The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-3 on Sunday, using a 105-yard kickoff return touchdown and two long scoring passes to pull away. Arizona improved to 10-2. The 49ers fell to 2-10.

Terry McFalls opened the scoring with a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter. San Francisco tied it at 3 on Stephen Baker’s 24-yard field goal early in the second, but the Cardinals answered immediately. Andrew Hudgens returned Baker’s ensuing kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown, giving Arizona a 9-3 lead. McFalls’ extra point made it 10-3.

With 1:19 remaining in the first half, Frank Atkins connected with Sean Smith for an 8-yard touchdown. McFalls converted the extra point, and Arizona led 17-3 at halftime.

The Cardinals extended the margin on their first possession of the third quarter. Atkins found Charles Butts for a 62-yard touchdown, and McFalls’ extra point made it 24-3. Arizona’s defense kept San Francisco from scoring again.

Atkins completed 24 of 31 passes for 237 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Butts led the Cardinals with 103 receiving yards and a touchdown; Smith had 71 yards and a touchdown. Running back Matthew Ligon rushed for 90 yards as Arizona totaled 143 yards on 34 carries.

The Cardinals converted 10 of 18 third downs and recorded six sacks. Willie Boone and Joe Dement had two sacks apiece, while George Reynolds forced a fumble. San Francisco managed 155 passing yards and 21 rushing yards, and converted one of 13 third downs.

Arizona’s division title was already clinched entering the game, according to the supplied standings. The 49ers’ only points came on Baker’s second-quarter field goal. Atkins was intercepted by John Aderholt in the third quarter, but San Francisco did not turn that takeaway into points.