Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers: Preview, prediction

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Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Keys to victory, Offense:

Quarterback Carson Palmer did not travel with the team to San Francisco. This means that back up Drew Stanton will start for the first time since 2014. Zac Dysert was elevated to the active roster and will be Stanton’s back up.

Stanton has struggled in the preseason and did not look comfortable when filling in for Palmer at the end of last week’s game. Nonetheless, Stanton will need to have his best game as a Cardinal to keep Arizona’s Super Bowl aspirations alive. This is easier than done as Arizona has historically struggled when playing in San Francisco.

However, the task can not fall solely on Stanton’s shoulders as the rest of the offense will need to bring the extra juice. The wide receivers will need to do whatever it can to get open and make things as easy for Stanton as possible. The offensive line, which has struggled this season, needs to give Stanton enough time to find the open receiver.

David Johnson has been Arizona’s most consistent weapon on offense. He’ll have a long day ahead of as a majority of the offense will flow through him. If I’m Bruce Arians, I’m looking to get Johnson and the run game established early to ease pressure off of Stanton.

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