Trying to erase a two-game losing streak, the Arizona Cardinals (2-10) are set to clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) today in Acrisure Stadium at 11 a.m.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Last week, the Cardinals were dominated throughout the majority of a 37-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 26.
Arizona’s defense has been one of the few bright spots this season, but the Rams were able to put 492 yards of total offense and cruise to a victory.
The Cardinals couldn’t stop the run or LA quarterback Matthew Stafford that day as the defense capitulated.
However, the offense of Arizona’s wasn’t great either as they did have 292 yards, but were able to only score one touchdown through three quarters before getting one more when the game was beyond over.
On the other hand, the Steelers got back to winning ways as they won 16-10 over the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 26.
A few days before that game, Pittsburgh decided to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Despite looking at the score, the offense of the Steelers was rejuvenated as quarterback Kenny Pickett through a season-high 278 yards.
Furthermore, it was the first game in their last 58 that Pittsburgh surpassed 400+ yards (421).
When looking at how their new offensive firepower worked previously, the Cardinals need to forget about what happened against the Rams and take it to Pittsburgh.
Here is all you need to know before the Cardinals face the Steelers:
Pregame Notes
Today is the rematch between both teams who were in the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII.
There, the Steelers were able to defeat the Cardinals 27-23 as that was the last time Arizona would make a Super Bowl.
Additionally, Pittsburgh is 35-23-3 against Arizona all time.
In their last matchup, the Steelers won 23-17 back on Dec. 8, 2019.
Furthermore, three ex-Cardinals will face their former team today for Pittsburgh: cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Markus Golden and center Mason Cole.
Peterson spent a decade in the valley as he started in 154 games, grabbed 28 interceptions, 4 sacks, 499 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.
Additionally, Golden was a Cardinal for seven years while playing in 88 games, having 1 interception, 11 forced fumbles, 35.5 sacks and 218 tackles.
As for Cole, he played 46 games for Arizona.
In contrast, Cardinals running back James Conner is an Erie, Pennsylvania native who gets to play against his former team for the first time.
During four seasons in Pittsburgh, Conner gathered 2302 yards from 532 carries, 26 touchdowns, averaged 46 yards per-game and was a Pro-Bowl running back in 2018.
When looking at the stats, the Steelers are second-to-last in the NFL in passing completions as they only have 212 and the worst in the league in passing yards with 3348.
Also, Pittsburgh is tied with the New York Jets for the fewest passing touchdowns (7).
Stats Leaders
Passing
- Cardinals – QB Kyler Murray: 66-107, 719 Yards, 2 TD, 2 Interceptions
- Steelers – QB Kenny Pickett: 194-314, 2000 Yards, 6 TD, 4 Interceptions.
Receiving
- Cardinals – RB James Conner: 104 Carries, 526 Yards, 2 TD.
- Steelers – RB Najee Harris: 143 Carries, 598 Yards, 4 TD.
Rushing
- Cardinals – WR Marquise Brown: 45 Receptions, 486 Yards, 4 TD.
- Steelers – WR George Pickens: 40 Receptions 662 Yards, 3 TD
Where to Watch
CBS will broadcast the matchup at 11 a.m. between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rocking the all white threads ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/WEodxYFanz
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 3, 2023
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Alec Cipollini is a journalist covering the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
