Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers: Five Keys To Success
by Andrew602 on Dec 11, 2009 12:44 PM MST
17 comments
The Arizona Cardinals (8-4) take their 5-1 road record to San Francisco to take on the 49ers (5-7) on Monday night. Both teams regularly keep the games close when they play each other, with 7 of the last 8 games being decided within 7 points, and the only game more was the season opener last year (the Cardinals won by 10 but the game was decided at the end).
This year, after a 1-2 start , the Cardinals are 7-2 since and have shown an obvious improvement on offense since the Cardinals lost to the 49ers in the opening week. The Cardinals road success has been a surprise, as they've outscored opponents with an average score 26.8 - 15.1. At home, they're average score is 22.6 - 23.8.
The 49ers have experience the opposite season as the Cardinals. Since they began the season 3-1, they've dropped 6 of the last 8 games. They are currently 4-2 at home, outscoring opponents with an average score of 20.8 - 16.3. They also have had success against quarterbacks at home, holding them to an average rating of 75.24. Luckily, Kurt Warner's average QB rating on the road is 116.8. Let's take a look at five keys to Cardinals success on Monday night.
- Protect Kurt Warner.This was what hurt the Cardinals chances at winning week 1 against the 49ers. The 49ers defensive line had the killer-instinct and was able to successfully rush four, while dropping 7-8 in coverage all game. As a result, Warner was sacked 3 times and threw 2 interceptions. The Cardinals may take the same approach they used against the Minnesota Vikings. They were able to contain the Vikings front four, and finally game the offensive line help with running back and tight end support. If Kurt Warner is given time, he can pick any defense apart, especially a 49er defense without top cornerback Nate Clements.
- Contain Vernon Davis. That is obviously easier said then done but limiting the 4th year tight end is a huge step in the right direction on Sunday. He caught 5 passes for 40 yards the first time these teams met, but since then Davis has 58 catches for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns. Considering the Cardinals are one of the worst defenses at containing tight ends, they'll want to add an extra eye on number 85 throughout the game. It should also be worth noting that since Alex Smith took over at the midpoint against Houston, Vernon Davis has 40 catches for 513 yards and 7 touchdowns in only 6 1/2 games. Davis is the 49ers best option on offense and taking him out of the equation gives Smith one less threat to throw to.
- Keep the defense rolling. The Cardinals defense surprised many when they were able to stifle a dangerous Minnesota Vikings team a week ago. They did so by getting pressure without taking away coverage. They also mixed up their scheme, something we haven't seen a lot of this year. The Cardinals should take the 49ers defensive gameplan and pressure Smith with a 3 or 4 man front. Since Alex Smith took over for the 49ers, in 4 losses Smith's been sacked 12 times. In the two wins, Smith was only sacked twice. If the Cardinals can at least register 4 sacks on the day and force any ill-advised throws, Smith and the 49ers will be in for a long day.
- Wide receivers need to have a big game. The last time these teams met, Steve Breaston didn't play and Anquan Boldin was forced to limp into the game on an injured hamstring. Nate Clements, a defensive back for the 49ers that has regularly limited Cardinals receivers in the past - will not play on Monday. That means two of the three receivers will be healthy while Fitz and company don't have to worry about Clements. The offensive play calling is built around the receivers, and if Warner has the time to find them we should see a similar result as last week.
- Play a well-rounded game and limit mental errors. In week 1, the Cardinals turned the ball over twice, 12 penalties for 82 yards, were 4-14 on 3rd down, and only rushed for 40 yards. Lately much of those problems have disappeared and the Cardinals should keep it that way against the 49ers. They're rushing has improved, and Beanie Wells is much more a part of the offense then he was in week 1. Kurt Warner hasn't turned the ball over in over a month and they've seemed to lower the penalty issues that plagued them at the start of the season. If the Cardinals can put together a well-balanced performance and keep mistakes to a minimum, they should have no problem hammering the last nail in the 49ers coffin.
If the Cardinals are able to stick to their game plan and not get ahead of themselves, a win shouldn't be too much of a problem in San Francisco. The 49ers usually give the Cardinals a challenge, but if they want to establish themselves as an elite team in the NFL and improve their playoff positioning, this is a must win game. What are your keys to the game and why?
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I want gandy under the bridge this game 2
lets get a look at how he does this game and if he is succsesful then leave him . Coach whiz sasy he plays the best players. Well bridges seemed to play better in this one game then gandy has put together all year
The Devil Birds just got cha
I dont know why we always bash on Gandy
Gandy was signed to fill the position and to just be an average LT. In my opinion he has performed better than an average LT. All the critisism started when he was eaten up in the SB, let remember who he faced though. Dominant pass rushers dont dominate only week LT’s, they dominate all LT, hence why they are dominant. I am not saying Gandy is great but he has well surpassed what was expected of him and I think we should give him props for that. I do agree if he struggles this week then maybe we look at Bridges. No matter what we will have a new LT next year as I beleive Gandy is a FA and I dont see them resigining him unless he takes a pay cut to play as a back up.
