This week against the Arizona Cardinals could be interesting for the San Francisco 49ers secondary. In the off-season, I remember creating a name for two of the 49ers' defensive backs—Jimmie Ward and Charvarius "Mooney" Ward. I called these two to the Psych Ward, and this week against the Arizona Cardinals, they may receive their first patient.
Before the season began, safety Jimmie Ward went on the injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Since his return, the nine-year veteran has been asked to play in the 49ers' nickel back position after starting outside corner Emmanuel Moseley was lost for the season to an ACL tear, and starting nickel corner Deommodore Lenoir was moved outside to replace Moseley. Ward has been targeted 16 times by opposing quarterbacks, allowing a reception on each target. Coupled with his 144 yards and two touchdowns allowed, quarterbacks own a 143.8 passer rating when targeting Ward.
Allowing a 100 percent completion percentage doesn't sound good, no matter how you look at it, but coming from a guy who has played safety most of his career, this may not be so bad. The good news is J. Ward hasn't given up a touchdown in the past two games.
Charvarius Ward suffered a groin injury during Week 6, and his worst game was the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Since that game, C. Ward has been back to his normal play, locking down receivers and breaking up passes.
The Psych Ward will face possibly their best patient Monday night in DeAndre Hopkins. Some may argue that it was Cooper Kupp, but in Week 8, the Psych Ward took care of him and eliminated Kupp from the game plan.
How will these two 49ers defensive backs admit Hopkins into the Psych Ward?
My theory is that C. Ward should shadow Hopkins on both sides of the field. Align the number one DB against their number one WR. If the Cardinals get smart and move Hopkins to the slot, J. Ward comes into play. We all know the history between the two, and things will get chippy on Monday night. If this happens, expect Jimmie Ward to have his best game as a nickel cornerback for the 49ers. Fully expect Hopkins to check into the Psych Ward.