Arizona Cardinals: 3 key players against 49ers

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyboys defeated the Cardinals 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals hits running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals hits running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Tyrann Mathieu

The Honey Badger has not been horrible but has been inconsistent.  Sure, he had the great pick in overtime to help secure a victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

However his performance on Monday night did leave a lot to be desired.  Poor technique lead to some missed tackles.  Those missed tackles also lead to Cowboys big plays.

Some question whether he is all the way back health-wise.  Sure he is but performance-wise he still has a ways to go.  Even after his overtime pick in week two coach Bruce Arians said he still had work to do.

That much was evident on Monday night.  He’s still a great player.  He hasn’t lost the ability to take care of business.  He just needs to do it more consistently.

Playing the 49ers could be just what the doctor ordered.  Mathieu has traditionally played well against them.  He has three interceptions and a touchdown against the 49ers lifetime.  It is his only NFL touchdown to date.