49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 key matchups to watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Cornerback K’Waun Williams vs. Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald
The Cardinals love to feature veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald out of the slot, which means a hefty burden will be placed on Niners nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams.
Fitzgerald (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) presents a major mismatch for the 5-foot-9 Williams, although San Francisco’s corner does have a knack for playing bigger than his size.
While his 40.1 pass-coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, doesn’t exactly speak highly of his abilities, Williams has managed to shut down opposing slot receivers at times and managed to hold his own against Rams slot receiver Cooper Kupp, limiting him to just two catches for 17 yards.
But Fitzgerald prompts a much bigger problem.
The future Hall of Famer is often lined up in the slot on three- and four-wide formations, like this one against the Cowboys below:
Dallas’ defensive back tries to jam Fitzgerald at the line of scrimmage, but this will be a mismatch in Fitzgerald’s favor over Williams.
Recognizing the mismatch here, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer tries to hit Fitzgerald for a big gain:
The pass is overthrown, but one can see how Fitzgerald would easily win the size battle against Williams here. Even blanketing coverage wouldn’t be enough on a one-on-one showdown.
So that might force defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to place his free safety, Jimmie Ward, a bit closer in range to any pending target to assist with over-the-top help.
Regardless, Williams will have his hands full in Week 3.