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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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Andre Ellington #38 of the Arizona Cardinals is hit by middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers and cornerback Jimmie Ward #25 during overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Time of possession

Speaking of longer drives, the Cardinals only had the ball for 20:59 of the game in London against the Rams. The Rams had the ball for 39:01.

The Cardinals only ran 47 offensive plays to the Rams 78 plays. That kind of production can not be repeated, against San Francisco or anyone else.

It’s tough to score in this league when you don’t have the ball. Not only does it mean your offense is standing on the sidelines, the defense is on the field for a long time and they get tired.

We saw the defense get tired in week one against the Detroit Lions as well. In a game the Cardinals led for three quarters, the defense was gassed by the fourth quarter.

The Lions had just two more offensive plays but had the ball for seven minutes longer. That’s a long time in the NFL. Against the 49ers the first time, the Cardinals had the ball for 36:15 and the 49ers 33:13.

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