49ERS AT CARDINALS SCOUTING REPORT
Cardinals on offense
The regular starting offensive line might be playing together for the first time since left tackle D.J. Humphries suffered a sprained knee on the eighth play of the first game. Humphries and left guard Mike Iupati (triceps) are expected to play. That’s obviously nice for the Cardinals, especially since Iupati’s replacement, Alex Boone, might miss time with a pectoral strain. The larger problem, however, is on the right side with regular starters Evan Boehm and Jared Veldheer. Veldheer, the right tackle, is struggling with technique. Defenders have been able to bull rush him, which would seem difficult given Veldheer’s size (6 feet 8 and 321 pounds). But defenders have been able to get lower than Veldheer and get into his chest. Veldheer needs to use his arms and hands better, coaches say. The 49ers have used three first-round picks to select defensive linemen over the past three years: tackle DeForest Buckner and ends Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas. But the 49ers have just three sacks. Only the Buccaneers have fewer – and they’ve played just two games. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is playing well for the 49ers, and the Cardinals had trouble getting to blocks on the linebacker level last week against the Cowboys. This game could come down to pass protection. Can the Cardinals protect Carson Palmer better than they have?
Edge: 49ers.
Cardinals on defense
The majority of the blame for the Cardinals’ 1-2 record is on the offense, but the defense deserves a share of it, too. This group has played well for extended periods in games, only to fall apart in critical moments. For instance, last Monday night, Dallas started three possessions at the 50-yard line or better. They scored touchdowns all three times and met little resistance in doing so. It took the Cowboys three plays to go 33 yards, four to go 46 and five to go 50. If the Cardinals had limited them to no more than a field goal on two of those occasions, they might have won the game. The Cardinals have the talent to be an excellent defensive team, but they won’t reach that level until they improve in the red zone. This could be inside linebacker Deone Bucannon’s debut, and the Cardinals could use him. His replacement, Haason Reddick, has shown the athletic ability that motivated the team to take him in the first round. He’s also made mistakes expected from someone who is playing inside linebacker for the first time. If Bucannon is back, then the Cardinals can use Reddick in certain packages while he is learning the NFL game. Another first-round pick, Robert Nkemdiche, hasn’t made an impact in the first three games. That’s been disappointing given how well in played during training camp and the preseason.
Edge: Cardinals.
Special teams
The Cardinals are depending upon a couple of ex-49ers for improvement. Kicker Phil Dawson has missed a field-goal attempt in each game, equaling the number of misses he had in each of the past two seasons. Dawson’s track record suggests he’ll pull out of it, but how patient can the Cardinals be with a kicker on pace to miss 16 field-goal tries? Punter Andy Lee hasn’t struggled as much as Dawson, but his numbers are lower than his career averages. He’s averaging 45.8 yards per punt, his lowest since 2006. And his 38.2 yard net average is his lowest since 2010. That net average is not all Lee’s fault. The Cardinals have not covered punts well this season. It might be time to return Justin Bethel to full-time status at gunner.
Edge: 49ers.
Bottom line
The Cardinals were in this position a year ago, 1-2 and facing a division foe at home in the fourth game. The season pivoted in that loss to the Rams. So it’s vital the Cardinals win to maintain legitimate hopes for the postseason. The Cardinals have won four consecutive games over the 49ers. They should make it five on Sunday.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, 49ers 17.