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Opponent Profile: San Francisco 49ers Host Arizona Cardinals In Regular Season Finale

By Jerrell Richardson

When the 49ers regular season schedule was announced, this week stood out, as it was assumed to be a very important game for a San Francisco team that figured to be fighting for playoff position. While the game is still worth plenty, it’s not for the home team. The 49ers have had a season to forget, but the visiting Cardinals have had one to remember, and with a little luck can clinch the division with a win this week. The 49ers aren’t without motivation though. The last thing they want to do is end the season with a losing record, all while losing 5 straight to end the year, with the last one coming at the at the hands of their playoff bound division rival.

When Arizona Has The Ball: Advantage 49ers

This matchup will feature a lot of backups. The 49er defense and Cardinal offense have both seen their fair share of injuries this season, but each have kept on ticking. If not for this being the last game of the season, San Francisco would have a much clearer advantage though.

San Francisco’s defense has been solid all season, but the injuries are piling up, and with the playoffs a foregone conclusion, they are understandably slowing down. However, they are still a solid group that are capable of shutting down the less than stellar Cardinal offense. The 49ers come into this game with the 5th ranked passing defense, and are the 7th best team stopping the run, so the offensively challenged Cardinals will be tested. Arizona is down to their 4thd string quarterback and 2nd string running back so as they have all season, they will manage the game and leave it in the hands of their defense to lead them to a win.

If there is one area that has to concern the 49ers when Arizona has the ball, it’s the Cardinals passing game. While Arizona doesn’t have a deadly attack, coming into this game averaging 237.3 yards per game, they do have All Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Not only will the San Francisco secondary who allowed over 300 yards to Phillip Rivers last week have to contain Fitzgerald, but if they focus too much on him it will open things up for Malcom Floyd who is no slouch. Helping out the 49er defense though is the fact that Logan Thomas will be under center, and he is his teams 4th option for a reason.

When San Francisco Has The Ball: Advantage Cardinals

Although they woke up a week ago, the 49ers offense is going against one of the best defenses in the league, and won’t be able to run the ball as effectively this week. In fact, on paper, this a very bad matchup for the 49ers who are much better at running the ball than passing, and playing a defense that is far better at stopping the run than pass.

After racking up over 300 yards on the ground a week ago, the 49ers are now ranked 5th in the league running the ball. This is a bit misleading though, as the team has been very hot and cold with their running game, although they have been better as of late. This week though they are facing a very stout defense that’s strong suit is stopping the run. If they remain consistent and true to the run, as a team San Francisco should crack 100 yards, but just barely, and that’s assuming Kaepernick chips in.

San Francisco’s passing attack has taken a back seat to the running game in recent weeks, and as a result it has dropped to the 31st in the NFL. The plan of the 49ers this week will be to run the ball early and often and minimize the passing attempts, but they are playing a Cardinal secondary that has allowed over 250 passing yards per game, so if needed the opportunity is there to make plays. Even if the running game is clicking, Kaepernick is going to be needed to make a few plays with his arm and if given time should be able to find Anquan Boldin who has been his only real consistent threat this season.

49ers Must and Will End Season On A High Note

While there is no motivation greater than playing for a playoff spot, not far behind is to ruin the season of a division rival. While they can’t keep Arizona out of the playoffs, a win over the Cardinals will be something for the 49ers to hang their hat on as they enter the offseason, and all but end the Cardinals chances of a Super Bowl run as they proved they can’t go to Seattle and get a win. San Francisco needs a win to avoid entering the offseason with doubts as to where exactly they stand in the NFC West, as if the 3rd or even 4th best team in the division, their future playoff chances will only get slimmer next season. With all the other questions the team will face this offseason, if they can compete within the division does not need to be one.

For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.

Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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