TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- The San Francisco 49ers hope they get to what amounts to a bit of a break in the schedule when they meet the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC West matchup on Sunday.
In Dennis Erickson's first season as coach, the Niners have had a challenging schedule through seven games. They have played the likes of St. Louis, Minnesota, Seattle and Tampa Bay.
But now the Niners face the lowly Cardinals, who have won just once in six tries, with their losses coming by an average of 21.0 points per contest. Arizona is 31st in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 30.0 points per game.
The Cardinals' woeful defense should be a welcome sight for the trio of Jeff Garcia, former Cardinal Garrison Hearst and star receiver Terrell Owens.
Garcia, Hearst and Owens all were factors last week as the 49ers rolled up 458 total yards en route to a 24-7 victory over the Super Bowl-champion Buccaneers. Garcia completed 15-of-29 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Hearst ran for 117 yards and a TD and Owens had six catches for 152 yards, including a 75-yard score.
Arizona is coming off its bye week after enduring a 26-18 loss to Baltimore two weeks ago. In that contest, the Cardinals did not allow an offensive touchdown, but the Ravens had an interception that was returned for a TD and a blocked punt that was brought back for a score.
Jeff Blake struggled against the Ravens, going 22-of-36 for 247 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Marcel Shipp, who will remain the starter in place of the injured Emmitt Smith, carried 14 times for 61 yards.
In the first meeting between the teams last season, Garcia matched a career high with four touchdown passes - two to Owens - as the 49ers posted a 38-28 win.
Garcia hooked up with his star receiver for touchdown passes of 21 and 61 yards in the half, when the Niners built a 31-7 lead. Garcia also had a 47-yard TD pass to Tai Streets in the first quarter and a nine-yard connection with running back Kevan Barlow in the fourth.
Garcia finished 18-of-28 for 251 yards. Owens had eight catches for 132 yards.
With a playoff berth already secured, the 49ers completed the season sweep of the Cardinals with a 17-14 victory here in December. Garcia threw for 256 yards and a touchdown while Owens sat out with a strained groin.
The 49ers lead the series, 14-9.
