The 49ers defense will be dealing with Kyler Murray.If you look up the word “elite” in the dictionary, you’ll see that the 49ers’ defense is in overdrive.They’ve been suffocating my lungs since guard week and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. But there will still be fouls against them. Seattle did it against them last week with backup Drew Lock playing part of the game.
Things won’t be easy next week.San Francisco’s defense had the honor of facing the Cardinals and Kyler Murray. This time, just like the first meeting, Josh Dobbs will not be present. Murray has been a solid defender since coming off injured reserve. The 49ers defense will have their hands full against Murray as he seems to have had trouble defending players.Historically, Murray has given the 49ers the most trouble in the NFC West since Russell Wilson and before that. Now they will see him again in a week with the Cardinals. They rest and prepare for more.
He’s always going to be a tough player to guard, and the 49ers’ defense has to factor in multiple factors. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes explained the key to his defense against Murray. “I think it’s a combination of a lot of things,” Wilkes said. “First of all, we have to defend well in the zone and not let him get out of the pocket. Because he definitely will. Then there’s his ability to claw and make big plays.“I think [Eagles QB] Jalen [Hurts] is a little different than he was a few weeks ago, but the premise of keeping him remains the same.
And again, I think he’s doing a great job of working through his development, trying to stay in the pocket, making different reads and putting the ball where it needs to be.I thought it was a subtle jab at Wilkes’ Jalen Hertz, but it’s hard to disagree. Murray is a very good player in space due to his speed and elusiveness. Not to mention the damage he causes in the pocket and runs to break up the jams he has to deliver to the wide receivers.
It may be confusing to understand at first, but Murray presents a challenge that Hirst did not. Murray will make the 49ers’ defense a little tougher, but it won’t be difficult for them. The Cardinals don’t have great players. Marquis Brown is strong but has been dealing with a foot injury for the past few weeks. Trey McBride’s power is good, but he’s not a threat to the 49ers’ quarterbacks. This will be a test for the 49ers, who will get them back but still look much stronger.Murray’s meeting is also a big opportunity for the 49ers. That’s because he could serve as a warmup against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson next week.
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