The San Francisco 49ers made it three in a row by defeating the Arizona Cardinals in a high-scoring affair last Sunday, 36-30. Brock Purdy continued his stellar play in the early season, tossing for four touchdowns. Those efforts culminated in the NFC Offensive Player of the Month Award for September. Christian McCaffrey looks spry, averaging five yards per rush, including a touchdown, while George Kittle looks healthier each week and scored twice.
Defensively, Arizona's possession and total-plays advantage was unsettling. Still, two sacks and essentially a "bend, don't break" approach in the red zone was enough to preserve the win. The win, however, did come at a cost, with seven players exiting with injuries (three returned).
Next on the schedule is the Denver Broncos. Denver is one of the more enigmatic teams in the NFL after three weeks. They're competitive and talented, despite currently sitting in the bottom tier of the league in total offense and defense. They show grit and resilience, and judging by their second-half points, a competitive late surge (50 out of 60 points).
Bo Nix has a reputation as a winning player with mobility and accuracy, though his footwork and pocket presence can be erratic at times. Sean Payton is a respected and accomplished coach, but he has relinquished his play-calling duties to first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
An Intriguing matchup featuring two brilliant offensive coaching minds.
5 - Brandin Cooks
Mike Evans will be a game-time decision after taking a shot to the ribs last week. Even if he is a go, Jordan Watkins may continue to see limited snaps, but since the 49ers activated Cooks, he should be a more trusted and experienced target for Brock Purdy if his number is called.
Physically, Cooks is limited given his attributes, but his experience and route running could keep Denver's defense honest. Any box-score contributions will be the hope this week.
4 - Marques Sigle
While he hasn't been spectacular the first three weeks, Sigle has certainly been solid, ranking in the top 15 in coverage and 7th in run defense amongst defensive backs, not to mention a few memorable big hits. The trio of Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Pat Bryant are fast, can stretch the field, and have averaged 12 yards per reception.
Sound tackling and a pass or two defended could be the norm this week for Sigle. Anything turnover-related would be even better.
3 - Kaelon Black
Christian McCaffrey has been efficient running the ball and not overworked, while Kaelon Black's touches have diminished since his 14 carries against the Rams in Australia (11 combined in last two games). Denver is allowing 143 rushing yards a game, at five yards a carry.
Brock Purdy has been excellent throwing the ball so far this season, but maybe Kyle Shanahan will focus more on the run this week. If so, seven or more carries with at least one 10+ yard gain should be attainable for Black.
2 - Eddy Piñeiro
The game against Arizona turned into an unexpected shootout, and it stayed close late mainly because of Piñeiro's two missed extra points. He has stabilized the kicking game since his arrival last year, which led to a new contract, but he has now missed seven PATs in his 49ers tenure, which is troubling.
Maybe chalk last week as a bad day at the office for Piñeiro. He needs to hit every attempt this week for the points, but also for his confidence.
1 - George Kittle
Playing in the Australia game against the Rams was more about shaking off the rust after Achilles surgery eight months ago, but Kittle looks back to his dominant self, accounting for three touchdowns in the last two weeks.
Denver has a talented secondary, especially how former teammate Talanoa Hufanga played last week, but Riley Moss is the one player who the 49ers should keep an eye on. Moss has committed a penalty in each of the first three games and has allowed big yardage, including three touchdowns. Six receptions or more feels like a reasonable expectation. Another touchdown for Kittle is also not out of the question.
More info on: Kaelon Black, Brandin Cooks, Mike Evans, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Marques Sigle, Jordan Watkins
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