The Arizona Cardinals are 2-0 for the first time since 2021, but the Cardinals can not rest on their laurels. The club will play two division opponents within a stretch of four days. It starts with the San Francisco 49ers on the road in Week 3. Here are three keys to victory.
Cardinals’ Pass Rush
The Cardinals took a massive blow in the secondary following a Week 2 victory against the Carolina Panthers. Star cornerback Garrett Williams (Knee) has been placed on injured reserve, and rookie cornerback Will Johnson is doubtful with a groin injury.
“It wasn’t ideal, Wolf. It certainly wasn’t ideal,” GM Monti Ossenfort told Wolf & Luke on Arizona Sports. “But that’s why we put depth in, and that’s why we have other players on the team to step up when their number is called.”
Arizona’s cornerback depth will be put to the test this week in San Francisco, but the Cardinals’ revamped pass rush should help the secondary. According to Next Gen Stats, the Arizona Cardinals rank third in the NFL with 35 QB pressures through two weeks. The pass rush led by Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, and ageless veteran Calais Campbell will look to continue their success against the 49ers in Week 3.
Murray Magic
The Arizona Cardinals were 2-0 against the San Francisco 49ers last season. Kyler Murray played a significant role in those victories. In 2024, Murray recorded 542 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns against San Francisco.
This season, Kyler Murray is completing 70.4% of his passes. He is currently 9th in EPA/DB, per Next Gen Stats. However, the 49ers’ defense ranks 2nd in passing EPA per play allowed (-0.33).
Franchise left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is currently questionable with a knee injury. If Johnson Jr. is unable to go, things will only be more difficult for Murray and the passing offense. The Cardinals’ signal caller will need to utilize his rushing skill set to take home victory against the 49ers and remain atop the NFC West division.
23 is Special
Christian McCaffrey is a premium player. He is the key to the 49ers’ offense. San Francisco is 25-8 with him in the lineup. Through two games, McCaffrey leads the team with 15 receptions. The dual-threat running back has recorded 125 receiving yards and 124 yards on the ground. Arizona’s defense did a solid job limiting Saints RB Alvin Kamara to 57 total yards and one touchdown in their season opener. The team will need to have similar success against Christian McCaffrey to secure victory Sunday afternoon.
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
