Stop the Run
Expect the Cardinals to set the tone by establishing their run game. James Connor and Trey Benson will look to establish a ground-and-pound approach for the Cardinals. The 49ers' defensive front cannot allow the Cardinals' run game to break through for explosive plays. They gave up 121 yards to Alvin Kamara and the Saints last week.
Sunday will be Robert Saleh's first actual test against a mobile quarterback this season. Kyler Murray could be the X factor for the Cardinals' run game. The 49ers defense cannot forget the running ability of Murray. They must contain on the outside and keep someone over the middle if he decides to take off and run. If the 49ers' defense can stop the run, they will have a good chance of winning the game.
Limit Trey McBride
Trey McBride was the leading pass catcher for the Cardinals in 2024, and he continues to get high target volume in 2025. The 49ers' safeties struggled against Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, giving up a touchdown.
Even if the defense allows McBride to create explosive plays, they must find a way to keep him out of the end zone. Whoever is responsible for McBride—whether it's Fred Warner, Dee Winters, Marques Sigle, Jason Pinnock, or Ji'Ayir Brown—must do a good job of limiting McBride's production.
Attack The Secondary
The Cardinals' secondary has been hit with the injury bug. They're also young and ranked 26th in passing, allowing 255.5 yards per game. Expect Brock Purdy or Mac Jones to push the ball down the field for explosive plays. This could be the first 49ers game with 300 passing yards. If they can execute down the field, they will be at the top of the NFC West, sitting at 3-0.
Sunday will not be a cakewalk game. This game gives early bragging rights in the NFC West. After being swept in 2024, there's no way the 49ers want to start 2025 by allowing the Cardinals to win three straight. If the 49ers stick to these keys to victory, they will snap the losing streak against Arizona and remain undefeated this season.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Analyst: 49ers offense the 'most dangerous' in the NFC West
Few are picking the San Francisco 49ers to win the NFC West in 2026. After all, the Los Angeles Rams enter the season as Super Bowl favorites, while the Seattle Seahawks are the defending NFC West champions. Still, one NFL Network analyst believes the 49ers boast the... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan labeled 'best in the business' by NFC West rival coach
The San Francisco 49ers opened last season with a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. The NFC West rivals didn't meet again until the regular-season finale, when first place in the division and home-field advantage were on the line. This time, the Seahawks went... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...