CARDINALS WIN! 3 big takeaways from their overtime victory over the 49ers

The highlights will lead with the ageless Larry Fitzgerald leaping to high-point a game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass, or Palmer dealing his way down the field.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in October and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 versus the NFC. The 49ers suffered a two-point loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but they remain winless after three games and will try to post their first win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday (1:05 p.m. PT/4:05 p.m. ET, FOX, DirecTV). Four-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati was set to make his return, only to discover that his injured triceps would require surgery.

On the season, Palmer has 925 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions, while Fitzgerald is the top Arizona receiver with 34 targets, 22 receptions, 244 yards and a TD. Since he has been drafted, Fitz has gained more than 2,000 yards and scored 16 touchdowns against San Francisco.

Unfortunately, while the offense put up some impressive numbers against the Rams, the defense did not, giving up 41 points and 418 yards.

But there the line was working in overtime, the Cards trailing the 49ers by three at University of Phoenix Stadium with a little more than two minutes left. If they can get even a modicum of production on offense, getting Carson Palmer under pressure will be the key. Unfortunately, their efforts weren’t enough, as Rams DT Aaron Donald came up with a crucial sack on San Francisco’s last drive, which sealed the LA victory. The Arizona offensive line woes should be a focus for the Eagles defense, and that could lead to establishing the tone for the game.

Running back Carlos Hyde, who ranks third in the league with 253 rushing yards, has been dealing with a sore hip, although it wasn’t expected to keep him out of Sunday’s game. Hoyer passed for 332 yards last week, which marked his 10th career 300-yard performance.

He was also awful under pressure, completing just three of his 11 passes and taking three sacks when under duress, according to Pro Football Focus’ Refocused recap. Hyde is more likely to play, due to the nature of his ailment, but both backs only were able to manage limited workouts during the week.

For the Arizona offense, the key will be keeping a clean pocket for Palmer.

From home opening blowouts, to nail-biting shootouts, there is no doubt that the 49ers knows how to lose games.

While it is often an issue that affects teams as young as the 49ers, San Francisco has to get control of the problems the team is having with penalties.

The Cardinals’ injury-riddled offensive line is presently being pieced together with duct tape, and it showed once again Sunday. “Every time we play San Francisco, they give us their best shot”. He felt the Cardinals were sluggish and exhausted the next week because of the extra full period, which led to a loss at Carolina.

Just before the touchdown, the only one of the game, NaVorro Bowman picked up a shoe that had come off Ellington’s foot.

General manager Steve Keim, appearing on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, believes the Cardinals can build on this win and it will galvanize the team and its confidence moving forward. A loss would’ve hurt in a big way, but Palmer and company made sure that didn’t happen.

– Written by Rob McVey, who is part of the Athlon Contributor Network.