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Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 Arizona Weaknesses San Francisco Needs to Exploit in Week 5

By Peter Panacy

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) intercepts the pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) intercepts the pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is helped off the ground by teammates after being injured against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is helped off the ground by teammates after being injured against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Make the Cardinals Miss Quarterback Carson Palmer

The Cardinals officially announced veteran quarterback Carson Palmer (concussion) will be out for Week 5.

In his stead, Arizona will start No. 2 QB Drew Stanton. The 32-year-old backup is 5-of-15 on the year and has a passer rating of 3.6. Yes, you read that right.

Stanton’s career number, aside from a few decent outings in 2014, aren’t particularly great either. So the lack of quarterbacking play might negate some of the worries the 49ers might have about electric receivers like Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald out of the slot isn’t a good matchup for 49ers nickel corner Chris Davis. But the Niners could place up-and-coming cornerback Rashard Robinson on Fitzgerald for a better one-on-one matchup

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And if the 49ers can win those battles, at least effectively enough, Stanton won’t be a game-changer.

This also allows San Francisco’s defense to cheat against the run, which is what it will have to do in order to come away with a victory.

Next: Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 Matchups to Watch for San Francisco

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.