3 reasons why the Arizona Cardinals can beat the 49ers

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball as he eludes the tackle of defensive lineman Rodney Gunter #95 of the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball as he eludes the tackle of defensive lineman Rodney Gunter #95 of the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Third down defense

What the Cardinals are offering up on third downs is working finally.  If they can get the 49ers off the field after third down attempts, they will remain fresh throughout the game.

Against the Seahawks, they held Seattle to 0-10 on third downs.  They shut them out.  They did convert one fourth down however.

One of the things the Cardinals could not do the first three weeks was get the defense off the field.  Last Sunday started shaky because they were giving up big runs on first and second downs and didn’t even get Seattle to a third down attempt.

If they can slow those runs down too, they can easily handle the 49ers.  If they hold the 49ers to similar numbers this Sunday, they have a great chance to win their first game of the season.

Next. Rookie quarterback gives Cardinals hope. dark

They will have to contain 49ers running back Matt Brieda.  He could see a heavy workload with no Jimmy Garoppolo to throw the ball.