Kyle Shanahan says Sunday’s clash vs Arizona Cardinals being treated like a playoff game, 49ers biggest game yet
Will this week’s 49ers game be disappointing for San Francisco? The team is coming off three consecutive big games and is currently on a five-game winning streak. They defeated the Seahawks at home last week after winning in Philadelphia and Seattle the previous two weeks. They will now play the Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona, a team that has lost a lot of games this year but has recently improved.
For this week’s “49ers Game Plan” edition, 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan chatted with Greg Papa on Friday. In addition to discussing some of the events from last week’s game against Seattle, the interview also looked ahead to Sunday’s matchup with the Cardinals. Shanahan did not downplay the significance of triumphing in Arizona.
As the head coach puts it, the 49ers won’t be ignoring Arizona. QB Kyler Murray, who has caused the 49ers problems in the past, is back with the Cardinals. Along with Murray, Arizona also has some weapons: tight end Trey McBride, who has been useful to the Cardinals in the passing game, and wide receivers Rondale Moore and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Arizona boasts a strong running game as well, spearheaded by James Conner.
The 49ers’ defensive line is beset with ailments, which doesn’t help. Additionally, the Cardinals should be better rested given they are coming off of their bye.
However, according to Shanahan, the club is treating the final four games as though they were postseason contests that required a victory. The 49ers are aware that the best route to the Super Bowl is to need only two playoff games, which can only be achieved by holding the top seed. This gives you the advantage of playing all of your games at home as well as a first-round bye, which is extremely valuable for a team that plays as physically demanding as the 49ers and is plagued by injuries.
The 49ers will attempt to secure the NFC West with a victory on Sunday, having already secured a postseason berth. The 49ers presently hold the number one seed, which is a greater prize. The 49ers need to win this week and every other game to secure the top seed in the NFC, especially with Dallas and Philadelphia in close proximity.
In the event that the 49ers drop a game, they will also need to pray that the Cowboys and Eagles do. Winning in Dallas or Philadelphia during the playoffs won’t be simple. Therefore, you must make the most of the fact that you are in charge of your results.
“I mean, people talk about our whole schedule here and what everyone else is doing, but we do control our own destiny,” said Shanahan. “Yeah, winning our division is fantastic. Yes, it’s good to be in the playoffs, but as everyone knows, having just two games remaining is the ideal scenario and the ultimate aim.
