Updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Cardinals-49ers: What to watch
49ers, after an embarrassing loss, shouldn't have trouble with Cardinals
| Arizona at San Francisco | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() | When: 4:25 PM ET Watch: FOX Preview | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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After watching film of both teams, Scouts Inc. breaks down key elements of the Week 17 Cardinals-49ers matchup.
• San Francisco's defense needs Justin Smith: After starting 185 consecutive games, Justin Smith sat out last Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Seahawks and it quickly became obvious that San Francisco needs him to advance in the playoffs. Without an active, hard-nosed Smith next to him, OLB Aldon Smith struggled to be much of a factor. Justin Smith is a solid pass-rusher and does an excellent job of tying up blockers who would normally engage Aldon Smith.
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