When Kyler Murray steps onto Levi’s Stadium field under the blazing California sun, the picturesque scenery always catches his eye, with the green turf seemingly brighter and the atmosphere vibrant. But the beauty of the setting belies the challenge that awaits Murray and the Arizona Cardinals (1-3) this Sunday as they face off against a formidable San Francisco 49ers defense.
Led by defensive stalwarts Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers (2-2) present a terrifying obstacle for any offense. Murray, recalling his previous encounters, knows all too well the prowess of this defensive unit. “It’s Year 6 for me, and they’ve been great ever since I’ve been in the league,” Murray said. “Fred and Nick are two of the guys that make it go, but they have great players surrounding them.”
Murray’s last visit to San Francisco in 2020 ended in a 24-20 victory for the Cardinals, and both Bosa and Warner were present in that battle. Warner, a consistent force against Arizona, has amassed 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and multiple forced fumbles in his 12 career games against them. Bosa’s numbers, while less eye-popping, still highlight his impact, with 26 tackles, four sacks, and three forced fumbles in nine matchups.
“They have elite talent, no question,” Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged. “Bosa is as good as it gets, and Warner might be one of the best MIKE linebackers we’ve ever seen. Their defense has stayed consistent over the years, and it shows.”
Warner, who’s been nothing short of spectacular in September with 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a sack, could be limited due to an ankle injury. However, his reputation as one of the best linebackers in the game is undeniable, with Murray even suggesting, “He might go down as one of the best ever.”
On the other side, the 49ers recognize the threat that Murray’s mobility poses. Despite a quiet rushing effort last week, where his lone scramble became a point of discussion, his ability to escape the pocket has frustrated defenses in the past. “It’s harder to catch him, for sure,” Bosa said. “He’s more comfortable now, but once you catch him, he’s not hard to bring down.”
The Cardinals hope to recapture some of their 2021 magic when they started 2-0 in the NFC West, including a key win over the 49ers. To achieve that, they’ll need to neutralize Bosa, Warner, and the rest of the 49ers’ defense. A victory would also help erase the bitter memories of last weekend’s performance, which still lingers for Murray.
“I definitely expect to have a better week this week,” the Cardinals quarterback vowed. With the 49ers looming, Murray and the Cardinals will need to rise to the occasion.
