SANTA CLARA — In a stunning turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers fell short once again, enduring another fourth-quarter collapse that led to a narrow 24-23 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. This game marked their second consecutive loss to an NFC West opponent, raising significant concerns as the team struggles to assert its identity early in the season.

Two weeks after surrendering a 10-point lead against the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers found themselves in a similar predicament. After leading by 10 points, they were unable to hold onto their advantage, with the Cardinals scoring the go-ahead points on Chad Ryland's 35-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.

“I believe it's early in the season, and we’re still trying to find our true identity as a team,” quarterback Brock Purdy lamented post-game. His frustration was echoed by tight end George Kittle, who remarked, “We haven’t won those gritty little games yet. It’s something we have to get better at and get done.”

This particular match was notable for its heat, with a record-setting kickoff temperature that soared to 89 degrees at Levi’s Stadium. The excruciating weather conditions may have contributed to the players' fatigue, but that is no excuse for the missed opportunities.

With a quick turnaround on their schedule, the 49ers will face the first-place Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. A victory in Seattle could propel them into a tie for the division lead, offering a glimmer of hope to turn the tide after this latest loss. “That's all we talked about in the locker room,” head coach Kyle Shanahan shared. “The next time we can do something about it is Thursday.”

The 49ers’ record now stands at 2-3, with 0-2 in NFC West games. Just like the loss to the Rams, players remarked on how this defeat felt reminiscent, with the consensus that they failed to deliver the knockout blow when it mattered most. “There are so many opportunities to put teams away, and we’re just not doing it right now,” defensive end Nick Bosa stated.

The second half was a dismal affair for the 49ers, who failed to score as their drives fizzled with an interception, a failed fourth-down attempt, and a crucial red zone fumble by Jordan Mason. The abandoned lead made the stakes only higher when Mason fumbled at the Cardinals’ 12-yard line with just over six minutes to go. At that moment, the 49ers held a precarious 23-21 advantage, allowing Arizona to mount a game-winning drive in response.

Shanahan addressed the situation, saying, “When you’re fighting for extra yards, you’ve got to be careful with the ball. He just got a little careless with it and they knocked it out.” Mason's fumble, coupled with kicker Jake Moody's high ankle injury sustained earlier in the game, left the 49ers in dire straits.

The intensity of the afternoon was further heightened by Kyler Murray’s impressive performance, which included a 50-yard touchdown run on the Cardinals’ opening possession, pushing the 49ers onto the back foot early. Murray concluded the game with 195 passing yards, one touchdown, and a concerning 82 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.

Though Purdy experienced ups and downs during the game, completing 19 of 35 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown, his two interceptions proved costly at crucial moments. “We were moving the ball well the whole day,” Kittle mused. "But when you end up with turnovers – on downs, interceptions, a fumble – it’s hard to win games when you play like that.”

In the wake of the defeat, the 49ers will be working on addressing their shortcomings, specifically in the critical moments that dictate the outcome of games. With the upcoming clash against Seattle looming just days away, time is of the essence for this team if they hope to reverse their fortunes and solidify their status as contenders in the competitive NFC West division. Will the 49ers rise to the challenge, or do they face the risk of spiraling further into disappointment? The answer may shed light on their true identity as a team moving forward.