49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 reasons San Francisco lost in Week 8

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 4: No. 4: Robert Saleh Stopping the Blitzes in the Fourth Quarter

Can’t get pressure off a four-man rush? Dial up blitzes.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

That’s what Robert Saleh did for three-plus quarters. Understanding the Niners’ four-man pressure hasn’t been good all season, Saleh game planned enough to recognize how Josh Rosen wouldn’t be anywhere near as effective against the blitz. After all, he had just two notable receiving threats through the air, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. And Arizona’s offensive pass blocking isn’t particularly great.

For some reason, though, Saleh elected to call off blitzes later in the fourth quarter.

Why?

This approach was working for most of the game. Rosen still completed just 57.5 percent of his passes, including his impressive efforts in the fourth quarter. Add in some San Francisco pressure late, and that number would have been much, much worse.

It’s anyone’s guess why Saleh elected to try the more conservative approach. By doing so, Rosen had all the time in the world to find his targets. And with the Niners suffering some key injuries at the second and third levels of defense, it was a move that absolutely killed the team’s chances of pulling off win No. 2.