What we learned as Purdy, CMC power 49ers’ win over Cardinals

BOX SCORE GLENDALE, Ariz. — The 49ers lined up Sunday without their two starting defensive tackles, and their run defense suffered. But the 49ers had more than enough offense to pull away from the Arizona Cardinals for a 45-29 victory in front of a large gathering of supporters in the road stadium. The 49ers clinched the NFC West title and improved to 11-3 on the season. Coach Kyle Shanahan's team took another step closer to gaining home-field advantage in the NFC. If the 49ers win their final three games, they will assure themselves of a first-round bye in the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Their remaining games are against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas night, at the Washington Commanders and back home to finish the season against the Los Angeles Rams. In the process of dispatching the Cardinals, the 49ers continued their dominance over NFC West teams. It was the 49ers' 12th consecutive victory against division opponents. Here are the three takeaways from the Week 15 game: Purdy's first-half scare It did not look good when quarterback Brock Purdy was on the ground late in the first half. Center Jake Brendel checked on him, and turned away and reacted angrily after Cardinals...