As the Arizona Cardinals get set to take on the San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 3 NFL action, they are looking to stay perfect and improve to 3-0. It is a big game for them, as they are currently sitting atop the conference and have a chance to stay that way with a big victory over a division rival. San Francisco is 1-1 on the year so far, but definitely have the talent to stick with the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
There are quite a few players that will have to step up for both teams in order to come away with a win, but Arizona firmly believes that they have more players capable of doing so.
Looking ahead at the upcoming game for the Cardinals, there are a few things in particular that they have to focus on. If they want to pull out a win against a tough 49ers football team, they will have to lock in on five keys for victory.
Let’s take a look at which five keys those are for the Cardinals in Week 3.
1. Carson Palmer Must Stay Hot
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Cardinals’ 2-0 start is the play of veteran quarterback Carson Palmer. He has been phenomenal to say the least, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 492 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. Palmer will have to stay hot against a talented San Francisco defense and if he can do so will give his team a very good chance to pull out a victory.
2. The Ground Game Must Make an Impact
Andre Ellington is questionable to play this week, but whether he is able to go or not the Cardinals still have Chris Johnson and David Johnson to work with. Palmer needs all of the help he can get and having a good rushing attack against the 49ers would be a big help for the offense. Establishing the running game early will be a major key and it must stay consistent and make an impact throughout the course of the game.
3. Pass Rush Must Put Pressure on Colin Kaepernick
Putting pressure on Colin Kaepernick usually ends well for opposing defense and that is what the Cardinals have to do. They have to put pressure on him while also keeping him contained and not allowing him to make plays with his legs. Arizona definitely has the personnel to put pressure on Kaepernick, but they have to carry it out on the field and make things happen.
4. Larry Fitzgerald Needs to Pick Up Where He Left Off
Last week against the Chicago Bears, Larry Fitzgerald caught eight passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns. He is more than capable of being a major playmaker for the Cardinals’ offense and looked like his former superstar self in Week 2. If he can pick up where he left off last week, there is a good chance that the Cardinals can win this game in convincing fashion.
5. Win the Special Teams Battle
One of the most underrated areas of an NFL game is on special teams, where games can literally be won or lost. Arizona has one of the best special teams units in the league and showed that off last week when David Johnson took a kick return 108 yards for a touchdown. Winning special teams this week has to be done by the Cardinals if they want to come away with a 3-0 record.
