{"id":5902,"date":"2016-11-11T12:13:43","date_gmt":"2016-11-11T17:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=5902"},"modified":"2016-11-11T12:13:43","modified_gmt":"2016-11-11T17:13:43","slug":"san-francisco-49ers-week-ten-keys-to-victory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/11\/11\/san-francisco-49ers-week-ten-keys-to-victory\/","title":{"rendered":"San Francisco 49ers Week Ten Keys to Victory"},"content":{"rendered":"

The San Francisco 49ers<\/strong> did not have a successful start to the 2016 season. They come off the bye week at 1-7. Key injuries and a change at quarterback are partly to blame.\u00a0 Their young defensive line has been hit hard by injuries.\u00a0 Arik Armstead<\/a><\/strong> is done for the season after an MRI revealed he needed surgery on his left shoulder.\u00a0 Also, Armstead\u2019s replacement Quinton Dial<\/a><\/strong> is playing through injury.\u00a0 Nose tackles Glenn Dorsey<\/a><\/strong> and Mike Purcell<\/a><\/strong> are also toughing it out through lingering injuries<\/a>.\u00a0 Regardless, the 49ers come into week ten with a tough divisional matchup.<\/p>\n

The Arizona Cardinals<\/strong> have also had a disappointing start to the year.\u00a0 At 3-4-1 the Cardinals sit second in the NFC West<\/strong>.\u00a0 Both teams will look to come out of the bye week with a win.\u00a0 There are three keys the 49ers must control to achieve an upset victory on Sunday, and one is swarming Carson Palmer<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers Week Ten Keys to Victory<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Pressure Carson Palmer <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Carson Palmer has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury since week seven.\u00a0 Palmer is not known as a mobile quarterback, and this injury has made him even less mobile.\u00a0 This will make it easier for the defense to keep Palmer in the pocket.\u00a0 Palmer, though not quick, can make big plays while scrambling.\u00a0 Larry Fitzgerald<\/a><\/strong> has a way of getting open the longer a play runs on.\u00a0 The 49ers defense needs to disguise coverage\u2019s and formations.\u00a0 Stunts and delayed blitzes will open up gaps in the Cardinals offensive line.\u00a0 Palmer will not be able to avoid the pressure and this will lead to sacks, negating the threat of Fitzgerald.\u00a0 In instances where the pressure does not get to Palmer, the defensive line needs to get their hands up and knock down passes.\u00a0 There will be a greater opportunity for knock downs with Palmer confined to the pocket.<\/p>\n

Exploit an Injured Cardinals Secondary<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Much like the 49ers defensive line, the Cardinals secondary has been hit with the injury bug.\u00a0 Though safety Tyrann Mathieu<\/a><\/strong> is recovering quicker than expected from a shoulder injury, he will still likely miss this game.\u00a0 This gives rookie Brandon Williams<\/a><\/strong> the chance to start.\u00a0 Along with Mathieu, cornerbacks Justin Bethel<\/a><\/strong> and Tharold Simon<\/a><\/strong> are both playing through injuries.\u00a0 The 49ers can exploit this weakness with a lot of formation changes and play action.\u00a0 Along with this, quick snaps and no huddle will create confusion and disruption in the Cardinals secondary.\u00a0 The 49ers should also take a few deep shots with Torrey Smith<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Arizona corners could be vulnerable to getting burnt on a fly or post route, especially late in the game.<\/p>\n

Win Third Down Battle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One thing the 49ers can do to help their chance of victory is to keep their offense on the field.\u00a0 This keeps the defense fresh and encouraged.\u00a0 A part of staying on the field is converting on third down.\u00a0 To this point in the season the 49ers are a dismal 39\/111 on third down.\u00a0 This leads to a total time of possession for the season at 25:31, which is extremely low for week ten. \u00a0This is in part a consequence of Chip Kelly<\/strong>\u2019s offensive scheme.\u00a0 Arizona tops San Francisco in this category, completing 48\/114 on third down<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 49ers need to flip this statistic in this game.\u00a0 Let the clock run, and keep the ball on the ground.\u00a0 Even if the 49ers get behind early they must not fall into the passing trap.\u00a0 They must stay with their strength, which is the run game and be patient.\u00a0 Run on first and second down, leaving manageable third downs, and don\u2019t get behind the chains.\u00a0 This gives San Francisco the best chance to keep the Cardinals offense off the field and limit their time of possession.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n