Sunday’s 51-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers was an expected performance from the 49ers’ offense from a game plan standpoint. They ran the ball 38 times compared to just 22 passes, and they averaged 6.1 yards per rush. Next, they’ll take on an Arizona defense that allows 130.1 rushing yards per game and ranks 26th in Football Outsiders’ run defense DVOA.
With the run game looking like it’s back to what it was before a two-game stumble in Weeks 7 and 8, here are the six players to watch Thursday night against the Cardinals:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo against Carolina had his best game statistically since Week 2. He completed 18-of-22 passes for 175 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. His lone interception came when he tried to force a ball into George Kittle. He’s susceptible to those mistakes once or twice per game. Ooutside of that his throws were smart and accurate, especially down the field. Arizona’s defense allows the fourth-most passing yards per game, so Garoppolo could be in store for a big night.
RB Tevin Coleman
Speaking of big games, Coleman will look for an encore performance following his four-touchdown game against Carolina. The running back carried the ball 11 times for 105 yards and three rushing touchdowns. The big highlight was a 48-yard touchdown run. He also took a screen pass for a 10-yard touchdown. Arizona is slightly better against the run, but not much, ranking in the bottom 10 in the league in rushing yards allowed. With Matt Breida dealing with an ankle injury, Coleman could see a majority of the carries Thursday.
WR Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders looked early in Sunday’s game like a weapon Kyle Shanahan was going to use frequently. The receiver was targeted three times for two catches and his first touchdown with the 49ers in his first series. Sanders was targeted just twice after that drive. He finished his day with four receptions on five targets with 25 yards and a touchdown. He will likely get matched up with Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson on Thursday, so it’ll be interesting to see his target count in his second game.
TE George Kittle
Even with the Sanders addition, Kittle was the most targeted receiver for the 49ers on Sunday with seven passes thrown his way. He finished with six receptions for 86 yards, and had a touchdown negated by an offensive pass interference on Deebo Samuel. Kittle looks to still be the focus of the passing game even with Sanders playing a majority of the snaps. Arizona struggles with opposing tight ends, so Kittle could see a good amount of targets again.
RB Raheem Mostert
Mostert should see an uptick in carries if Breida is limited or out Thursday night. He took over as the second running back after Breida left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, and played well with nine carries for 60 yards and a 41-yard touchdown. Mostert has played well all season rotating between the second and third running back spot, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He is also a question mark entering Thursday dealing with a quad injury.
LT Justin Skule
Thursday night could be the last game Skule starts at left tackle with Joe Staley nearing his return. Skule will look to bounce back from what may have been his worst game since taking the starting spot in Week 3. He allowed a sack vs. Bruce Irvin that resulted in a safety, and allowed a pressure that lead to an Eric Reid sack. Arizona is in the top half of the league in sacks with 22, spearheaded by Chandler Jones, who terrorized the 49ers last season.
