GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald recalled his history of facing the 49ers after the team extended their streak of wins in the series to eight in a row.
“Anytime you can beat the 49ers, for me, that’s the biggest win in our division,” Fitzgerald said. “They’re the most storied franchise in our division. They’ve won multiple Super Bowls. I remember losing seven in a row at one point to those guys, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, Justin Smith and those guys. How difficult it was to beat those guys.
“So to be able to put together a little streak that we have now against them, it means a lot. It’s not easy to have that kind of fortune against any team, especially a team like San Francisco.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Fitzgerald has consistently been a challenge for the 49ers defense over his 15-year career. He proved that again on Sunday when he registered his first 100-yard game of the season. He caught eight of his 12 targets for 102 yards.
The 49ers defense actually held Fitzgerald to 21 yards receiving through the third quarter but couldn’t contain him in the fourth. Fitzgerald was a key component in the Cardinals two late touchdown drives. He caught all four of his targets for 81 yards and one touchdown. His reception of the Cardinals 2-point conversion sealed the 18-15 score.
This is not the only time Fitzgerald has caused heartbreak for the 49ers. Last October he caught the game winning touchdown with 37 seconds left in overtime and the Cardinals won the game 18-15.
“Anytime you can get a win, that’s what it’s all about,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s the reason you play the game. That’s why we come out here and do it. It’s not for personal accolades, it’s for the wins and losses. To be able to get a win at home, first win of the season, never thought I’d say that eight games in, but it was good to get a win.”
San Francisco 49ers
Fitzgerald has been the staple for the Cardinals offense, and a stand out in the league. He is third in career receiving yards (15,902), which puts him 32 yards behinds Hall Of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens (15,934).
The 49ers haven’t beaten the Cardinals since December 28th, 2014. Jim Harbaugh was the head coach, Colin Kaepernick was the quarterback and running back Frank Gore was still on the team.