Defensive line
Coming into the game against the Cardinals, the 49ers defensive line had a feast awaiting them. And oh did they eat well. With a porous offensive line opposite of them, the unit was constantly swarming Carson Palmer.
Palmer’s interception was a direct result of DeForest Buckner and Aaron Lynch hitting him. In all, Buckner had a dominant outing versus Arizona, recording two sacks, four tackles and a pass deflection. It was just like he predicted.
The other components of the big three? Solomon Thomas also had a solid game himself, notching five tackles (two for a loss), one sack and four quarterback hits. Arik Armstead didn’t register a sack, but did apply quarterback pressure throughout the game.
Veteran Elvis Dumeril rounded out the impressive day with two sacks of his own. For the game, the 49ers had six sacks — they entered with three on the season.
Grade: A
Linebackers
Fresh off a disappointing game in Week 3, NaVorro Bowman bounced back with a productive outing versus the Cardinals. Bowman did drop an interception, but he still put together an useful game:
His eight tackles were tied for second on the team, and he also had a quarterback hit. Ray-Ray Armstrong had a very good game, leading the team with 10 tackles and also recording an interception, one sack and a pass deflection.
Grade: B
Secondary
Also on the heels of a bad performance in Week 3, the 49ers secondary didn’t fare any better and was picked apart by Palmer. Granted, they only gave up one receiving touchdown, but it came on the game winner.
In particular, it was an extremely rough game for Rashard Robinson. To put it lightly, Robinson did not turn in a good effort against the Cardinals:
Through four games played, Robinson is becoming a liability at cornerback. How much longer can the 49ers afford to keep him in there will be something to watch for moving forward.
For the game, Palmer finished 33-51 passing for 357 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Four different Cardinals receivers averaged 10 yards or more per reception. Definitely not the best overall game from this unit.