The San Francisco 49ers are entering a Week 5 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in desperate need of a win.
A Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dramatically altered the 49ers' calculus for the season and reduced their margin for error. They're now in a spot where they badly need to beat Arizona to keep pace in the NFC West.
To get a feel for where the 1-3 Cardinals stand entering Week 5, we got in touch with Cards Wire managing editor Jess Root. He answered a few questions for us:
Niners Wire: The 49ers coaching staff said Kyler Murray is playing his best football right now ... do you agree?
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks over the defense againt the Commanders during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024.
Jess Root: Yes and no. I would argue the way he played for the first half of the 2021 season was better. He is doing quarterback things better in a more traditional offense. His numbers are not as good as the first half of last season when he was a legitimate MVP contender, and the offensive consistency within the game needs to get better.
NW: What is the biggest reason the Cardinals defense is struggling?
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) on Sept. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
JR: They struggle badly at two things - stopping the run and getting after the passer. They were supposed to be better against the run with the additions of DL Justin Jones, DL Bilal Nichols and LB Mack Wilson. But Jones is done for the season and the line's play against the run has been no better.
Rushing the passer, they didn't add anyone in the offseason and their most talented rusher, BJ Ojulari, tore his ACL and is out for the season.
The other thing is they are awful on third down, which makes for a bad combo. They don't stop the run. They don't sack the quarterback and don't get off the field on third down.
NW: Has Marvin Harrsion Jr. met, exceeded, or fallen short of expectation?
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
JR: It is both. Statistically, he is more or less there. He has has four touchdowns in four games. He has made big impacts. But he hasn't been big outside the first quarter of games. We are still waiting for a full game of dominance.
NW: Is there anyone worth watching out for on Arizona's defense?
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) celebrates an interception with teammates Budda Baker (3) and Max Melton (16) against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
JR: Budda Baker is always worth watching, with how fast he plays, gets to the ball and hits guys. Kyzir White and Mack Wilson are solid linebackers. And they have young corners in Star Thomas, Garrett Williams and Max Melton to watch.
NW: Let's get a prediction for Sunday.
Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Ariz, United States; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is forced out of bounds by San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown (27) during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic
JR: As much as this could go sideways because the Niners run the ball well and convert on third down regularly. However, after getting embarrassed last week and with a banged-up Niners team, i expect the offense to keep up. It won't be enough, so I am guessing the Cardinals cover the 7.5-point spread and lose 31-27.