For many across the world, December 26th is celebrated as Boxing Day, the time many are returning their unwanted gifts from the previous day’s holiday. This year, we were treated to a Boxing Day clash between division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals. Arizona needed the victory to keep pace in their chase for the final playoff spot in the NFC. San Francisco entered as the potential spoiler, looking for a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating season. However, for anyone who witnessed the contest, it could be understood if it seems like the roles were reversed after the 49ers had their way with the Cardinals. Today we take a look back at the San Francisco victory and how the Cardinals are left holding the receipt to an unwanted gift.
Wrapping Up Murray
Fitting that on Boxing Day, the 49ers would find a way to tightly wrap the Arizona offense. In the season-opening matchup between the two teams, quarterback Kyler Murray led a fourth-quarter comeback for the Cardinals. Murray added two scores in the victory but struggled in the rematch. The 49ers focused on containing Murry to the pocket with a controlled pass rush while bringing pressure from Murray’s right. San Francisco forced Murray to scramble to his left, making it difficult to deliver throws down the field. Making matters worse for the Cardinals’ offense was the ability for the 49ers to make quick tackles on underneath routes. The lack of chunk plays for the Cardinals forced the offense to convert on third and long situations. Arizona finished the game with a 25% conversion rate on third down.
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Murray broke free on a pair of solid runs but found little else on the ground. San Francisco’s gameplan forced the young quarterback to stay in the pocket. The quarterback’s contributions in the ground game accounted for more than half of the team’s total. By contrast, running back Kenyan Drake finished with 45 yards on 18 rushes. San Francisco’s front four did well to clog up running lanes, enabling both safeties to play deep and protect against deep throws. On the game’s biggest play, the 49ers fooled Murray in the red zone and brought a linebacker and safety on a blitz to the quarterback’s right side. However, San Francisco dropped their defensive end to pick up the running back in the flat and forced Murray into an off-balanced throw towards wide receiver Christian Kirk. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon made the leaping interception in the end zone and ended Arizona’s attempt to tie the game.
How about that @49ers defense?! #FTTB
📺 + 📱: #SFvsAZ on @SportsOnPrimehttps://t.co/maHpnF6lzS pic.twitter.com/knYvZzkrJT
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2020
Body Blows
The 49ers played a new flawless game on offense as they impersonated a boxing pro with countless body blows. C.J. Beathard started at quarterback and avoided the turnover frenzy that has often befallen teammate Nick Mullens. Beathard relied on a healthy ground game against Arizona. Jeff Wilson contributed a career-high 183 yards rushing on just 22 attempts. Wilson added a receiving touchdown and helped the offense find a solid rhythm. San Francisco’s ground game looked powerful and resembled the unit that led the team to the Super Bowl last season. The offense benefitted from the return of tight end George Kittle. Missing since Week 8, Kittle’s blocking was the difference as he often sealed the edge and opened up holes for Wilson to burst through.
Jeff Wilson Jr. is running tough: 15 carries, 113 yards. #FTTB
📺 + 📱: #SFvsAZ on @SportsOnPrimehttps://t.co/maHpnF6lzS pic.twitter.com/7kBqRo7vOe
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2020
Wilson’s hard running helped to control the football and keep the Arizona offense on the sidelines. The San Francisco offense attacked the interior of the Arizona defensive line in the first half. Often running behind the left side of the line, specifically, tackle Trent Williams and guard Laken Tomlinson. Then, in the second half, the 49ers attacked the edges with toss plays. San Francisco motioned Kittle or fullback Kyle Juszczyk to hit the kick-out block on the edge. It was an impressive performance for the offense and one the team can build on heading into next season.
Reddick, His Presence is a Present
One of the few bright spots for the Cardinals on Saturday was the continued stellar play from Haason Reddick. The fourth-year man has established himself as a pass-rushing machine this season as he brought his total to 12.5 sacks this year. He was a disrupting force against the 49ers, accounting for a sack and a half, including a forced fumble. The turnover occurred as the 49ers looked to add points before halftime. Reddick sped around the edge and hit Beathard’s throwing elbow, knocking the ball loose. The fumble was recovered by the Cardinals. Reddick’s speed frustrated San Francisco’s right tackle, Mike McGlinchey. In a battle of former first-round selections, Reddick’s burst off the line and ability to bend at the top of his rush frustrated the struggling offensive lineman.
Haason Reddick continues his sack streak. #RedSea
📺 + 📱: #SFvsAZ on @SportsOnPrimehttps://t.co/maHpnF6lzS pic.twitter.com/e7mWWhBodK
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2020
When McGlinchey was able to manage Reddick’s initial attack, the pass rusher kept his motor going to get the pressure. Over the last three games, Reddick has tallied 7.5 sacks and added five forced fumbles. Reddick is playing his way to a lucrative contract in free agency after the Cardinals declined to pick up his fifth-year option during this past offseason. It will be interesting to see what Arizona chooses to do with Reddick as fellow pass rusher, Chandler Jones, recovers from a season-ending bicep injury suffered back in October. On Boxing Day, Reddick became the one present that the Cardinals did not want to return.
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Week 17 Intrigue
With the loss to the 49ers, Arizona now needs a victory over the Rams in the season finale to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Cardinals received a life-line from Seattle as the Seahawks defeated the Rams on Sunday. If the result had gone in the opposite direction, Arizona would have needed a win against Los Angeles and a Bears loss to the Packers, to make the playoffs. As it stands, the Cardinals only need to win and they’re in. By contrast, the 49ers head into week 17 with nothing to play for outside of pride. San Francisco is set to take on the aforementioned Seahawks to end the season. The 49ers had hoped to play the role of spoiler for a second-straight week but the Seahawks clinched the division title with their victory over the Rams. Now the 49ers look to end their season on a high note while forcing their rival to enter the playoffs with a limp.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals and covers the San Francisco 49ers for Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada
