The San Francisco 49ers' regular season finale is here, and the team looks to win on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. However, several key players have been ruled out, such as quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (knee), and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder). The 49ers can still go out with a bang if they stick to this week's keys to victory.
Establish the Run
The 49ers must find a way to run the ball against the Cardinals' defense. Look for a heavy dosage of Isaac Guerendo and a few scramble plays from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The Cardinals' defense will look to take away the run and force the 49ers to become one-dimensional, but the plan must be to run the ball and not abandon the rush attack on the ground.
Quick Throws
Although Josh Dobbs has a big arm and will look to push the ball downfield, the plan must be to get the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible. With the offensive line out of commission and starting tackle Colton McKivitz (knee) listed as questionable, Dobbs needs to make short, accurate throws to accomplish sustainable drives.
Expect the 49ers to use screens, quick slants, drag routes, etc., to loosen up the defense. This matchup against the Cardinal may be a breakout game for rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing.
No Turnovers
Losing the turnover battle has hurt the 49ers this season. They cannot turn the ball over and stand any chance of winning their last game. Dobbs cannot throw the ball to the opposing team.
Special team players cannot muff any punts, and offensive players must always hold on to the ball. Win the turnover battle, win the game.
Finish in the Red Zone
Undoubtedly, the 49ers will make it to the red zone. The issue all season has been the team finishing in the red zone by scoring touchdowns. Last week against the Lions, the 49ers finished 100 percent, going five for five in the red zone. If the 49ers offense can produce this way against the Cardinals, the team will improve to 7-10.
Tackle
There will be a lot of young and new players out on the football in the season finale, and the expectations will be the same. The 49ers' defense must stick to the fundamentals of the game, and the number one fundamental aspect of defense is to tackle.
Missed tackles hurt the 49ers all season long. Missed tackles led to explosive plays, which, as of lately, have led to scores. In back-to-back weeks, the 49ers' defense allowed a 50-yard touchdown run against Miami and a 30-yard touchdown run against the Lions, both because of missed tackles.
Conclusion
Most fans want the 49ers to lose, rest their starters, and secure the 11th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most players want to end the season on a high note with a victory. If the 49ers stick to the keys to victory and get a little help from the other 31 teams, perhaps both can come to pass.
Thanks for a great season, Faithful, and I look forward to returning to the "Keys to Victory" in 2025.