Glendale, Ariz.-The Arizona Cardinals have their work cut out for them Sunday night when they host the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. With a 4-1 record, the Seahawks reside at the top of the NFC West division. The Cardinals, at 3-3, are sitting third. Sunday will be action-packed as NFL teams battle each other for honor and glory, for the dedicated fans, and for the victory well deserved. But, when it’s all said and done on Sunday night, there will still be one battle left to be fought. The Battle Of the Birds. Game time is 5:30pm MST on NBC.
Arizona Cardinals Week Seven Keys To Victory
“I think the guys embrace it and just get ready to play,” said coach Bruce Arians, about prime-time games on national television. “We’ve got some guys that, you know, like being underneath the lights.”
Setting the Table
Quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a hamstring pull (minor) late in the game against the Jets. Palmer practiced on Friday and should be a go against the Seahawks. Also injured, wide-receiver Jaron Brown (knee) had limited practice during the week and should be able to play. Linebacker Gabe Martin (knee) is doubtful.
Reportedly, wide receiver John Brown is also doubtful for Sunday night’s game. Brown had mentioned suffering from soreness in his legs during the 28-3 win over the New York Jets on Monday night. MRI tests determined it wasn’t a hamstring. Later blood tests confirmed that the condition was in fact related to a sickle cell trait. Brown is not officially ruled out against the Seahawks, but is definitely doubtful. Good luck, John!
Injured for the Seahawks is safety Kam Chancellor (groin). He is doubtful for Sunday’s game, but the official word is a game-time decision.
The Seahawks have won the last two match-ups against the Cardinals here in Glendale. Both teams are tied 17-17 in overall match-ups. For the Cardinals, a chance to improve to 4-3 and maybe a chance to move up a spot in the division, this redemption-style game is about as “must win” as it gets.
The Defense
Not enough can be said about the Cardinal’s defense so far this season. Against the run, the team has shown they can be an impenetrable force. Swarming into the pocket at will, linebacker Kevin Minter has recorded six sacks this season and returning cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has shown great progress in the nickel-slot. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson likes to run. What’s important for the Cardinals defense is to find a way somehow to keep Wilson at bay.
The Passing Game
Wide-receiver Larry Fitzgerald will most likely be utilized as a decoy for the second straight game. Carrying cornerback Richard Sherman around like a shag-carpet for most of the match-up, Fitzgerald will be about as useful as Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Baldwin will be draped by Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. Wide receivers Michael Floyd and J. J. Nelson need to step up their game against a very stout Seahawks defense.
Red Bird Nation
Last years 6-2 home record is attributed exclusively to the fans. Cardinals fans are simply the best in the league when it comes to being the team’s twelve man. Against the rival Seahawks, Cardinals fans need to bring it like never before.
