GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals secondary will face its toughest challenge yet against the number-one ranked offense in the NFL: The Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Dak Prescott has his team as one of the highest scoring offense in the league at 30.8 points pre game. Arizona is the 13th-scoring defense in the NFL, but it’s one weakness is the passing game, allowing 234.9 passing yards per game (25th).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dallas is the best passing offense in the league with 263.8 yards per game. Even with WR1 CeeDee Lamb missing five games, Prescott has the offense moving. Lamb’s return to the lineup has made an already deadly offense almost impossible, leaving the Cardinals with little options.
Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Cardinals gameplan to limit Lamb:
The injuries to Arizona’s secondary has been brutal, but it is starting to regain some missing pieces with cornerback Garrett Williams having his 21-day practice window open. However, his ability to return on Monday from injury reserve seems like too quick of a turnaround.
The defense’s true CB1 in Max Melton will gladly take on the assignment of guarding Lamb. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis doesn’t blitz or rush more than four towards the quarterback, leaving seven players left in coverage. The extra protection should allow Rallis to spare safety help to Melton to always have two on Lamb.
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That decision would leave breakout star wide receiver George Pickens in likely one-on-one coverage. Rallis will need to test rookie cornerback Will Johnson, who has been sensational this year. Johnson has only allowed 15 receptions for 118 receiving yards in five games with five pass deflections. The second-round pick is 6’2, which will match well with a 6’3 Pickens.
Lamb should be Rallis and the defense’s top concern for Week 9, as the All-Pro wide receiver can swing games by himself alone. Prescott will put up the yards, but the Cardinals need to focus on limiting his connections to Lamb and get comfortable.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
