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

By Peter Panacy

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October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third 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; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 33-21. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors

San Francisco has given up seven 100-plus-yard rushers over the last seven games. And, not surprisingly, the Niners have lost each one of those contests.

Life won’t get any easier facing off against running back David Johnson. So it’s safe to assume the 49ers will live and die by their run defense.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Glenn Dorsey (90) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beats San Francisco 45 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Glenn Dorsey (90) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beats San Francisco 45 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

DT Glenn Dorsey and the 49ers Run Defense

Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey isn’t going to offer much in the pass rush. But in limited action this season, Dorsey has been one of the better run stuffers San Francisco has. He now owns a 69.1 run-stopping grade this season, according to Pro Football Focus, which is tops among all 49ers interior defenders.

He’ll need help though. And looking at the remaining front-seven cast, it’s hard to see where Dorsey will get the assistance to help bottle up Johnson.

CB Jimmie Ward

Even at 33 years old, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald remains a primary weapon. The Cardinals love featuring him out of the slot, which means the 49ers will likely have to match cornerback Jimmie Ward up against him out of nickel formations.

Ward has been one of the better players in the secondary on the season and is tied for second on the team with four pass breakups.

RB DuJuan Harris

It’s too hard to bite on the idea running back Carlos Hyde returns this Sunday. This means fellow tailback DuJuan Harris will likely see some more featured action, like he did a week ago against New Orleans.

If the Cardinals defense does have a weakness, it might come from their run defense. Currently, Arizona ranks 16th against the run, so it isn’t as if this unit is elite here.

QB Colin Kaepernick

Can quarterback Colin Kaepernick build on his performance from last week, at least the first half of it?

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Maybe. But the Cardinals defense is, far and away, better than anything Kap had to deal with versus the Saints. We saw a year ago how bad Kaepernick could be against Arizona’s defense. Perhaps head coach Chip Kelly is a difference-maker here, and Kap provides a little more of what’s needed.

At this point, anything marginally better than the Week 3 debacle from a year ago would be a notable improvement.