The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals meet on Sunday for at least a share of the lead in the NFC West, the only division with more than one undefeated team two weeks in.
Each 2-0 team understands its good fortune thus far.
Both of the Cardinals’ victories — on the road against the New Orleans Saints and at home against the Carolina Panthers — were decided in the final seconds on defensive stops in their territory.
“We could be 0-2, but we’re 2-0 with this issue,” Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray said.
Similarly, the 49ers’ wins — against the Seattle Seahawks and the Saints — were not decided until San Francisco recorded game-saving strip sacks in the final minute.
“A lot of positives,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “And a lot to learn from.”
The 49ers opened the season with a pair of road wins for the fourth time since 2019, which history suggests could indicate a long playoff run. In two of those seasons, 2019 and 2023, they made the Super Bowl. In 2021, they reached the NFC Championship Game.
The Cardinals are 2-0 for the first time since 2021, when they won their first seven and made their latest playoff appearance.
The teams have split the past 10 meetings, and home field has not been a particular advantage.
The Cardinals have won on three of their past five visits to Santa Clara, Calif., the most recent a 24-23 victory last October on Chad Ryland’s 35-yard field goal in the final two minutes. Murray had 195 yards passing and 83 rushing, scoring each way.
“Any time you have a quarterback like Kyler, no regard to how the game is going or how well you are doing schematically, he can unlock something and get an off-schedule (play),” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said.
The 49ers have won games with quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones this year. Purdy missed the New Orleans game with turf toe, and Jones passed for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Purdy “does have a chance to play” Sunday, Shanahan said on Wednesday.
The 49ers are eighth in the league in total offense, though they are just 22nd in the run game despite the return of Christian McCaffrey. The two-time All-Pro has been held to 124 yards and a 3.5 average per carry, although he has 15 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown.
“You can’t get tackled, that’s on me,” McCaffrey said with a laugh. “We’re close. Being able to break those long ones comes from all 11 guys being on point.”
The Cardinals are 24th in total offense, 27th in passing, although they are limiting mistakes.
San Francisco All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner is the reigning NFC defensive player of the week after registering 11 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against the Saints.
“The guy’s a freak, man,” McCaffrey said. “He’s a game-changer.”
Arizona’s top three cornerbacks got hurt against Carolina, and one of them, Garrett Williams, landed on injured reserve this week due a knee injury. Neither Max Milton (knee) nor Will Johnson (groin) practiced on Wednesday, meaning Denzel Burke and Kei’Trel Clark could more see time against San Francisco.
Niners tight end George Kittle will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who sustained a concussion against New Orleans, did not practice on Wednesday.
San Francisco guard Ben Bartch played only 10 snaps against New Orleans before sustaining a high ankle sprain, and he was placed on injured reserve this week. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday.
