The Arizona Cardinals looked very good last Sunday when they defeated the Washington Redskins 31-23 in front of a packed-house at University of Phoenix Stadium. After two dreadful losses in a row, the victory was not only a relief, but the buzz created has Cardinals fans believing again. Is there still hope? The Cardinals are 5-6-1. With four games remaining, finishing the season with a winning record is very possible. Of course, the team has to take it one game at a time. The Cardinals carry their winning “buzz” on the road this week for Sunday’s match-up in sunny Florida when they face the Miami Dolphins. Game time is 11 a.m. MST, on FOX.
“I think there’s more than hope, I think they’re going to be a playoff team,” said Ron Jaworski, ESPN football analyst. “I believe the Cardinals will be a playoff team. (Finishing) 9-6-1 will get them in the playoffs. I think they can win their next four games.”
Arizona Cardinals Week 14 Keys To Victory
Before the Cardinals can consider a playoff berth, or even finishing the season with a winning record, they have to beat the Dolphins. Of course, this won’t be such a guaranteed task. Coming off their worst loss of the season, a 38-6 beat-down by the Baltimore Ravens, the Dolphins (7-5) will be looking for redemption. The concern is whether or not the Cardinals will let them have it.
Comparing the numbers, even though the Dolphins hold the better season record, the Cardinals are clearly the better team. Some view the Dolphins as the most overrated 7-5 team in the NFL. The Cardinals cannot squander this “must-win” opportunity. Below are the three main ingredients to the recipe of sweet success.
“I think this team, top to bottom, is probably better than we were,” Kurt Warner, former NFL quarterback, said about this year’s Cardinals. “I think the difference for me, is that (2008) team had a bunch of game-changing type players. We might not have had the talent across the board, but we had big-time playmakers that stepped up at critical times. And when you talk about us getting hot, that’s what it was.”
The Running Game
Running back David Johnson was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Redskins last Sunday. It’s the second time he’s earned the award this season. So far, Johnson has amassed 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Combined with his 64 receptions for 704 yards and four receiving touchdowns, he has 1,709 utility yards and, drum roll please…15 touchdowns overall.
Johnson is the most valuable player for the Cardinals. He could very well be the most valuable player of the league. He is also quarterback Carson Palmer’s favorite target. Without Johnson’s presence against the Dolphins (or against any team, for that matter), the Cardinals probably don’t stand a chance. Coach Bruce Arians must utilize Johnson and his rare abilities in Sunday’s match up.
The Defense
It seems the Cardinals have been relying on a more “bend but don’t break” style of defense, as of late. Opponent offenses have been able to gain chunk yardage down the field, but the Cardinals continue to remain stout at the goal line and are only allowing field goals. This technique may be effective, but it could come with consequences.
Last week against the Redskins, cornerback Patrick Peterson secured the victory for the Cardinals with his walk-off interception, but had he missed, the story-line could have been very different. The Cardinals need to get back to swarming the football and rushing the passer. Defensive pressure wins games.
Going For The Gold
“No risk it, no biscuit.” This quote that has been the philosophy of Coach Arians for many years and one that seemed to be the actual “mojo” of the Cardinals last season. The head coach implemented the same kind of philosophy into this season’s format, but the results for the team just haven’t been the same.
Chunk plays are game-changers in tight match ups. And they’re exciting to watch. When Palmer threw that 42-yard pass to wide receiver J. J. Nelson late in the fourth quarter against the Redskins, it energized the team. Plays like these will put the nail in the coffin for the Dolphins and any chances they may have of winning the game. If they continue to stay focused, the Cardinals should be able to secure a win.
