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The Cardinals' run defense needs to step up against the San Francisco 49ers

Something has to change after allowing 188 rushing yards to the Lions and 216 more to the Commanders

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During three of the Washington Commanders' five touchdown drives last week in a 42-14 victory, the Arizona Cardinals defense was on the field for 20 minutes and 39 seconds and had 11, 12 and 13 plays.

That's a good way to tire yourself to death, and that's basically what happened.

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has a simple remedy for this.

“If you don’t want to be on the field,” he told reporters Tuesday, “get off the field.”

He didn't mean, 'Come to the sideline and take a breather.' He meant, 'Execute. Finish the job. Find a way to stop them.”

“You have to get to third down,” he said. “You have to execute on third down.”

“If it's a long drive or you're traveling a lot, you should be trained better – and that flows into our practice, back to OTAs and training camps. You better be prepared for situations like this because something like this will happen.”

A daunting duel lies ahead

It's likely to happen again on Sunday when the Cardinals (1-3) visit the San Francisco 49ers (2-2) at Levi's Stadium in San Jose.

Coach Kyle Shanahan and his sophisticated offense based on multiple formations, sets, disguises and misdirection have throttled the Cardinals each of the last two years. They have won each of the last four meetings, outscoring Arizona 156-68.

San Francisco is still without the services of all-around running back Christian McCaffrey, who hasn't played a down this season due to calf and Achilles tendonitis, but this team is still incredibly capable of moving the ball.

And the 49ers can still play football as well as ever. Reserve Jordan Mason has come out of nowhere to post the second-most rushing yards in the league (447), and it's no secret that stopping the run has been a big problem for the Cardinals in recent weeks.

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They allowed 188 rushing yards during a physical 20-13 setback against the visiting Detroit Lions and were subsequently pounded for 216 more yards by the Commanders. If the Cardinals hope to pull off an upset, they will have to find a way to stop the 49ers' running game. At least that's where it starts.

You're not going to win too many games if you're allowing 146.5 rushing yards per game, fifth-highest in the NFL.

It doesn't help that the Cardinals lost starting defensive tackle Justin Jones to a season-ending triceps injury. They signed defensive lineman Naquan Jones from the Miami Dolphins practice squad, bringing a familiar face back to the franchise. Jones was one of Arizona's last players in the preseason and knows the ins and outs of the defense.

“Yeah, that helps,” Rallis said. “What I like about Naquan is that he had a really good camp and I know he is a really good player. It was hard to see him leave that building and it’s great to see him back in the building because I know he can help win games.”

Dealing with a plethora of weapons

However, the Cardinals will need a lot more to overcome their two-game deficit and avoid falling to 1-4.

Shanahan's toy box is full of playmakers, be it rising quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Mason was obviously sensational, but don't forget fullback Kyle Juszczyk either. No. 44 always seems to make a big play or two against the Cardinals.

It's a complicated but finely tuned system that looks almost artful at times. It's stunning to look at, but pathetic to try to defend.

“It's unique how Kyle uses people and how they do things in different ways,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, a friend of Shanahan, told reporters Wednesday. “I think what they do really well is counter-punches. When you try to take something away, he accomplishes what he needs to accomplish to counteract that.

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“Their O-line coach (Chris Foerster) is one of the best in the business. Their running backs coach (Robert Turner Jr.) is one of the best in the business. Block your recipients. Your style of play is right.”

While the Cardinals defense is busy sorting this all out, they shouldn't lose sight of Mason, McCaffrey's brilliant backup. If he misses a long run or two, it could be game-changing and put Arizona back on its heels.

“When he finds that seam, it’s a burden to take him down,” Rallis said. “He’s going downhill. He’s doing a great job of making his mark in the run game right now, and when he finds the breakthrough, he gets there.”

The Cardinals' offense could be a big help if they could stay on the field a little longer, convert on third down and reduce the number of quick three-and-outs.

“It's tough when we put the defense in position as much as we did and don't convert on downs or fourth downs,” quarterback Kyler Murray admitted Wednesday. “They have a lot of faith in us, we have a lot of faith in them, but complementary football is part of the game and if we don't play like that we probably won't be a good team.” ”

Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic. Follow him on

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