Golden Nuggets: Heading to the Desert

Good morning everyone. The 49ers are set to face the Cardinals tomorrow, a week after the epic collapse at the Levi's opener. Over the past few years, I have noticed that we tend to take the Cardinals lightly in these parts. I mean, we beat them in what was a meaningless game for us at the end of last season when they absolutely had to win to have any shot at the playoffs. Michael Crabtree has owned probably their best player, Patrick Peterson, over his career. And They will be starting something called Drew Stanton for the second week in a row. Still, there is a lot that has me worried about  this Sunday.

The penalties for one, have been absolutely crippling. I haven't gone back and looked (because who would honestly want to re-watch the last two games?) so I can't really tell if the refs just have an axe to grind, or if we have a bunch of undisciplined players. Despite Carson Palmer being out again, they are 2-0 and have two very scary receivers. The thought of them putting Larry Fitzgerald in the slot against Jimmie Ward is terrifying. Because, for all of his success, Vic Fangio has never seemed like the kind of coordinator to make adjustments when something obviously isn't working. Maybe that is being too hard on Ward, he was all over Brandon Marshall on his three touchdowns, but height difference in the redzone is a real issue, and when something isn't working, adjust. My last fake prediction blew up in my face, so I won't do it again. So sue me, predictions are stupid anyways. To the links!

Cardinals vs. 49ers:

PFF Preview: 49ers @ Cardinals, Week 3 (PFF)

Larry Foote presents interesting challenge for the 49ers (Gin)

Drew Stanton to start against 49ers (ESPN)

49ers top pick Ward gets baptism by fire (ESPN)

Ellington rivalry renewed in 49ers-Cardinals clash (NFL)

All Eyes Will Be On Kaepernick vs. Cardinals (NBC)

Injuries and Miscellaneous:

49ers vs. Cardinals injury report: Vernon Davis is questionable (Gin)

49ers DL Dial fined $16,537 for roughing penalty (Maiocco)

Fine time: Dial docked $16,537 for hit on Cutler; Kaepernick, McCray also fined (Inman)

Uncertainty at tight end could lift Carrier into bigger role (SFGgate)

49ers notes: Vernon Davis runs but is game-time decision (Barrows)

49ers injury report: Kap will play; Vernon remains questionable (Maiocco)

(Transcript) Harbaugh: "I’ve heard Mr. Goodell’s previous interviews and I share that viewpoint that there will be an opportunity for good to come for more awareness." (Cohn)

Former 49ers galvanized by death of Dave Rahn (Lynch)

Ray McDonald:

OTL report shows how Goodell plays favorites – did Rice and Smith punishments affect how 49ers dealt with McDonald? (BASG)

Goodell doesn't address McDonald, speaks on 'due process' (Maiocco)

Woman grabbed gun during May argument at 49ers' Ray McDonald's house, report says (Mercury News)