4 Cardinals weaknesses 49ers must attack in Week 5

No. 2: 49ers must run the ball early, often vs. Cardinals

Arizona enters this game with the league’s No. 1 offense. Not just in terms of scoring but also in total yards.

What’s been a key difference-maker is Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray not trying to “do it all” like he did the last two years, and now six of his pass-catching targets have at least 100 receiving yards a quarter of the way through the regular season.

Simply put, Murray is playing at an MVP level.

Needless to say, the 49ers defense is going to have its hands full trying to defend against Murray and a deep crop of offensive weapons. But as any elementary student of the game can point out, the best way to keep a prolific quarterback from doing too much damage is to limit his time on the field.

Thankfully, Arizona’s defense is suspect in one particular department here.

The Cardinals, despite boasting the No. 9-ranked scoring defense, are surrendering 5.4 yards per rush play this season, which is second worst so far. Over the last three weeks, they’ve allowed at least 120 rush yards, and they also surrendered more than 150 in Weeks 2 and 3 against the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars.

True, the Niners’ own rushing attack has gotten off to a poor start, averaging only 3.9 yards per carry. But with the speedy rookie, Elijah Mitchell, expected back from a shoulder injury, one might assume San Francisco can keep Murray off the field while grinding down Arizona’s defense on the ground.

Especially if this next factor comes into play.