18 quick observations from the 49ers' south of the border beat down of the Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers are rolling. They're rolling on offense, they're rolling on defense. And on Monday night, they rolled over the Arizona Cardinals, winning 38-10.

The crowd in Mexico City was about 85% 49ers fans, and they made plenty of noise. Fortunately for most of that crowd, the 49ers gave them a lot to cheer about.


Here are my observations from the game:

• I guess hits to the head only get called when the 49ers do it. The officials missed an obvious one on the 49ers' first drive when George Kittle took a shot to the head.
• The first touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk was pretty. Great throw and catch.
• The route by Aiyuk was nasty.

• Speaking of Aiyuk, he's becoming a force. He had two touchdown catches in this game. I hope the 49ers can find a way to keep him when his contract is up.
• Jimmy Garoppolo was cooking in this game. He really was great, finishing with four passing touchdowns, and a 131.9 passer rating.

• Nick Bosa has 10.5 sacks in 9 games. He's good.
• Deebo Samuel looked like Deebo Samuel in this game. For those who have told me he looks fat, out of shape, and slow—he's not.
• The San Francisco defense gang tackles better than any in the league. They swarm to the ball.
• Elijah Mitchell has looked great running the ball the last two games. He didn't touch the ball very much on Monday night, but when he did, he made an impact.
• Trent Williams was throwing people around. So much for tipping plays.
• Williams and his fellow offensive linemen had a great night. No sacks allowed.

• Christian McCaffrey is such a devastating weapon out of the backfield. He had seven catches and 106 total yards. He is a safety blanket for Garoppolo, and what they are doing with him as a receiver is deadly. It reminds me of how Mike Shanahan used Ricky Watters, and how Bill Walsh used Roger Craig.
• The 49ers' defense was great. The 49ers' offense was even better. When is the last time someone wrote that?
• Dre Greenlaw is a beast. He looks like he's been shot out of a cannon every play.
• Is Talanoa Hufanga the greatest blitzer of all time? He's so good at it.

• DeMeco Ryans' halftime adjustments were outstanding for the third game in a row. The defense has pitched three consecutive second-half shutouts.

• The George Kittle breakout game. Two big touchdown catches, and 84 receiving yards.
• How good is Brock Purdy? He turned the wrong way on a handoff, and almost ran for a first down.
• The 49ers dominated this game just like we've all been waiting for them to do. Now they're in first place in the NFC West and are 4-0 in the division.

Up next for the 49ers: the New Orleans Saints in Levi's Stadium.

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