Arizona's offense isn't exactly arriving in Santa Clara with momentum. The Seattle Seahawks held the Cardinals to 151 total yards last week, resulting in a 31-7 Arizona loss.
But divisional games have a way of exposing problems that don't always show up on paper.
Instead of focusing simply on Arizona's biggest names, here are three threats whose roles and matchups could shape Sunday's game.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. — The Sleeping Giant
Marvin Harrison's start has been surprisingly quiet. Through two games, he has just one reception for 33 yards and was held without a catch against Seattle. That production doesn't match the talent.
Harrison remains a big, physical receiver who can win contested catches and create explosive plays outside. Arizona knows it needs to get one of its most talented offensive weapons more involved.
That makes him dangerous despite the slow start.
Harrison doesn't necessarily need double-digit targets to affect this matchup. One downfield reception, contested catch, or red-zone opportunity could provide the explosive play Arizona's offense has been missing.
Eventually, the sleeping giant will wake up. San Francisco hopes it isn't on Sunday.
2. Trey McBride — The Security Blanket
While Harrison waits to get going, Trey McBride has already established himself as Arizona's most reliable receiving option. Through two games, McBride has caught 17 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Even during Arizona's difficult afternoon against Seattle, McBride remained involved, finishing with eight receptions and the Cardinals' only touchdown.
That's what makes him dangerous.
McBride doesn't need explosive plays to control a possession. He can consistently find underneath openings, give Jacoby Brissett an easy target, and keep the offense moving.
If Arizona sustains drives Sunday, No. 85 will likely be heavily involved.
1. Arizona's Running Game — The Pressure Point
The biggest Cardinals threat this week isn't necessarily one player. It's the running game itself.
Seattle essentially eliminated Arizona's rushing attack last week, with Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier combining for just 39 yards on 14 carries.
Once the Cardinals became one-dimensional, everything got harder. Seattle generated 18 quarterback pressures, while Brissett completed only four of 11 attempts for nine yards and threw an interception under pressure.
That's why Arizona establishing its running game matters beyond rushing statistics.
A productive ground attack keeps the offense out of obvious passing situations, creates play-action opportunities, and can open space for McBride underneath and Harrison outside. It also presents an intriguing matchup against a San Francisco defensive front that has already dealt with significant injuries early this season.
The threat isn't necessarily one Cardinals running back having a huge afternoon. It's the domino effect created if Arizona finds enough success on the ground to unlock everything else.
The Domino Effect
That's ultimately what makes these three threats connected. Arizona establishes the run. That creates opportunities for McBride underneath. Defenders begin reacting to those areas, potentially creating opportunities for Harrison outside.
Run game. McBride. Harrison.
The Cardinals don't need all three to dominate individually. They need one threat to create opportunities for another.
Arizona's offense hasn't found that balance consistently through two weeks. If it does against San Francisco, Sunday's NFC West matchup could become considerably more interesting.
With defensive tackle Alfred Collins gone and defensive tackle CJ West sidelined, Arizona doesn't have to search far to find the area it should test first.
The question Sunday will be whether the 49ers have an answer.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
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