Arizona Cardinals: 5 Reasons You Won't Be Surprised by a Win over the 49ers

I know, I know, how can the lowly 5-7 Arizona Cardinals even hope to compete with the 10-2 defensive juggernaut that is the San Francisco 49ers, much less pull off a win?

Arizona got throttled by them last time they played—why would this game, just three weeks after a thumping by the same team, be any different?

I expect this game will not only be close, but will see the Cards with a real chance of coming out of University of Phoenix Stadium with a win on Sunday.  

Much has changed my friends; allow me to explain.

The Cardinals Have New Hope

After winning four out of their last five, including an unexpected home win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Cardinals find themselves just two games out of a wild-card spot.  

The leading teams for a wild-card spot are the Detroit Lions (7-5), Chicago Bears (7-5), Atlanta Falcons (7-5) and either the Dallas Cowboys (7-5) or New York Giants (6-6), depending on who wins the division.  

The Detroit Lions are going to have issues missing Ndamukong Suh, have absolutely no run game to propel their offense and a schedule that includes Oakland and Green Bay.

The Chicago Bears are in a bad spot with Jay Cutler and Matt Forte out. Both of these teams likely will fade toward the end of the season.  

The Falcons likely will secure one of the wild-card spots, but have a very tough matchup with the Saints and a deceptively good Panthers squad still to go.   

The Cowboys and Giants play each other this weekend, and obviously a win by the Giants favors the Cardinals.  

If you don't think the Cardinals know they are right in the thick of things with a win this week, you are kidding yourself.

If Detroit and Chicago fall off like many expect them to, and the Giants beat the Cowboys, that leaves the Cardinals one game behind with three games left in the wild-card hunt.

Kevin Kolb Has Returned

The last time the Cardinals played the 49ers, Kevin Kolb was out with a case of turf toe and John Skelton got the start. Skelton showed he was the backup after getting harassed by the 49er defense and throwing three interceptions.  

Kolb showed rust in the first half of the Dallas game but came back with an exceptional second half, going 7-of-11 for 203 yards and ending the game with the swing pass to "The Hyphen."

Kolb and Fitzgerald will need to have big games against San Francisco if the Cardinals hope to win this one, as San Francisco is likely to neutralize the run game.

San Francisco Will Be Without the Heart of Its Defense

Lets be frank here, Patrick Willis is a frightening man-beast.

He is big, he is fast, he is strong and he is the heart of that San Francisco defense. Unfortunately, he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain last week; with the NFC West already wrapped up, there is no reason for Harbaugh to play him this week, even if he could suit up. 

With Willis out, the Cardinals might be able to form some type of run game. If the Cardinals can jolt the San Francisco defense and put up some big plays and quick points, it might put the San Francisco defense in a state of shock—they will be looking for someone to make a play, and that someone will be on the sidelines.

Ray Horton's Defense Is Finally Getting It... and Playing Like Men Possessed

Over the last couple of games, it is obvious that the Cardinals defense is finally understanding and getting comfortable with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton's scheme.  

The Arizona defensive players are understanding where they should be and where their teammates should be, resulting in efficient defensive play.

They are getting considerably more pressure on QBs than before, which is leading to sacks, turnovers and three-and-outs.  

With more understanding by the players, Horton is able to open up the playbook and dial in more blitz packages and schemes to throw at the offense.

But the Cardinals must not allow Frank Gore to run wild on them; holding him in check will be key.

If the Cardinals can put pressure on Alex Smith, I expect some turnovers to be had by the Arizona secondary.

49ers Will Be Looking Past the Cardinals to Next Monday Night

Most 49er fans—and more than likely the players—already see this as win No. 11 for San Francisco.  

They already have the NFC West wrapped up and the only thing they are playing for now is a bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage.  

With the Saints right on their tail, the 49ers have a huge game next weekend on Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So, you are playing a 5-7 divisional opponent in the division you have already won, and have the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers next week in prime time with the Saints one game behind...which game would you be worried about?

If the 49ers come out flat, the Cardinals could jump all over them and pull out the big win in Glendale.