Cardinals Know They Must Find Way To Slow 49ers Attack

Kyler Murray was the first person to hear his name announced by Roger Goodell in the 2019 NFL Draft, becoming the new face of the Cardinals.

Last season during the NFL Draft, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was the final player to be selected, becoming 2022’s Mr. Irrelevant — yet he too soon became the face of the 49ers. 

One year later, Purdy isn’t just relevant, but he’s playing at an MVP level, and a focus of the Cardinals defense when they have a rematch with the 49ers Sunday at State Farm Stadium. 

Purdy was fantastic when the Cardinals visited the Bay Area in Week 4, going 20-of-21 for 283 yards in the 35-16 49ers win. But unlike the first meeting, the Cardinals will have reinforcements. Safety Budda Baker, linebacker Josh Woods, and defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter missed the first meeting.

“I think it’s a team thing, of course, everybody in alignment with each other and continue to trust each other,” Baker said. “(Purdy) does a great job of knowing the defense and knowing exactly where he’s going.”

Every time Baker speaks to the media, he always stresses the importance of stopping the run. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey scored four touchdowns against the Cardinals earlier this season, and three were rushing touchdowns to go along with 106 rushing yards and 71 receiving yards. Purdy, meanwhile, is the league leader in completion percentage (70.2), yards per attempt (9.9), and in passer rating (116.9). 

McCaffrey and Purdy will be tough to stop, but the 49ers also have wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk at their disposal.