49ers vs. Cardinals: Game Preview and Prediction
Just three weeks removed from their first matchup, the 49ers and Cardinals will square off for the last time in 2019. San Francisco is coming into this game after being in an unfamiliar situation all week. That is due to the fact that they suffered their first loss of the season to the Seahawks on Monday night.
An enormous reason why Seattle had success against the 49ers was thanks to the Cardinals. Arizona played the 49ers better than anyone had prior to their matchup and provided a blueprint for the Seahawks. By stacking the box and selling out for the run, a defense will have their best chance at success against them. The 49ers will look to rebound and make the Cardinals pay for tipping off the league on how to scheme against them.
However, this won’t be an easygoing for the 49ers. These two teams just played each other three weeks ago, so there isn’t going to be much of disparage since then. The advantages in this will go to each of the respective defenses, especially for the Cardinals if both George Kittle and Emmanuel Sanders are inactive. Despite currently being on a three-game losing streak, the Cardinals have not laid down for anyone.
That much was evident in week nine when it looked like they had no shot coming back against the Niners. Kyler Murray will still present problems, as well as the running game. Staying discipline for the secondary is key, while the defensive front needs to force everything middle. As for the offense, Kyle Shanahan will assuredly prepare for a loaded box.
The running game hasn’t been as effective for the 49ers and they are going into Sunday without Matt Breida. The aerial attack worked wonders for them last time, so that’ll surely be an emphasis. It’s just a matter on if these receivers can actually hold onto the pass. Quite honestly, this game has the makings off a lot of stalled out drives and low scoring.
As close as this game will be, the 49ers should still emerge with the win. It isn’t a must win, but a got to have game for them. The following three weeks will be their toughest stretch all season with the Packers, Ravens and Saints incoming. Sunday will just be another test for this 49ers team. This test will be to see how they respond after losing a close game.
Final: Cardinals 17 49ers 21
