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Cards vs. 49ers: Turnovers will be key

by Phil7178 on Dec 8, 2011 11:54 AM MST

The 49ers lead the league in turnover differentials at +18. The Cardinals are 28th at -8.

The 49ers have benefitted from a positive turnover differential in 9 out their 10 wins.

If the Cardinals hope to pull off a win against the 2011 NFC West champs, it will be essential to hold onto the ball.

Kolb was awful at this early in the year, throwing 8 interceptions and fumbling 7 times (losing 3 of them). But he played a great, turnover free game against Dallas last week in his first game back from injury. Beanie Wells has had ball security issues in the past, but he is improving and has done okay so far this season with only 4 fumbles, 2 lost. Kolb's performance against the Cowboys could have been a turning point for him, or just a lucky game. I'm hoping for the former.

It is no secret that the 49ers have one of the best defenses in the league this season. They rank 1st in points allowed, which is really the only stat that truly matters on defense. That being said a +18 turnover ratio is really high. That has to be the result of a combination of good defensive play, stingy turnover free play on offense, and a fair amount of luck.

I think that if we can keep the turnover ratio at least even, we have a pretty good shot at taking home the W. What does everyone else think?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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Comments

It's all on Kolb this week

Our defense should be able to make enough plays to hold up their end of the bargain. They’ll probably be able to come up with at least 1 turnover, and a handful of big defensive stops.
Kolb, on the other hand, as to take care of the ball. If he can be turnover free, than i really like the chances of this team. That being said, besides last game, Kolb has given up the ball a lot. A good game from Kolb and our O-line will go a long way

Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68

by GreaZzy on Dec 8, 2011 12:09 PM MST reply actions

I couldn't agree more

I think this game definitely comes down to Kolb’s ability to not force things. He’s proven he can do it, but his track record doesn’t fare well for him. As much as I hate it when he seems to hold on to the ball too long and takes an avoidable sack, I think it will be completely necessary in this game.

I think O-line play will be a huge factor. The 9ers front 7 and pass rush is fantastic, but their coverage unit is really only mediocre. They get away with it because of the pressure they get on QB’s. I think if we can spread out their defense, and still give Kolb some time (this is the less probable part), then we could really expose their secondary.

It would be really nice to score early and get San Fran on their heels. This would take them out of the style they like to play. They won’t be able to run the ball as effectively if they are playing from behind.

by Phil7178 on Dec 9, 2011 7:42 AM MST up reply actions

The thing about San Frans D

is they can generate a pass rush (especially against our sad excuse for a line) with only 4 guys. IN the last game when Skelton started, San Fran never blitzed. Not once. The ability to get pressure from only rushing 4, allowed them to put all their LBs in coverage too. If they continue to only rush four, our line has to hold up, and Kolb has to get the ball to the open guy.
Judging from the last game against San Fran, Kolb doesn’t have to play like Rodgers, he just has to manage the game, and make the plays he should.

Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68

by GreaZzy on Dec 9, 2011 11:12 AM MST up reply actions

The 49ers pass rush is mediocre

It is only considered good because like you said, they only have to rush 4. If we scheme well and force them to blitz their secondary can be taken advantage of. With Willis out it opens up the TE’s in a big way.

by Jesse Reynolds on Dec 9, 2011 12:08 PM MST up reply actions

Maybe they'll respect Kolb's better accuracy

and try to put extra pressure on him. I agree too. Housler could be a huge factor in this game. If only Kolb could hit him when he’s open over the middle

Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68

by GreaZzy on Dec 9, 2011 12:42 PM MST up reply actions

If only...

by Jesse Reynolds on Dec 9, 2011 1:03 PM MST up reply actions

Great to see a post about this

I feel like this is the key matchup when playing the 49ers. They have had outstanding field position all year and you can’t let it happen. It is hard to think we won’t have a turnover given the 9ers history this year and our teams turnover numbers usually from the QB position. Kolb needs to make sure he is not forcing the ball and just take what the defense gives you. Keep the eyes downfield while scrambling. As GreaZzy says, if Kolb refrains from giving the 9ers the ball often we have a good chance at a win, and I really think we will be in the game (minus turning the ball over).

by Airwave on Dec 8, 2011 5:32 PM MST reply actions