Mike Singletary was on point throughout the game, whether it was challenging the "12 men on the field" call and winning a reversal or calling a timeout with 1:32 left in the third quarter to give his defense a needed rest and a pep talk. Remember, this was his first game as permanent head coach. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, defensive-line coach Jim Tomsula, pass-rush coach Al Harris and secondary coach Johnnie Lynn all did well.

OVERALL
It was an emotional start to the regular season and an important victory over a divisional opponent. The play of San Francisco's defense was uplifting for the team but of a troubling nature was the success of Arizona's eight- and nine-man defensive fronts in stopping Gore. Other teams will see this game as a template for how to hold down this supposed power running team. Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has his work cut out for him.