Five to Watch: San Francisco @ Arizona

All eyes were on Tim Hightower last week when the Cardinals opted for the rookie over the healthy veteran running back Edgerrin James. This week, Hightower will have to prove his stellar performance wasn't a fluke. Find out who else Jason Harris thinks is worth keeping an eye on when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers with all of the country watching.

1. RB Tim Hightower

In his first career start, Hightower rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries against the St. Louis Rams. Hightower did not play like a rookie Sunday, let alone a fifth round pick. Hightower ran tough, fast, and with great vision, but his strong performance didn’t come without controversy.

Hightower replaced a healthy Edgerrin James who has been criticized for lacking big play capability. In two and a half years with the Cardinals, James has recorded only four rushes of 20 yards or more, none of which have come this year. His long is 27 yards. In his lone start last week, Hightower broke a 30 yard touchdown run late in the second quarter. Look for more big plays out of Hightower.

2. RB J.J. Arrington

Arrington also benefited from James benching, recording season highs in carries and receptions on Sunday. Nobody had more big plays from the line of scrimmage. Arrington averaged 10.3 yards per carry, finishing with 62 yards on six attempts. He also pulled in five catches for 57 yards. That’s an average of 11.4 yards per catch. Expect Arrington’s touches to continue going up.

3. WR Jerheme Urban

With tight ends Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick continuing to miss time, the Cardinals are still being forced to use more three and four wide receiver sets. With both pass catching tight ends injured, the Cardinals have re-tooled the offense, focusing more on the outstanding wide receiver core.

Urban uses his body down field a lot like a tight end. At 6’3, weighing just over 200 pounds, Urban has the ability to shield defenders and break tackles. Although he only caught one pass Sunday, it was for a 56 yard score. Urban has caught a pass in his last five games and should keep seeing balls thrown his way, at least until Pope and Patrick return.

4. S Antrel Rolle

After last week’s 40 yard interception return for a touchdown, Head coach Ken Whisenhunt thinks Rolle may finally be getting comfortable in his new safety position. Rolle was voted NFC defensive player of the week after last week’s performance. This week’s opponent, the San Francisco 49ers are in the bottom half of most offensive categories. With Rolle getting recognition and the struggling 49ers coming to town, his confidence should be through the roof. Look for Rolle to continue to be a game changer.

5. Monday Night Football

The Cardinals are playing host to division opponent, the 49ers. Whisenhunt believes the University of Phoenix Stadium’s electric atmosphere will have a playoff feel. The 49ers are one of two teams to beat the Cardinals since moving into the new stadium last year. The Cardinals are tied for the league lead in penalties. Expect the excitement of a Monday night’s division game to cause plenty of off sides, false starts, and personal fouls.