.
"Ganar el primero fue genial," expresó el safety Tre Boston, quien consiguió una intercepción. "Ahora tenemos que mantener ese impulso."
Además de que Reddick y Bynes se combinaron para conseguir un touchdown defensivo, Cardenales también obtuvieron una captura acompañada por un balón suelto de Chandler Jones, una intercepción de Tre Boston, un balón suelto recuperado por Patrick Peterson que provocó el tackle defensivo Rodney Gunter y una intercepción de Bené Benwikere para ayudar con la victoria.
La intercepción de Benwikere, en la posesión después de la anotación de Bynes, fue antesala del segundo touchdown del día para David Johnson. Johnson aún está batallando para generar impacto – 55 yardas en 18 acarreos, dos recepciones para 16 yardas – aunque ese fue un problema a lo largo de todo el día para la ofensiva.
Rosen no fue tan preciso como lo fue en su primer partido como titular, y los lanzamientos errados hicieron una diferencia. Sus estadísticas después de ese primer intento fueron solo 9 de 24 para 95 yardas, aunque no tuvo ninguna pérdida de balón.
"Podría haber sido algo diferente en cada una de las jugadas," expresó Rosen con relación a los problemas de precisión. "Ya veremos (el lunes). Aunque todo lo que me importa es esta victoria. Estoy bastante feliz porque tenemos la primera."
Larry Fitzgerald sonreía después de la victoria y mientras se refería al touchdown de Kirk – durante el cual él atrajo a varios defensores para ayudar a abrir el campo para Kirk – aunque está consciente que la ofensiva debe ser mucho más consistente.
"Es desalentador en ocasiones," expresó Fitzgerald, quien tuvo dos atrapadas para 35 yardas. "No hicimos las cosas tan bien como esperábamos."
49ers, ya batidos por lesiones, perdieron al corredor Matt Breita debido a una lesión en el tobillo en la primera mitad, su pateador Robbie Gould falló un gol de campo por primera vez después de 33 intentos consecutivos, y fracasó en un intento de punto extra por un mal saque del centro largo. Además de todos los balones perdidos.
Sin embargo, Wilks hizo hincapié en la necesidad de detener a los rivales en tercera oportunidad con mayor frecuencia, y aunque Boston dijo que la defensiva no estaba agotada, si destacó la necesidad de apuntalar esa parte del juego.
Por lo menos las correcciones se presentan después de una victoria. Wilks dijo que Cardenales sabían que no habían producido – "era nuestro," indicó, aunque al menos ya no estarán lidiando con el cero en la columna de las victorias.
"Esto demuestra lo fuerte que somos mentalmente," comentó Boston. "Un equipo con marca de 0 y 4, si no eres mentalmente fuerte y no crees en tu proceso, pierdes el juego allí mismo. Te ves en la misma situación en la que has estado y te ves perdiendo. Eso no somos nosotros. Nos vimos ganando."
Images from the Cardinals' Week 5 contest against the San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches action during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Cardinals DE Chandler Jones gets pressure on 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard, left, is sacked by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, bottom, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes, bottom center, celebrates with teammates after returning a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert (31) runs against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Steve Wilks is congratulated on the sideline for getting his first win as an NFL head coach
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen after an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) talks with San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams after an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) waves after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
The Arizona Cardinals celebrate in the locker room after their victory in San Francisco
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard, bottom, scrambles away from Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
The Cardinals defense gets a stop near at goal line
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and quarterback Josh Rosen (3) walk off the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (46) runs against Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) and free safety Antoine Bethea, rear, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) runs against Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston, bottom, and linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Cardinals CB Bene' Benwikere intercepts 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) passes as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
RB David Johnson
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs toward the end zone to score on a touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
CB Patrick Peterson returns a fumble
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, left, passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
The Cardinals celebrate after stopping the 49ers 2-point conversion attempt
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
LB Josh Bynes lays a tough hit on 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald dives for the catch
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) remains on the ground during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
WR Christian Kirk catches a 75-yard touchdown
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Cardinals LB Josh Bynes returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
The Cardinals defense signal they recovered the fumble
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson, left, runs in front of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida, left, runs against Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches as players warm up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) wears pink for cancer awareness before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
The secondary before the game
Cardinals fans at Levi's Stadium
CB Patrick Peterson before the game
