Faithful, we're 2-0. The 49ers took care of the Rams in Week 1, handled Miami 35-13 in the home opener, and now we've got another NFC West matchup.
The Arizona Cardinals are coming to Levi's Stadium. And you all already know how I feel about division games. I don't care what happened the week before. I don't care what the records say. When you play somebody in your division, you better come ready to play.
The Seattle Seahawks just beat Arizona 31-7, but that doesn't mean the 49ers should walk into this game expecting the Cardinals to roll over.
So how do the Niners get to 3-0? I've got three keys to victory.
KEY No. 1 — Take away Trey McBride
This is where I'm starting. Somebody else has to beat me. NOT Trey McBride.
Through two games, McBride has already caught 17 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Even when Arizona couldn't get much going against Seattle, McBride still caught eight passes and scored their only touchdown. He's the security blanket.
So take the blanket away.
Be physical with him. Make him work through traffic. Bracket him when you need to. Don't let Jacoby Brissett get comfortable dropping back and immediately finding No. 85 underneath.
And here's the other part: The longer Brissett has to hold that football looking for somebody else, the more opportunities you're creating for the 49ers pass rush, which will be without defensive end Nick Bosa. Take away Brissett's first answer and make Arizona find another one.
Somebody else can beat me. Trey McBride can't.
Key No. 2 — Let Brock Cook
Last week I told you all: RUN THE DAMN FOOTBALL.
This week, I'm changing it to: LET BROCK COOK.
Brock Purdy just completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two passing touchdowns (plus a rushing touchdown) against Miami. That's a completion rate of nearly 91%.
And when Brock pushed the football down the field, he was dealing. So why try to hide that?
Arizona just gave up 235 passing yards and three touchdowns to Drew Lock, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba went off for 155 yards and three scores. Kyle Shanahan still needs the run game. I'm not saying abandon Christian McCaffrey or Kaelon Black. But use that run game to set up the kill shots.
Get those linebackers stepping forward. Use the motion. Use play action.
Get George Kittle working the middle. Move Deebo Samuel around. Let Mike Evans attack downfield. Get McCaffrey matched up against linebackers.
And if Arizona wants to creep another defender toward the line of scrimmage, make them pay for it. Brock is playing with confidence. Let him throw it.
LET BROCK COOK.
Key No. 3 — Step on their neck
This might be my biggest key this week: finish the game.
Arizona was tied with Seattle 7-7 at halftime last week. Then, Seattle came out after halftime and dropped 24 unanswered points. Game over.
The 49ers did something similar against Miami. It was only 14-6 at halftime. Then, San Francisco came out and scored 21 points in the third quarter. That's what I want to see again.
If Arizona allows you to take control of this game, TAKE IT. Don't let them hang around. Don't give a division opponent confidence. Don't get up two scores and suddenly start playing not to lose.
If the defense gives Brock a short field, turn it into seven. If Arizona makes a mistake, punish them. If you've got them down, keep your foot on the gas.
The 49ers are 2-0. They're at home. They're playing a division opponent. This is an opportunity to make another statement.
Don't give Arizona life. Step on their neck.
Breezie's bottom line
This week's formula couldn't be simpler: Take away Trey McBride, let Brock cook, and step on their neck.
Take away Arizona's security blanket. Trust your quarterback. And when you've got an opportunity to put this game away ... PUT. IT. AWAY.
Now I want to hear from the Breezie Bunch: Which of these three keys is the MOST important against Arizona? And if you've got a fourth key, drop that in the comments too.
Let's get to 3-0. Stay faithful.
Breezie this. Breezie that.
More info on: Kaelon Black, Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel
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