The 1-3 Arizona Cardinals are coming into town to take on the 2-2 San Francisco 49ers. Despite their record, the Cardinals have several key players who could pose a threat to the 49ers. Here are five of the biggest challenges San Francisco may face in Week 5.
QB Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray is one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. While he has a strong arm, he's best known for his ability to move the pocket. Murray is 2-4 against the 49ers with a 67.3 completion percentage, 1,318 passing yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions while being sacked 17 times.
Murray's best passing performance this season came against the Rams, where he threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Murray is most explosive when he uses his feet, whether it's a read-option or an extended play. He is second on the team with 164 rushing yards, averaging 10.3 yards per carry and seven explosive runs. Murray must be contained and kept in the pocket. If he scrambles, he will be a significant threat to the 49ers.
TE Trey McBride
If cleared to play after sitting out last week due to a concussion, Trey McBride is someone the 49ers need to watch closely. He is one of the premiere tight ends in the NFL and serves as the Cardinals' version of George Kittle. McBride has been targeted 20 times this season, catching 14 passes for 122 yards. His ability to line up outside, inside, and in the slot makes him a unique weapon.
McBride is most effective in the short passing game (0-9 yards), where he boasts a 94.2 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, catching 11 of 12 passes. While the 49ers kept Patriots tight end Hunter Henry in check last week, McBride is younger and more athletic. If the 49ers fail to cover him as the check down, McBride could be a significant threat and pay huge dividends to the Cardinals' offense.
RB James Conner
James Conner is the Cardinals' tone-setter and will aim to impose his physical running style on the 49ers' defense. The 49ers have never allowed Conner to rush for 100 yards in a game, though he came close on November 7, 2021, with 96 rushing yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns, while also adding 77 receiving yards.
Since then, the 49ers have limited him to just 19 receiving yards on six catches. This season, Conner is running like a madman, leading the team with 288 rushing yards and averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also has nine explosive runs. The 49ers must take away the physicality of Conner's running style and make him earn every inch on the football field. They need to force the Cardinals to try and run the ball differently. If the 49ers give up explosive runs to Conner, it could be a long day for the team's defense.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a threat in every way. The Cardinals use him all over the field. Harrison is most effective in the short passing game (0-9 yards), where he is six for nine but is limited to 37 yards and a touchdown. Harrison has three receptions and two touchdowns on seven deep targets (20-plus yards). If the 49ers' secondary gets caught napping, Murray will look to get the ball down the field to his playmaker.
The 49ers are known for giving up explosive plays down the field, notably allowing a 97-yard touchdown pass from Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Charvarius Ward may be the best matchup for Harrison due to his size, but the 49ers may need to rotate a safety over the top to prevent deep shots. If the 49ers let Marvin Harrison Jr. cook, it could cost them the game.
S Budda Baker
Budda Baker is PFF's 16th-ranked NFL safety. This season, Baker's been targeted 11 times, allowing nine receptions for 100 yards, with 43 yards after the catch. However, he's a tackling machine, leading the Cardinals with 32 solo tackles. The 49ers know what type of player Baker is, and it may be best to force him to cover. Look for the matchup of Geroge Kittle and Baker multiple times during this game.
Force Baker to cover a tough physical pass catch and limit his mobility down in the box and around the line of scrimmage. If the 49ers don't control Baker, expect him to be an addition to the Cardinals' pass rush.
In conclusion, while the Cardinals sit at 1-3, they are a competitive team with a division win under their belt. Arizona will give everything they have to earn their second NFC West victory. The 49ers must be ready to counter these key threats from the Cardinals if they hope to improve to 3-2 and 1-1 in the division.