49ers vs. Cardinals: Week 9 Thursday Night Football preview for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Week 9 Matchups, X-Factors for 49ers
Again, the Niners are far superior a team than the Cardinals. But a road game on a short week against a division rival means San Francisco has to take this contest seriously.
Especially if it’s something of a trap or letdown game, following a dominant victory against what was previously a red-hot opponent, the Panthers, in Week 8.
The 49ers still need to emerge on the better end of these matchups and X-factors.
Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Cardinals Pass Defense
San Francisco’s quarterback won’t be facing another elite pass defense, as Arizona enters this contest allowing an average of 7.1 yards per pass, which ranks 26th best. The lack of interceptions the Cardinals have on the season bodes well for Jimmy Garoppolo, too.
That said, the Niners are still going to be featuring a patchwork offensive line, which has held up well after missing Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey for some time.
The Cardinals’ 22 sacks tie them for 10th best entering Week 9.
Justin Skule vs. Chandler Jones
Speaking of the pass rush, Arizona EDGE Chandler Jones is still terrorizing opponents’ quarterbacks, already boasting 8.5 sacks on the season. He’s primarily lining up on the weak side of the formation, meaning he’ll be going after Justin Skule quite a lot on Thursday.
A Banged-Up 49ers Rushing Attack
Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are both questionable for the contest. And while the Niners saw an outstanding four-touchdown performance from fellow running back Tevin Coleman in Week 8, the short week could mean his effectiveness is somewhat limited.
The Cardinals are allowing an average of 4.7 yards per rush, which ranks 23rd best.
49ers Pass Defense vs. Kyler Murray
San Francisco’s No. 1-ranked pass defense has a different challenge in Week 9, facing the dual-threat abilities of Kyler Murray.
Murray beating the Niners through the air doesn’t seem a strong possibility, although his elusiveness in the pocket could pose problems for the Niners pass-rushers. So can Murray’s unique rushing abilities.
On an upside, scrambling quarterbacks often run into a lot of sacks naturally, and Murray has been no exception. His 26 sacks taken rank third most among all quarterbacks in 2019. The 49ers, meanwhile, are averaging 3.9 sacks per game.
George Kittle vs. Budda Baker
Adding wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders prior to the 2019 NFL trade deadline means opposing defenses won’t be able to double- and triple-team tight end George Kittle any longer without potentially serious consequences.
Kittle’s primary coverage opponent is Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who is allowing other teams’ quarterbacks to post a 122.7 passer rating when targeting him, according to Pro Football Focus.