The San Francisco 49ers are surviving on a wing and a bread bowl of chowder, somehow starting out 2-0 in spite of a multitude of injuries to key players. However, in Kyle Shanahan we trust going into the Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s take a look at a few keys to victory that the 49ers could use on Sunday. 

Take Advantage of Arizona’s Own Injuries

Despite popular belief, other NFL teams have significant injuries as well. While San Francisco has big names on their injury report, the Cardinals secondary has been bombarded by them. 

In the cornerback room alone, Garrett Williams (along with DL LJ Collier) have been placed on IR, while CBs Max Melton and Will Johnson have unclear statuses for Sunday. It’s rare that you see one position group besieged by injuries this early in the season. 

With that many members of the secondary either out or at least hampered, Shanahan will likely try to attack the position as much as possible. Luckily, even with the injuries, he might have the personnel to do that. 

Continue to Prove that Shanahan was Right in 2021

It’s been widely reported for years that, when the 49ers traded up in the 2021 draft, the team was split. The front office wanted Trey Lance while Shanahan wanted Mac Jones. 

While an infinite number of things have influenced the outcome for all parties involved since that decision, it does seem that Shanahan may have been on to something four years ago. While it’s only one game, Jones’ line of 26/39, 279 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions constitutes his best performance in quite some time. 

If Jones can continue to excel by taking advantage of a beleaguered Arizona secondary (see how we tied the first and second keys together there?) while protecting the ball, San Francisco might just race out to the most improbable 3-0 start in the league. 

Limit Big Plays on Defense

By and large, the 49ers have been sound on defense. After giving up only 17 points per game to start the year, it's hard to argue otherwise. 

If there’s one thing to nitpick on this side of the ball though, it’s that they’ve been vulnerable to giving up splash plays in the passing game. 

Between the 40 yard completion they surrendered to Jaxson Smith-Njigba in Week 1 and the 39-yard catch Rashid Shaheed hauled in on Sunday, the defense still has room for improvement in this area. 

Conclusion

Overall, there will likely be two points of emphasis going into the game. Luckily, the team is well equipped to address both of those. 

Offensively, attacking an injured secondary and setting Mac Jones up to succeed will be paramount. Defensively, limiting big plays in their own secondary will be of equal importance. 

Do that, and Kyle Shanahan could very well be on his way to Coach of the Year consideration.