GLENDALE – The Atlanta Falcons have one of the best pass rushers and secondary combo in the NFL, which could force the pass-heavy Arizona Cardinals to rely on their starting running back. The halfback production has been a rough one for the franchise in 2025. Losing James Conner and Trey Benson in back-to-back weeks left Arizona stranded in finding their replacement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Three names came up: Emari Demercado, Bam Knight and Michael Carter. Demercado’s infamous dropped ball at the goal line banished him to being a third-down back, while Knight has had his reps decreased due to injuries. Those factors have given more shine to Carter, who made the most of that opportunity last week, rushing for 56 yards and catching four passes for 38 receiving yards.
Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Is Carter due for a big performance?
The 58 rushing yards are the most by Carter since Week 17 of last year, where he ran for 70 yards. Week 15 could be the beginning of something big for the 26-year-old, as the Atlanta Falcons have struggled against the run this season.
Atlanta’s numbers are quite skewed because of a Week 10 game vs. the Indianapolis Colts, where it allowed 323 rushing yards. If that game is included, the Falcons are the 25th run defense (127.9 y/g) in the NFL. If not included, they jump to 16th (112.9 y/g).
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) runs for a gain past Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Regardless, the run game has been Atlanta’s only weaknesses defensively this season, which makes Carter massively important for Sunday. Carter has only played against the Falcons once in his career. It was during his rookie season, where he ran for 38 rushing yards on 10 carries and had three catches for 20 yards.
The five-year pro seems ready for the moment and confident that he can take the next step. Last week could’ve been the preamble for a Week 16 masterclass, which the Cardinals will need desperately against this defense.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
