It took exactly one rushing attempt for David Johnson to realize the 49ers’ historically-porous run defense had no plans to roll over in the Cardinals’ 23-20 win on Sunday.
The Cardinals running back was expected to cut through their front like a hot knife through butter, but a San Francisco defense which had allowed a 100-yard rusher in seven straight games made it a top priority to keep him in check.
“They were screaming at each other, “We can’t let them run the ball!’” said Johnson, who finished with 19 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.