Apart from that I am stoked to have the Cards win the division on San Frans field. Tear ’em up Cards!
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
+1
That would be satisfying.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Gandy is a fine LT...
…at least he isn’t false starting like his fellow tackle on the other side of the ball on a regular basis. When a tackle is making $5+ million though, being “fine” just isn’t enough, especially when the one-game sample size of Bridges’ makes for a more economical answer. This is likely Gandy’s last year unless he’s willing to make a more economical salary for an older LT (wasn’t he original signed to play RT until Brown was drafted and stuck at RT to protect the heir apparent Leinart?). Whether Bridges’ journeyman career settles where it started depends on Grimm’s opinion. Who starts this week may be a hint to that opinion.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
+1
That it would. I kind of want Smith to have a bad game too to send the niners fans into a free fall of despair.
Nothing against Smith though, the guy has had a tough road in San Fran.
They are who we thought they were!
I hope they stick with Smith...
…he doesn’t worry me.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Alex Smith
Alex Smith doesn’t scare me either Hawk. tw3kr I believe they have their QB of the future on their roster already. Nate Davis may be the answer for them with the proper coaching. The kid has all the tools you look for at the position. He has the arm strength and stature that Smith lacks. Whether he will reach his potenttial depends on the 49er coaching staff and Davis himself. Davis is the guy the watch over their moving forward.
Keys to Victory
Defensively, the obvious is to slow Vernon Davis who has become the focal point of the offense. This responsibility will primarily fall to Wilson. Wilson needs to disrupt the timing of the routes of Davis by jamming him at the line. Davis is awesome on the seam route down the hash. If Wilson uses proper technique ( he did last week against Shiancoe) Davis can be limited in terms of his impact on the outcome of the game.
Pressure the passer. Alex Smith does not have a strong arm and therefore if hurried becomes even more limited in his effectiveness as he will not be able to step into his throws. This will result in picks. Look for Billy Davis to use multiple pressure packages to make Alex Smith very uncomfotable in the pocket. Force Smith to throw the football to the perimeter outside the numbers with lots of heavy inside outside leverage techniques in the secondary (try to take away those slant and crossing patterns the 49ers like).
Maintain run fit gap responsibilty. Frank Gore has become an after-thought in this offense but still can hit a home run if he gets a crease. Rolle and Wilson really need to take proper angles in run support if Gore breaks the line of scrimmage. If Smith can’t beat us as a passer ( I don’t think he can) then Gore will get his touches. The 49ers have lost their physicality on offense and this will play into the hands of Billy Davis and his defense.
Offensively, dictate the tempo with 11 personnel and multiple formations throwing the footbll all over the park early and often. This will help to limit Patrick Willis’ run support impact. He is not as effective in reverse when droping into coverage. The 49er safety’s are also very average when you watch them on tape. They can be attacked. Cardinal WR’s could have a very good day.
Use max protections often and communicate effectively. In the first game the 49er DL did a lot of ET (end-tackle) stunts and twist to get to Warner. Limit break downs on these stunts and the big plays will be there down the field.
If the pass game is clicking, the ground will be next with Hightower and Wells wearing down the 49er defense.
Key Battles:
Justin Smith vs. Cardinals OT’s.
Vernon Davis vs. A-Dub
Alex Smith vs. Alex Smith
Others?
I basically agree with the OP. We seem to have pretty similar keys to victory every week…
Alex Smith vs Alex Smith (Eagles TE)
I bet the guy in Philly might actually make a better QB…
Section 135, Row 35
by AJ BirdWatcher on Dec 12, 2009 7:17 AM MST up reply actions
lol
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
That's a scary thought tw3kr
If we’re sharing a brain like that. But yes Smith did have a monster game to open the season. J. Smith is a high mortor guy. If the OT’s don’t come to play we will know right away becuase Smith won’t quit on plays. He does not take downs off.
I could be wrong but I just don’t think A-Dub is going to let Vernon Davis go wild.
Haralson concerns me with his pass-rush ability. Gore vs. Hayes and and Dansby should be interesting.
The one 49er that could have more impact than Davis in this game is Delanie Walker a H-back/TE type who is a joker who the 49ers like to move around the formation to get favorable matchups for. He has above average speed and good movement skills.
Well many of them carry over
Protect warner, contain X, pray the D comes to play, etc.
Walker’s got kind of a cool role. The “Raye Gun” seems to favor him over Gore, which I don’t think I can possibly ever agree with, but y’know. It’ll be interesting to see if we can keep up with their TEs. Wilson has been kind of up and down in that area this year…
True on the Wilson assessment
To fair though Wilson’s play has steadily improved and must be acknowledge. He’s a key guy in the cog on the defense and has been spectular of late. If we are to be critical of guys when they don’t play well, we need to stoplight them when they bring their A-game. No pun intended.
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