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49ers vs. Cardinals: Top 5 takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 9 win

By Jeremy Wohlfart

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball as linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals closes in for the tackle during the first half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball as linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals closes in for the tackle during the first half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals runs through the tackle of defensive back Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers on an 88-yard touchdown catch and run during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals runs through the tackle of defensive back Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers on an 88-yard touchdown catch and run during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

No. 3: The defense has a big weakness

The San Francisco defense has rightfully been given a lot of praise as one of the top defenses in the league.

While some may point to the large amount of yardage to running backs Kenyan Drake and Christian McCaffrey as issues, I feel those are more outliers considering it was a talented running back that was misused in Miami this week and a MVP candidate last week.

More concerning however, is the recent amount of fast starts allowed to opposing teams on the road.

In the last three road games, the opponent had scored on their opening drive or come close. The team that didn’t score was the Washington Redskins, but that was weather assisted and still resulted in a missed field goal attempt.

While the defense did recover, the warning is there.

The fast starts conceded to opposition teams haven’t cost the 49ers yet, but they could do so in the future against tougher opposition who don’t need help in establishing leads.

The top priority for the defense surely must be to make sure they come out swinging against the Seattle Seahawks (not on the road, but nevertheless) this week and get back on track.