By Josh Dubow, The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The defense wilted in the heat, the offense couldn’t finish drives or protect the ball and the San Francisco 49ers blew another late lead to a division opponent in frustrating fashion. Brock Purdy threw two interceptions in the second half, Jordan Mason lost a fumble in the red zone and San Francisco allowed Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals to drive for two fourth-quarter scores in a 24-23 loss Sunday that looked eerily familiar to an earlier defeat against an NFC West foe.
Two weeks after blowing a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter to the Los Angeles Rams, the Niners (2-3) did it again as they couldn’t protect a 23-13 advantage against Arizona. This marked the sixth time they have blown a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter in the regular season and playoffs under coach Kyle Shanahan, tied for the most by any coach in the NFL since he was hired in 2017. “It’s super frustrating,” All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams said.
“Obviously, we have to figure out how to close out games and how to get teams out early when we have the chance.” The Niners had plenty of chances to be in control thanks to a blocked field goal that Deommodore Lenoir returned for a touchdown in the first half and an interception by Nick Bosa that set up a field goal. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
, top, catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaac Yiadom during the second half of an NFL f.
