The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, their second division game of the season. A win on Sunday would take the 49ers to 2-0 in the division and give them a nice start to the season. And a win would also take them to 3-0 overall. This would be huge, considering they should be getting Demarcus Robinson back after this week.

But first, the 49ers have to get past the Cardinals, which could be their toughest test so far, even though it's at home.


We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to see what questions you had. We took those questions and packaged them neatly here for your enjoyment. Let's jump in.

Which 49ers rookies have stood out the most to you? - Dave B.


Upton Stout has been the rookie that teams have attacked the most. He's made some mistakes, as rookies tend to do. But he's also been very good. In New Orleans, he was called for a bogus penalty on one play, but he actually played that perfectly. I've been impressed with him despite the mistakes. And he didn't even play in the preseason. He's only going to get better.

Mykel Williams has also impressed me. He caused the Saints some problems last Sunday. He did it in run defense, which we expected. But he also did it as a push rusher, as well.

Marques Sigle has looked good so far. And Connor Colby played well against the Saints.

This rookie class has looked strong so far, and that's without Alfred Collins and C.J. West playing much. Nick Martin, Jordan Watkins, and Jordan James have yet to be active. But they will get their chance at some point.


Without grading on a curve, what letter grade do you give Mac Jones against the Saints? Better yet, why that grade? - Ed H.


I'd give Mac Jones a solid "B." He made some great throws and ran Kyle Shanahan's offense better than I expected him to do in his first start. And he did it without some of the 49ers' better weapons.

It felt like he held onto the ball a little too long, at times, but he was good. If he can keep playing like that, the 49ers should be fine when Brock Purdy can't play.

Is there a QB controversy in San Francisco? Just curious. - Mac J.


Sorry, Mac. There's no QB controversy in San Francisco.

Do you think Connor Colby takes over the LG spot for good? And does that mean we've seen the last of Ben Bartch, or does he maybe make a move to C? - Andy G.


Yes, I believe Colby is going to take that left guard spot from Ben Bartch. I see Colby outplaying Bartch and not letting go of that position. What that means for Bartch, I'm not really sure. But Jake Brendel will be your starting center for 2025, unless he gets injured, too.

Do you see Jordan Watkins getting on the field anytime soon, Marc? - Shawn


Yes, I do. I'm not sure when, but I can only assume the 49ers haven't felt like Watkins was fully healthy yet. Maybe this is his week. He wasn't on the injury report on Wednesday, so that's a good sign.


I'd go ahead and play Watkins now if I were the 49ers. Is he going to be any worse than Marquez Valdes-Scantling? They have the same number of catches, and Watkins has been inactive in the first two games. At least we know the rookie can learn and improve.

John Lynch mentioned Brock is week-to-week and optimistically has a chance to play in this week's home opener. Do you see Brock playing, or will he sit out another week? - Johnny Y.


Purdy has a chance to play, but I think the 49ers will play it conservatively and start Jones this week. I have no insider knowledge, so if someone like Matt Maiocco says Purdy is starting, then you should probably listen to him. I don't think you want to rush Purdy back unless he's a full-go. So far, he's been limited in practice, which is promising, but I'm not sure that's good enough.

Where and how do we generate a pass rush? I'm very concerned about this going forward. - Lowbridge


The 49ers' defense has pressured the quarterback when they've needed it most. And Robert Saleh has turned things up a notch with his calls. But I would still like to see this part of the defense improve (along with the run defense).

Saleh is still learning his new team. The rookies are going to take some time. And Bryce Huff should only get better. The defense will improve as the season progresses.

Oh, and they still have that Nick Bosa guy. So that helps.


What will be the 49ers' record within the NFC West this season after winning just one game last year? - Dave B.


I'm going to say the 49ers will split with the Rams and Cardinals, while sweeping the Seahawks. If that happens, they'll finish 4-2 in the NFC West.

That's all we have for this quick edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back next week with a new one. Thanks for your questions.

Written By:

Marc Adams


Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
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