High Profile: WR Keenan McCardell vs. SS Tony Parrish
By JOANNE KORTH
Published October 19, 2003
McCardell is everywhere.
The versatile 12th-year receiver lines up on the outside or in the slot. He runs routes over the middle or down the sideline. He runs short routes, intermediate routes, deep routes. He plays against cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers.
"That's just part of being a total receiver," McCardell said. "You try to have the full package. That's the ultimate compliment for a receiver is for someone to say he has it all."
McCardell has 21 catches for 318 yards and a team-high three touchdowns this season. The past two games, he has nine catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns. His 74-yard score against the Colts is the Bucs' longest pass play this season.
The 49ers play an attacking style of defense that puts pressure on its secondary, but so far the unit has been up to the challenge. It ranks third in the NFC and ninth overall in pass yards allowed with 186.7 per game. The secondary also has seven interceptions.
Parrish, who has started 86 consecutive regular season games, has a knack for causing turnovers that lead to touchdowns. He has two interceptions this season, both of which led to scores. Last season, his first with San Francisco, Parrish had a career-high seven interceptions.
