49ers vs. Cardinals: 3 crucial X-factors to watch in Week 9 bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers forcing turnovers from Colt McCoy
Another massive problem San Francisco has experienced this season is the lack of defensive takeaways. In fact, through seven games, the 49ers have generated only five turnovers, which is 29th in the league, and the defense has recorded a mere two interceptions, tied for second worst up to this point.
Bad.
Despite some defensive successes elsewhere, the Niners will have to figure out what works when it comes to influencing the turnover battle. And while it goes without saying San Francisco will have to protect the ball when on offense, it’ll be the defense with the prime opportunity at hand.
Let’s get back to Colt McCoy here.
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Over his 11-year career, McCoy has tossed a total of 28 interceptions against 30 touchdowns. His career 2.8 interception percentage is high enough up there. Usually, quarterbacks hovering around 3.0 percent in this category are ones associated with being dangerously turnover-prone.
McCoy falls into that category.
A potential advantage here is the 49ers pass rush, namely EDGE Nick Bosa, who’ll look to improve upon his team-leading seven sacks in this game against a non-mobile signal-caller like McCoy.
While Arizona’s offensive line isn’t a weakness, per se, getting Bosa his share of pressures could force some of those interceptions on Sunday, creating a true X-factor the Niners need to capitalize on.