The (1-3) Arizona Cardinals are hosting the (1-3) Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Each team is coming into this game on low notes. The Cardinals were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers, 35-16. The Bengals were dominated by the Tennessee Titans, 27-3.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arizona’s defense was not able to provide resistance as San Francisco’s offense marched up and down the field. The 49ers were only forced to punt once during the game. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy went 20/21 for 283 yards and one touchdown. Christian McCaffrey had 106 rushing yards, 71 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. Brandon Aiyuk had six receptions for 148 yards.
The Bengals were inept on offense against the Titans. Cincinnati gained a total of 211 yards. Joe Burrow was 20/30 for 165 yards, 0 touchdowns, and one turnover. Joe Mixon had 14 carries for 67 yards. The Bengals scored their only three points on the first drive of the game. For the rest of the game they were either forced to punt or turned the ball over.
Cincinnati and Arizona are both looking to redeem themselves this week. How can they get that done?
Keys To Victory For The Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled offensively for most of this season. In their one win over the Los Angeles Rams, their superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 12 receptions for 141 yards. Get Chase the ball early and often. He is good enough to open up other avenues of their offense. If Chase is threatening the integrity of Arizona’s defense. Arizona will have to double Chase or go to playing more zone than man to man. Which can open up running lanes for Joe Mixon.
The Bengals defense has not created enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season outside of the Rams game. This is the perfect game for their defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to turn up the heat with the blitz. The Cardinals have not shown the ability on a consistent basis to take advantage of man to man coverage. Cincinnati should blitz and play tight man to man coverage. This will also help slow down the Cardinals rushing attack.
Keys To Victory For The Cardinals
The Cincinnati Bengals have given up 628 rushing yards so far this year. The second most rushing yards in the NFL. The Cardinals should start and finish this game with giving the ball to James Conner. Conner has gained 318 rushing yards this season. This is third most in the league. Let Conner cook! He should get the ball early, late, and everything in between.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has yet to look like himself this season. He has not been as mobile as he normally is because of the calf injury. The Cardinals should blitz Burrow and make him move off of his spot. If the first key is working, the Bengals will be behind and need to pass. Arizona has to make Burrow as uncomfortable as possible.
Prediction
The Arizona Cardinals have a direct path to victory in this one. Run the ball and pressure the quarterback. Arizona is a good running team and Cincinnati is bad at stopping the run. James Conner will be the player of the game as the Cardinals defeat the Bengals, 24-14.
