Coach Bruce Arians returning to practice with the team this week is more than just a relief. Coach Arians had been hospitalized with chest pains after the Arizona Cardinals disappointing 30-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. As for the head coach and his health, all signs are good after careful evaluation. As for the team, clinging to a 4-5-1 record and heading into Georgia to face the 6-4 Atlanta Falcons, the Cardinals are in critical condition. Game time is Sunday at 11am MST, on FOX
“You get frustrated because you’re out here to win,” said Coach Arians, earlier this week. “We’re not out here to play .500 ball.”
Arizona Cardinals Week 12 Keys To Victory
Setting The Table
The Falcons are coming off their bye-week for this match-up. In week ten, the team suffered their worst loss 24-15 to the Philadelphia Eagles. For a team that began the season looking so dominant, they have revealed tell-tale signs of vulnerability as of late. It will be up to the Cardinals on both sides of the ball to expose these vulnerabilities and capitalize with a victory.
For the Cardinals, wide receiver Michael Floyd (hamstring) is a game time decision. Just in case, wide receiver Marquis Bundy was promoted from the practice squad. To make room on the roster, wide receiver Chris Hubert was cut from the team. On defense, safety Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu (shoulder injury) is expected to play.
Protecting The Quarterback
Quarterback Carson Palmer has had struggles just staying on his feet long enough to get rid of the ball. Palmer has been sacked for a total of 30 times already this season. If the Cardinals expect to win this game against the Falcons, the offensive line will need to perform better. Palmer needs more time to throw the ball. Also, receivers need to be more aggressive and find ways to get open against the Falcons very questionable defense. No excuses.
The Fitzgerald and Johnson Show
Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson are arguably the greatest wide receiver/running back tandem in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys may have Ezekiel Elliott (1199 yards, 11 touchdowns), but the Cardinals have Johnson. Holding the mark for the most touchdowns in 2016 as of last week, Johnson so far has amassed 863 yards on the ground and ten touchdowns. In the air, Johnson has 510 reception yards and two touchdowns. Of course these comparisons are not so applicable as Elliot has already played this week, Johnson has not.
Not enough can be said for the value that wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is to this team. In his thirteenth season with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald is on pace for an eighth season of 1,000 yards or more. To date, Fitzgerald has 74 receptions this season for 749 yards and five touchdowns.
The Defense
Sack the quarterback. Matt Ryan is an over-rated quarterback with inflated stats. Ryan is not a runner, he is a pocket passer. A little pressure will go a long way in this match-up. Against the run, the Cardinals defense is number one in the NFL. It doesn’t matter which running back the Falcons prefer to utilize, either Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman, the defense for the Cardinals should remain stout. The Cardinals need to find a way to smother wide receiver Julio Jones and make the other receivers handle the task. Cornerback Patrick Peterson will never forget the schooling he took from Jones last season. If the team remains focused and resolute for four entire quarters, the story of this match-up could very well have a different, much better ending.
