Need a distraction from the endless bombardment of political ads and coronavirus news in Arizona? The 2020 Cardinals might fit the bill.

In smoky San Francisco on Sunday, against the defending NFC champs and division rival 49ers, the Cardinals proved worthy of distraction from our long, hot, cruel summer with a brand new addition.

Kyler Murray scampered for a touchdown and had 91 yards on the ground, while throwing for another and connecting on 14 passes to newcomer DeAndre Hopkins, including the throw that set up Kenyan Drake's go-ahead 1-yard score with 5 minutes to play that led the Cardinals over the Niners, 24-20 the final in the NFL opener for both teams.

Hopkins was a big hit in his first game with Arizona after an off-season trade with Houston that sent David Johnson to Texas. He says they had the Niners' number.

"We saw some things on film that we thought we could take advantage of.” Hopkins said.

“It’s hard to stop this team once we get going. We practiced the way we played, fast tempo, everyone’s in shape. We knew that once we started clicking, we would be hard to stop.

Cards coach Kliff Kingsbury says Hopkins made his fast-paced, pass-first offense click.

“I didn’t know that he would go for that many catches, but he got hot and he and Kyler got in a rhythm and just excited that he is part of our organization.”

There had been concern all week about the status of the game because of poor air conditions from fires across Northern California, but the air quality index remained below the threshold.

The Cardinals make their home debut against the Washington football team Sunday in Glendale.