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Cardinals vs. 49ers: 5 Week 9 matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: Kerwynn Williams #33 of the Arizona Cardinals advances the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: Kerwynn Williams #33 of the Arizona Cardinals advances the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers hits quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers hits quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers’ DeForest Buckner vs. Cardinals Offensive Line

Like the 49ers, the Cardinals also have their own problems along the offensive line.

Injuries and attrition have also beset Arizona here, and it’s clear the patchwork combination of blockers has created problems that eventually led to veteran quarterback Carson Palmer’s arm injury.

In total, the Cardinals have surrendered 24 sacks — tied for seventh in the NFL. The Niners have allowed more (27), but this is a particular matchup that should bode well for San Francisco’s front seven.

Key in the equation here is second-year defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who is the fifth-highest interior defender, ranked by Pro Football Focus. And you can see why this matchup is important for the 49ers and Buckner:

Buckner
Buckner /

Buckner will be working primarily against Cardinals left guard Alex Boone and center A.Q. Shipley.

Considering the Cardinals gave up a whopping six sacks the last time these two teams met, this particular matchup is one Buckner and the Niners defensive front should be able to exploit.