A look behind enemy lines: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are off to a fast start so far this year, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have any issues. Much like the 49ers and the rest of the NFC West, the Cardinals have problems along the offensive line. Former 49ers starting left guard Mike Iupati is expected to make his season debut against his former team, after missing time due to injury. Meanwhile, Bobby Massie is coming back from a two game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. On Monday, Bruce Arians gave a strong indication that Iupati will be suiting up saying that, “I would think he’d want to get in to this one,” adding that this match-up really fits the Iupati’s style.

As for Massie, Arians notes that if Massie were to get the nod at right tackle, expect him to be on a very, very tight leash. Earl Watford, a 2013 fourth round pick out of James Madison, made his first and second career starts in place of Massie. Arians was very appreciative towards Watford claiming that, “For him to do the job he did I thought was outstanding”. However, Arians also pointed out that, “He is giving up too many hits on the quarterback”, Massie, on the other hand, does have a longer reach that allows him to be a better pass protector. Arians likely won’t be releasing who will be starting for him at right tackle, but both players should see time on the field this Sunday.

While most have seen a considerable change in Colin Kaepernick’s play this season, Cardinal’s safety Tony Jefferson believes he’s still the same old Kaepernick. In an interview with Pro Football Talk Live, Jefferson said that, “Well, we’re just seeing on third downs, we’ve been seeing him tuck the ball away and running you know every time it looks like on third down, he’s looking at one option and when that option’s not open he’s looking to run”. Jefferson’s continues on by saying that their defense will try to force him to throw outside the numbers, believing that it is a weakness of his. Containing Kaepernick will also be an area in which the Cardinals will look to focus on, says Jefferson. Side Note: It feels like every team that plays the 49ers says it’s an important part of their team’s game plan to contain Kaepernick.

While the Cardinals have looked strong this far in the year, Bruce Arians has been trying to keep his team humble by letting them know “ain’t sh*t” during team meetings. Arians is also not a fan of all the positive media attention that the team is getting saying that, “When they’re patting you on the back, they’re looking for a soft spot where to stick the knife,” via ESPN.com.

It appears that Arians has been very busying trying to keep his team levelheaded while also trying to determine the whole offensive line situation. It’s going to be interesting to see who gets the start at right tackle, as well as, how well Iupati does against his former teammates. As for Jefferson, it’s nothing new for an opposing defensive player to say containing Kaepernick is important for their team’s success, but it is interesting to hear his thoughts on Kaepernick’s play so far this year.