Arizona Cardinals Keys To Victory Over San Francisco 49ers

For all practical purposes, the playoffs start tomorrow for the Arizona Cardinals. Of course they won’t be eliminated if they lose to the San Francisco 49ers but the result of the game could greatly affect their chances of getting to the Super Bowl.

Although they were eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, the 49ers should be motivated as well.

The well publicized rift between 49ers General Manager Trent Baakle and coach Jim Harbaugh will finally be resolved tomorrow with media reports saying that he will be fired shortly after the end of the regular season.  It has been reported that Jim Harbaugh lost the 49ers players weeks ago but their play on the field has been inspired the last few games despite falling short.

Fans should expect more of the same from the 49ers who want to avoid a losing season by evening their record at 8-8.

"“What will happen will happen, what won’t happen won’t happen,” Harbaugh said. “Like the players, like the coaches, we’re dedicated to doing our job, finish what you start. That’s the mindset.”"

Unfortunately a fired up 49ers team is the least of theCardinals problems.  The Cards will start Ryan Lindley for the second time in as many weeks.  Lindley has yet to throw a touchdown in his NFL career and will need to change that if the Cards hope to beat the 49ers.

Lindley isn’t the only back-up that has been forced into a starting role. Stepfan Taylor will see time as the Cardinals #1 running back after getting shut down in Seattle last week.  Taylor will try to regain the form he showed in the victory over St. Louis where he rushed for 61 yards.

Both players performances will be key to an Cardinals victory.

Cardinals Keys To Victory Over San Francisco

Score The First Touchdown

The Cardinals need to score first, not a field goal but a touchdown.  Putting the 49ers down a score early will play right into the strength of the Cardinals D and that’s defending the pass. If the Cards get behind early, it will make it force their defense into a more conservative game plan and limit their use of blitzes. Blitz packages have been the calling card of Arizona’s D this season and the main reasons for the units success.

Establish The Run

A one-dimensional offensive attack that depends on the arm of Lindley is not going to get the job done at Levi’s Stadium. Bruce Arians must get creative to make the 49ers defense respect the run.  If the 49ers defense is allowed to pin their ears back and rush the passer, it will be a long afternoon for the Cards.

Create Turnovers

Colin Kaepernick has been subpar this season. The Niners QB has turned the ball over 18 times (10 INT’s  and eight fumbles) and could be compelled to do so again with the right kind of pressure. If the Cards are able to use the blitz, they could pressure Kap into a few more turnovers.

The Cardinals will face the 49ers at 1:25 on the road in Levi’s Stadium this afternoon. If you are  in danger of missing the game CLICK HERE for a link to the NFL’s only official and virus free live stream link.