SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A review of four hot issues from the San Francisco 49ers' 32-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals:

Davis has huge game: Tight end Vernon Davis had a brilliant game with eight catches for 180 yards. He tied for the third-most yards by a tight end in a game in the past 20 years. San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick connected with six other receivers for a total of 72 yards. The 49ers’ passing game revolves around either Davis or Anquan Boldin. Sunday, Davis carried the day as he had 171 receiving yards in the first half.

Grinding the meat: The 49ers’ had 149 yards rushing and starter Frank Gore had 101 yards on 25 carries. Gore is averaging 104.3 yards over the past four games. The 49ers are 3-1 in those games. The 49ers relied on the ground game on an 18-play, 89-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown to give San Francisco a nine-point lead late in the game. Coach Jim Harbaugh said the 49ers were “grinding the meat” during the drive.

Rookies continue turnover craze: The rookie class is making a difference for San Francisco. First-round pick Eric Reid had an interception and a fumble recovery. Third-round pick Corey Lemonier had a sack for a safety and forced a fumble. The 49ers forced four turnovers. They have created 10 turnovers in the past three games.

Discipline continues to get better: The 49ers were penalized just four times on Sunday. They have been flagged a total of seven times in the past two games after being flagged 39 times in the first four games. Earlier in the season, San Francisco was committing silly penalties (especially on defense) at an alarming rate. They hurt the team in losses to Seattle and Indianapolis. It seems like they have cleaned the issue up, which is vital moving forward.