3 favorable matchups for the Cardinals in Week 9 vs. the 49ers
By Sion Fawkes
Cardinals passing attack vs. 49ers pass defense
The Cardinals’ passing game has an opportunity to shine against the 49ers, despite their stingy passing defense that ranks second in the NFL. Whether Colt McCoy or Kyler Murray plays, look for the Cardinals to take advantage of the dink-and-dunk attack on which both quarterbacks will rely. McCoy because of his pedestrian arm, and Murray because of his lack of mobility going into Sunday.
The Cardinals have the personnel to make this attack work, with Zach Ertz at tight end and players like Rondale Moore, who can take advantage of the quick game. This will also open things up for DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk, both of whom have served as the top playmakers in the passing game this season.
Ideally, you would like to see A.J. Green out there. But his positive COVID-19 test could rule him out for Sunday’s contest.
The 49ers have a hard-hitting pass rush that is far better than its 16 sacks, and 31 quarterback hits indicate, posting a 6.8 sack percentage, tied for eighth in the league with the Cardinals and Packers. However, the likelihood of the Cardinals using the quick game will help negate this.