Cardinals v. 49ers – 5 Questions With Golden Gate Sports
By Tony Burgess
2. Who is the X factor for this game?
Marc Grandi: The most important player for the 49ers will be whoever starts at right tackle. If Anthony Davis is back and ready to go, I expect the 49ers to be able to run the ball well. Colin Kaepernick will also be given enough time to go through his progressions. If Jonathan Martin starts again, the Cardinals — with their blitz-heavy scheme — should be able to pick apart the offensive line.
Sean Bialaszek: The X-Factor is Alex Boone. After missing all of camp and nearly all of the Dallas game, he started last week and played fairly well. With an extremely good Cardinals’ defense, Boone needs to come back full strength this week to stabilize an offensive line that struggled in the second half against Chicago.
Brendan Kennealy: The X-Factor in this game is Anquan Boldin. Boldin is a week one stud each and every year. Week one against Dallas he pulled down eight catches for 99 yards, while last week against Chicago he only had two receptions for 31 yards. This offensive unit cannot afford for their veteran receiver to disappear out there. He has to stick it to his old team on Sunday, something we all know he can do.