3 favorable matchups for the Cardinals in Week 9 vs. the 49ers
By Sion Fawkes
Cardinals rushing attack vs. 49ers run defenses
The Cardinals have a favorable matchup in the passing game this week, but they also have a favorable matchup in the running game. Not that these will put 30-plus points on the board for the Cardinals, given the stingy defense the 49ers own. But they will help the Cardinals win the time-of-possession game.
The 49ers ranked in the bottom 10 in average yards per rush at 4.4., tied in the margin with several teams. They have also allowed nine rushing touchdowns, more than 23 other teams in the NFL. They also rank 13th in the league in scoring percentage allowed, and 45 percent of their 20 touchdowns allowed have been rushing touchdowns. A higher percentage than 25 of the league’s 32 teams.
Against a defense as talented as the 49ers’, using the running game to their advantage will keep the ball out of the hands of Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle. This will prove instrumental if the Cardinals decide to run the ball more this week. Especially if they’re banged up at quarterback.