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49ers vs. Cardinals: Previewing Week 10 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndrew White (18) leaps as he runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndrew White (18) leaps as he runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 10 By the Numbers

Yes, the Cardinals’ 2016 record is a bit weird. This was a team many felt would be right back in contention for a Super Bowl after coming oh-so close a year ago.

Arizona still has a legitimate shot. But they have to get hot right now. Fortunately for the Cardinals, a seemingly shoo-in victory over San Francisco is about the best thing they can get.

Defensively, there hasn’t been much for head coach Bruce Arians’ squad to worry about. The Cardinals have given up the fourth-fewest points in the league (140) and are leading the NFL in fewest yards against (2,376).

The Cardinals pass defense is a primary reason why teams are struggling to move the ball against Arizona. And pass-rushers Markus Golden and Chandler Jones have combined for 11 sacks over nine weeks.

October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) and outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 33-21. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) and outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 33-21. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Marcus Cooper — remember when he was with the 49ers? — leads the Cardinals defense with three interceptions too.

Yet the biggest focus, as it has been all season for San Francisco, has been opponents’ rushing games.

Cardinals tailback David Johnson has been tearing up the league all season and has 705 rushing yards and eight touchdowns to his credit. Pro Football Focus ranks him the No. 3 overall running back on the year.

This doesn’t bode well for a 49ers defense, which is allowing a historically bad 193 rushing yards per game.