After three straight losses, the 49ers (1-3) are not sitting pretty. The 2016 season is a few losses away from turning into a tailspin.
But at least they didn’t have expectations like the Arizona Cardinals (1-3). All of a sudden in Week 4, Bruce Arians finds his supposed Super Bowl contending Cardinals in a must-win situation.
“It’s bigger than this but it’s kind of an arrogance,” Dilfer said of both the Cardinals and Panthers. “They were just going to line up this year and have success because they did last year.”
So could Chip Kelly and the 49ers capitalize on this arrogance? Especially on a short week? Especially with Carson Palmer questionable and a defense who doesn’t look as scary?
“I think Arizona’s gettable,” Dilfer said emphatically. “The Niners have to win this game on Thursday night. You have Carson Palmer coming off a semi-concussion — whatever it’s been labeled. They are playing poor on defense. The Niners offense had a little bit of a get-right game. They were a little more productive — not productive enough — but productive.
“I think this is one where you’ve got to step on somebody’s throat when they’re hurting. I always joke, the best time to kick a man is when he’s down, because it’s easier on your hip flexor. You’ve got to kick this team when they’re down, if not, you’re in trouble.”
His entire KNBR podcast with Fitz and Brooks is worth the listen.