Breaking Down 49ers vs Cardinals Units

Cards Rushing Attack vs 49ers Front-Line

Oct 13, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) rushes for a gain against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 32-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Ellington has been bothered by foot pain in the first two games, but has still posted 144 rushing yards on just 28 carries, resulting in a 5.1 yards per carry average. He may get even more work, especially around the goal-line, now that Jonathan Dwyer is no longer on the team, due to a domestic violence case. Ellington only has six catches through two games, which is surprising after he caught 39 passes last year as the back-up.

The San Francisco rushing defense isn’t quite as dominant as Arizona’s, but they still only allow 87 yards on the ground per game thus far through two games. More importantly, the running backs they have faced thus far include Demarco Murray and Matt Forte. The defense completely stifled Forte a week ago, only allowing him to rush the ball 12 times for 21 yards.

Ellington will have his work cut out for him against this 49ers defensive unit, who is slowly figuring out how to play effective defense without Aldon Smith or NaVorro Bowman.