Hey Niner fans. Sunday was a rough one. The San Francisco 49ers got off to a great start and a 14-0 lead over the Cowboys, before completely disintegrating and losing the game 24-17. And that wasn’t the worst part. The heart and soul of this team, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, left the game with an Achilles injury and is out for the season.
After the game, Chip Kelly said the best thing for the team was to come back to get ready to play another game. They will play that other game tonight when the Arizona Cardinals come to Levi’s Stadium. Both teams are 1-3 and desperate to win.
On this week’s Talking Touchdowns game preview, I look at the match up, focusing on:
- The Arizona offense that has taken a big hit in 2016. Whether Carson Palmer or Drew Stanton starts at quarterback, the team that once led the league in points scored will be looking to get back there. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is still a major weapon with 280 yards and three TDs on the season. Beyond that though, receivers Michael Floyd and Jaron Brown have combined for 19 total receptions and three touchdowns between them.
- The 49ers’ biggest bright spot the other day was rookie CB Rashard Robinson. He was all over the Cowboys’ receivers and had three PBUs. The rest of the secondary, specifically Tramaine Brock, who had a bad day on Sunday, is going to have to step it up. The 49er defense has allowed an average of 249.5 yards and 26.8 points per game. That is terrible.
- Defensively, the 49ers are going to be at a major disadvantage. Losing Bowman is devastating on and off the field, and DeForest Buckner may also be out with a foot injury. I imagine the loss of Bowman means we will see Nick Bellore get his first NFL start against the Cardinals. Bellore is not Bowman, but everyone is going to have to step it up now.
- A positive for the Niner offense is the Cardinals’ run defense. They are allowing an average of 110 rush yards a game, which is 20 in the league. This bodes well for Carlos Hyde, who had 74 yards and a touchdown Sunday but over 100 yards the week before. The 49ers’ passing game is essentially a lost cause right now, so Hyde is the best chance they’ve got. Once again, Hyde or bust or Hyde and bust.
- And of course, my game prediction. Watch to see if I think the Niners can pull this one out!
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