3 reasons why SF 49ers lose Week 1 bout to Cardinals

No. 2: The Arizona Cardinals upgraded on both sides of the ball, giving them a new look against the SF 49ers

Many have said the 49ers had one of the best of offseasons. They didn’t necessarily add future Hall of Fame-caliber players, aside from left tackle Trent Williams perhaps, but they kept a solid majority of their roster intact and drafted well.

However, the Cardinals had one of the most underrated offseasons. They might’ve won only five games in 2019, but the additions of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and rookie linebacker Isaiah Simmons instantly bolstered their roster.

Both players will add stress to the SF 49ers game plan. Hopkins is a four-time Pro Bowler and has at least 800 yards receiving every year. He’ll line up on the opposite side of fellow wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

And with running back Kenyan Drake, the Cardinals offense will be much different than last year.

Simmons will be one of the first to test the new-look Niners offensive line. San Francisco allowed Jimmy Garoppolo to be sacked 36 times in 2019, and Simmons will want to feast early and often. The rookie out of Clemson recorded eight sacks in his final year.

This isn’t your typical Cardinals team anymore. They’re officially playoff contenders with these new additions.