Arizona Cardinals: 3 keys to beating the San Francisco 49ers

By Scott Allen | Oct 30, 2017

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown over cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 and cornerback Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Quaterback Drew Stanton of the Arizona Cardinals hands off during the NFL match between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Better balance

Game situation certainly plays a huge part in whether the Cardinals run or pass but they proved a couple of weeks ago they are better when they have balance. That means handing the ball off more.

Not only with Adrian Peterson, who should be able to have a good day in San Francisco, but with Kerwynn Williams as well. The Cardinals need to utilize their weapons.

The Cardinals can not shy away from the passing game either just because it is Stanton running the show from behind center. If the Cardinals run the ball all the time, the 49ers will catch on quickly.

We don’t need to see perfection. We know we will see far short of it on Sunday. We just need to see more consistency from the offense in terms of longer drives and having a greater balance between running and passing the ball.

If the Cardinals start turning the ball over and fall behind, then the balance is thrown out the window. There will be another game like what we saw in London.

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