Perhaps the most encouraging stat for Arizona fans going into their Week 1 matchup versus the 49ers is that Ken Whisenhunt’s teams are 14-4 at home. They will desperately need that home field advantage assuming San Francisco has taken on the personality of their new head coach Mike Singletary, whose fire and intense gaze struck fear into opponents throughout his illustrious Hall of Fame career.

Singletary promises a rush first offensive attack, made apparent by their selection of Shaun Hill as their starting QB. Hill does not possess outstanding athleticism or an exceptionally strong arm. He does however exude leadership and a throwback, tough attitude reminiscent of Joe Kapp.

Rookie Glen Coffee and proven veteran Frank Gore pose quite a challenge for the Cardinals new Defense. Rushing Defense has been a weak point for the team for several years, and now they are transitioning to a 3-4 scheme under new DC Bill Davis. Thats a pretty tall order and certainly not a lock for success in their very first try.

On the Offensive side, the Cardinals clearly struggled to find a rhythm this preseason. Kurt Warner is adjusting to life after hip surgery, and it is apparent he is not firing on all cylinders just yet. Also, Anquan Boldin is not a sure bet to play this game while he nurses a hamstring tweak.

Expect Arizona to try and run the ball more than they have in the past in an attempt to have a more balanced attack, which could help Warner get settled. Tim Hightower has looked refreshed, lighter and more explosive in camp, and rookie Beanie Wells aims to  outplay him when he is offered the chance. The two together should make quite a tandem and could potentially stretch the 49ers just enough to open up one of the game’s best passing attacks.

One thing is for sure, these teams have a heated rivalry and Week 1 will be a hard hitting game likely decided in the closing minutes.

For more from Chris Farmer, visit Undrafteds.com

<snip>San Francisco@Arizona. San Fran could pull this one off, no doubt about it. The Cardinals have looked out of sync in the early stages and these games always come down the wire. You know Singletary will have his team ready, and I am not sure the Cardinals are yet. Still, Arizona only lost twice at home last season, and the 49ers will struggle to cover all the Cardinal weapons. Cardinals.<snip>…from “The Chosen-Week One”