WAYNE ROOT
Millionaires---Arizona
Who would have thought the Cardinals would be 1-3 after four games? The Cards are in disarray and need to put together a solid game Thursday. Many had them figured to at least win their division and go to the Super Bowl. Their start is as big of a surprise as the Rams start is at 3-1. The next two weeks are critical in finding their offense and beating the 49ers and Jets. That would put them at 3-3 going into week 7 against Seattle. Arizona Coach Arians' reliance on the deep-passing game and his stubbornness to change when opponents take it away have played a huge part in the team's early season struggles. The Cardinals' offense is most successful on passes thrown 10-19 yards downfield, with three touchdowns and an interception. On passes over 20 yards, however, Carson Palmer is below average, with a lone touchdown against four interceptions. Put another way: Palmer ranks 21st out of 25 quarterbacks in PFF's deep passing metric. Look for a game plan change since Palmer is out with a concussion and Drew Stanton takes the snaps from center. The Cardinals say opponents are playing them differently this year. They are seeing more zone coverage, and safeties are staying deep more often. The Cards have not scored a touchdown in the first quarter this season which is uncharacteristic of this team. The Cardinals desperately need Fitzgerald to break a run after a catch and be the field leader. The defense should not worry too much about Blaine Gabbert in this game. The Cardinals did an excellent job of controlling Rams running back Todd Gurley last week, at least as a runner. They will need to do the same against Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn. NaVorro Bowman is what holds the 49ers defense together, and with him out, David Johnson should have a big game on the ground as the 49ers are ranked last in the NFL in rush defense, conceding 140.5 rushing yards per game. I don’t expect the 49ers to put up many points especially against Arizona’s defense. The 49ers lack big playmakers on offense and Arizona is a solid defensive team. Gabbert will not do much, and Hyde hasn’t been anything special. This is a must win game for the Cardinals and I think they find a way to get it done and cover.