The Arizona Cardinals blew out the San Francisco 49ers, 47-7. The Cardinals look like one of the NFC's best teams and the 49ers look like a team that has serious issues. Here are three things we learned about each team in the Cardinals' win.
Cardinals:
1. The Cardinals Are Dangerous
Perhaps we already knew this one, but the Cardinals are a serious threat. They've picked up right where they left off last season, before Palmer was injured. If Palmer stays healthy, the Cardinals will be a serious threat in the NFC.
2. Larry Fitzgerald Is Back
Fitzgerald had a down season last year, but he's back to his old form. He recorded nine catches for 134 yards and two TDs. He looks like a top-notch WR this year and he's a deadly weapon for Arizona.
3. The Secondary Is Good
I'm not sure if Kaepernick was just that bad, or if the Cardinals' secondary was just that good, but I think it was a bit of both. The Cardinals have a strong secondary and they looked great against Kaepernick, picking him off four times. That talented secondary will be important late in the season and into the postseason.
49ers:
1. Colin Kaepernick Must Improve
Yeah, so that was a bad performance from Kaepernick. He was fine on the ground, picking up 46 yards and a score on seven carries. But through the air, he was awful. Kaepernick threw four picks and completed only nine passes for 67 yards. If the Niners have any hope of making the playoffs, it starts with Kaepernick playing better.
2. Torrey Smith Needs More Targets
The 49ers signed Torrey Smith to be the deep threat the team has lacked. He had just two targets against the Cardinals, falling to catch a pass. If the 49ers want to free up the middle of the field and the running game, they need to take at least a few shots downfield. This isn't to say the 49ers should be pass-first, but Smith is on the team for a reason. The 49ers should use his skill set.
3. The Defense Needs Work
The 49ers defense couldn't stop the run or pass against the Cardinals. They allowed Chris Johnson, who is not the same player he once was, to rack up 110 yards and two scores on 22 yards. Carson Palmer threw for 300-plus yards. The 49ers defense looked awful and they'll need to improve quickly to save San Francisco's season.
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