The Cardinals in Week 3 shocked the NFL world when they knocked off the heavily-favored Dallas Cowboys 28-16 at State Farm Stadium. That victory served as a wake-up call for the 49ers that their Week 4 opponent wasn’t going to be a pushover.
Even before the Week 3 thumping of the Cowboys though it was clear Arizona was doing something right and just not finishing games.
Buy 49ers TicketsTo get some more insight on them we hit up our buddy Jess Root, the managing editor at Cards Wire. He answered some questions for us and dished out a prediction for Sunday’s game:
Niners Wire: How has QB Josh Dobbs looked to you?
Jess Root: Surprisingly ok. I was critical of trade for Dobbs and release of Colt McCoy, believing that even a washed-up McCoy was a better playmaker and bridge until Murray returns than Dobbs, who had played in only eight games since getting drafted in 2017 and starting two. In the season opener, he was terrible, but since then, he has been serviceable. In the last two games, he has played to what is probably his ceiling, which is not screwing up, making plays with his legs and keeping the offense on schedule. I believe he has established himself as Jonathan Gannon’s legacy backup the way Drew Stanton was for Bruce Arians and McCoy for Kliff Kingsbury.
NW: Is Arizona overall better than you thought they'd be?
JR: Yes and no. I expected them to be 1-2 coming into this game. I expected scrappy, physical team with the new coaching staff. I did not expect them to compete at all with the Cowboys.
They are all right defensively, even with some significant injury losses. They are getting more pressure from multiple people than expected. Offensively, they have started well.
It really has me excited about what a healthy Kyler Murray could do.
NW: What's the biggest reason the Cardinals have been so competitive?
JR: It is primarily their effort and the execution of their game plans. This coaching staff is very intentional about every detail and, so far, everyone is buying in. They are playing well on defense and are not turning the ball over on offense, which gives them a chance in every game.
NW: Give me a path to another Cardinals upset this week.
JR: As unlikely as it is, the Cardinals get points early, neutralizing in part the 49ers’ rushing attack. They pressure Brock Purdy and force a turnover or two, and them they don’t turn the ball over themselves. They can’t give up big, explosive plays.
NW: Do they pull it off? What's your prediction?
JR: No, they do not pull it off, but it will not be an embarrassment. Their defensive intensity will help but ultimately not be enough. Offensively, they do put some points on the board. The Niners win but the Cardinals cover. 49ers 30, Cardinals 20
