It’s going to be tough to top their 51-point showing in Week 8, but the 49ers face a weaker defense Thursday night against the Cardinals.
Here are three keys to San Francisco keeping up the offensive productivity:
Jones, the Cardinals’ All-Pro defensive end, is a bona fide game-wrecker off the edge. He’s capable of getting to quarterbacks and generating turnovers with active hands around the passer. The Cardinals’ defense isn’t great, but he has to be accounted for at all times.
Arizona is among the NFL’s worst teams at defending tight ends. The Cardinals lead the NFL in touchdowns allowed to opposing tight ends.
George Kittle has just one touchdown this season (he’s had three negated by penalties, if memory serves). That could change Thursday. The Cardinals have allowed a league-worst eight touchdowns to tight ends. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) October 30, 2019
George Kittle only has one touchdown reception this season, but he should get loose against Arizona. He’s the focal point of the passing attack, so Jimmy Garoppolo needs to take advantage whenever he’s left open, which will happen Thursday.
San Francisco was terrific inside the 20 against Carolina in Week 8. The 49ers entered the week 29th in red zone touchdown rate, but posted four touchdowns in five trips against a good Panthers defense. The 49ers have to get ahead of Arizona early and be able to match them if they rattle off a couple touchdown drives. That means getting six points out of trips inside the 20.