![]() If the offensive line can get a good push on a defensive front that includes Pro Bowl talents like Frank Clark, Derrick Nnadi, and Chris Jones, and that will be no simple task, the Cardinals may fare well in ball control. There are also two unknowns projected to start at linebacker in Willie Gay Jr. With a solid committee of running backs, it could allow the Cardinals to slow the game down and keep the ball in their possession longer if they can figure out how to counter Bolton. His presence in the middle could force the Cardinals to take it outside with their committee of backs that includes James Conner, Darrel Williams, and Eno Benjamin. He finished his rookie season with 112 tackles, including 11 for a loss. However, Nick Bolton is one player to worry about. Like the Cardinals, the Chiefs also did not fare so hotly in rushing defense. And that can still spell trouble for the Chiefs. ![]() Green, and camp revelations Greg Dortch and Andy Isabella to lead the charge on Sunday. And while the Chiefs defense finished third in the NFL in hurries (13.0%), they were rarely quick enough to get to the quarterback.Įven without some top targets, the Cardinals still have Marquise Brown, A.J. With just 31 total sacks in 2021 (29th in the NFL), a mobile quarterback like Kyler Murray can be a nightmare for this Chiefs team. Despite a banged up receiving unit that will miss Rondale Moore and potentially tight end Zach Ertz on top of DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension, the Cardinals can still take advantage of the Chiefs passing defense. Last season, the Chiefs defense had a tough time getting it together, and with some roster turnover, look for the defense once again to take time to mesh, both the rushing and passing defenses. McKinnon is one of the league’s more viable RB3s. Ditto for Jones, who notched 978 yards and 5.1 yards per carry just two seasons ago before taking an RB2 role in Tampa in 2021. They need to converge, stuff Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones, and perhaps Jerick McKinnon, and stop the rushing attack before it even gets started.Įdwards-Helaire has not lived to expectations, but he shows flashes at times. This is where Simmons and Collins must step up and show that they are a fast-rising duo at inside linebacker. The Arizona Cardinals lacked efficacy in stopping the run last season and that cannot happen against the Chiefs. There is a discrepancy in the experience factor, but overall, such a strategy will give the Cardinals a better chance in this one. But this is where pressure from the edge plus dropping multiple linebackers and corners into coverage comes in. Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could create trouble. By putting another safety over Smith-Schuster, it will leave three lesser experienced and productive targets for the Cardinals. Now that Murphy’s status is up in the air, Marco Wilson will most likely take over CB1 duties if Murphy can’t go. JuJu Smith Schuster as a key matchup for this one. With help from Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson from safety, placing two defenders on the tight end can at least slow his production.Įarlier in the week, I talked about Byron Murphy vs. By blitzing Mahomes from the edge and simultaneously dropping more defenders into coverage, the Cardinals can confuse the All-Pro quarterback.įurther, look for the inside linebackers in Isiah Simmons and Zaven Collins to keep an eye on Kelce. And luckily for the Cardinals, there are ways to stop one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. We all know what quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce can do. Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals Week 1 opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs – The Passing Game So how do the Cardinals, with so many injuries, stack up to the formidable Chiefs? Let’s dive deeper into the opponents and explore ways the Cardinals can counter one of the NFL’s best. With Byron Murphy dealing with an illness, the Cardinals could be down their top three corners heading into this one, and they will rely on an inexperienced trio that would include Marco Wilson, Christian Matthew, and Javelin Guidry. The Arizona Cardinals must keep pace with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Arizona Cardinals will face one of the league’s toughest teams in the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
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