2. George Kittle personally thumps the Arizona Cardinals
Game: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 9/13, 4:25pm EST)
Here’s a cringeworthy yet fun fact for Arizonans: The Cardinals allowed 16 receiving touchdowns to tight ends last season. Ross Dwelley, Tyler Higbee, Greg Olsen, and Ricky Seals-Jones all broke off two touchdowns apiece in 2019 vs. Arizona’s perforated secondary. If TE2/TE3 Ross Dwelley can exploit the Cardinals for a couple of touchdowns, George Kittle can perhaps triple that against Arizona in 2020.
But let’s start one game at a time. Indeed, the Cardinals secondary will probably be better — it has to be. The unit surrendered 38 passing touchdowns last year altogether. It’s only one score “better” than the aforementioned Miami Dolphins.
Former Denver Broncos skipper Vance Joseph took over the Cardinals defense in 2019 and hopes to improve the group after a splotchy showing. They have the playmakers — Budda Baker, Chander Jones, Patrick Patterson, and rookie Isaiah Simmons all lurk in that defense.
But it will not be good enough to stifle George Kittle, in which you spent high draft capital. Incumbent wideout Deebo Samuel is banged up a bit, so is the rookie from Arizona State, Brandon Aiyuk. If there was ever a time to rely on a franchise-cornerstone tight end, it’s now for the 49ers while their young pass-catchers mend.
Kittle pops off for 120+ yards and 2+ touchdowns.