Cardinals' Upgraded Offense, Expectations In Tow, Ready To Go

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AIR QUALITY IN THE BAY AREA IS CONCERN


Because of the fires around the Bay Area, the air quality index in the area, including Santa Clara, where the Cardinals will play the 49ers, is running near dangerous levels.


At one point Friday, some measurements had it spiking over 200, the threshold for which the NFL would not let a practice or game be held. The Cardinals are scheduled to arrive in nearby San Jose early Saturday evening.


"We're definitely monitoring the situation," Kingsbury said. "I talked with (GM) Steve (Keim) briefly, and I know he and (owner) Michael (Bidwill) and our football ops (staff) are talking through things and seeing where it is all at."


DEFENDING THE TIGHT END AND KITTLE


The Cardinals were always going to be wary of defending 49ers tight end George Kittle Sunday, given that he is San Francisco's best pass catcher anyway and how injuries have played havoc with the Niners' current wide receivers depth chart.


But the Cards spent the offseason trying to get personnel that would help with the situation, signing free agent linebacker De'Vondre Campbell and then drafting linebacker Isaiah Simmons. That was natural, after 28 total tight ends piled up a total of 98 receptions for 1,173 yards and 16 touchdowns against the Cards last season (including, interestingly, two catches for 25 yards from Arnold, who was playing for the Saints prior to being cut and claimed by the Cards.)


"Tight ends are unique because they are part of the run and pass game," defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. "If it's first or second down, and they are in a two-back set with one tight end, no one is thinking cover the tight end. So they get more fair matchups than anyone on the field because of who they are and where they play."


On third downs, Joseph said, it's easier for a defense to plan for a tight end as pass catcher.


"You can't push your entire game plan toward stopping the tight end, and that's what is tough in my chair," Joseph said. "You can do that, but give up 200 yards rushing. You have to pick your poison and by down and distance have some calls to take away the great tight end."


JOSH JONES OUT FOR SUNDAY


Offensive lineman Josh Jones (ankle) was the only Cardinal ruled out for Sunday. Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson, who was not at practice, was placed on the COVID-19 Reserve list.


For the 49ers, wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) and cornerback Jason Verrett (hamstring) are out for the game. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) and center Ben Garland (ankle) are questionable.

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