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49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 key matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 27: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs enroute to scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown, dragging Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers with him at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 47-7. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 27: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs enroute to scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown, dragging Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers with him at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 47-7. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Wide Receiver Pierre Garçon vs. Cornerback Patrick Peterson

On the flip side, San Francisco will try to replicate the impressive output shown by its own No. 1 wide receiver, Pierre Garçon, from last week.

Garçon managed 142 yards on seven receptions versus the Rams in Week 3, and his life won’t get any easier against Cardinals top cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Before Week 3, Peterson was leading the league in coverage snaps per catches allowed, according to Pro Football Focus:

Both players stand at 6-foot-0, so the size matchup is something that’s all but negated. Instead, Garçon’s primary responsibility will be to create separation with excellent route-running skills, hoping to get a bit of space between the three-time All-Pro cornerback.

If there is an advantage for the Niners, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense has shown the ability to scheme guys to get open.

Look for this to be a factor, but it’s up to Garçon to make it happen.