For the second week in a row the Arizona Cardinals will be playing in another huge game on Sunday Night Football. Last week was the Seattle Seahawks, this week it will be the Cincinnati Bengals. And much like last week, there is already a lot of background noise surrounding the game.
Carson Palmer was drafted #1 by Cincinnati. But (what we do know is), at some point the relationship between the two became so unbearable that Carson Palmer threatened/promised to retire if the Bengals did not trade him. Carson ended up going to Oakland (and then to Arizona after a trade), and the Bengals ended up going to Andy Dalton.
Cincinnati’s Owner Mike Brown gave a very candid interview earlier this week, explaining that he was left with an “odd feeling” after trading Palmer for a first and a second round draft pick but now says he has no ill will towards the quarterback that is now flourishing in Arizona.
“I like Carson Palmer personally,” Brown said. “I did when he was here. I regret it broke apart the way it did. I don’t want him to beat us any more than he wants us to beat him. I’m sure that will be in the back of his mind. But other than that, I wish him well.”
Carson Palmer (on the other hand) hasn’t been so forth coming with what exactly happened in Cincinnati.
“We obviously disagreed and it ended in a very colorful, heated argument,” Palmer said. “Now is not the time or place to get into the he-said, she-said type of deal.”
Palmer did however state that this wasn’t just another game for him though. Truth is, the two teams have a lot in common in 2015. Both Arizona and Cincinnati are having great seasons, and both are loaded with talent from top to bottom.
-The Nitty Gritty
Arizona has the top ranked total offense in the League, and that is after playing the second ranked defense in the League last week… in Seattle. Bruce Arians continues to be masterful with the play-call, but it’s Carson Palmer that makes this all work. The “Air”-izona Cardinals are averaging about 300 yards per game with the pass, and are ranked 8th in rushing.
The Cardinal trio, known as Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd have combined for 1,774 yards and 16 TDs in just 9 games. The Arizona Cardinals as a team have passed for 23 total TDs, second best in the NFL behind the Patriots (24).
Cincinnati is no slouch either when it comes to offense. The Bengals are ranked 5th in points per game, 6th in offensive TDs scored, and the Cincinnati offensive line has only given up 15 sacks (Cardinals 14).
A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, and Marvin Jones have combined for 1,684 yards of their own, while also catching 16 TDs. Andy Dalton appears to have turned a corner this year (minus the game last week vs the Texans). When the Bengals are clicking on offense, they can put up big numbers.
As for defense I’d say Arizona has the edge. Arizona is ranked 3rd overall on total defense, 7th against the pass and 4th against the run. The Cardinals are tied for 1st in interceptions (14) but the Bengals do have 11 picks of their own. The Bengals do give up nearly 5 yards a run though, 4.7 yards a clip to be exact.
-Give me the Keys Playa
* Both teams are going to throw the ball, this much is obvious. But with 25 interceptions between the 2 defenses, turnovers may very well dictate the victor of this game. Both Palmer (7) and Dalton (5) have protected the ball well this year when it comes to interceptions, but they will both be facing a very stingy defense come Sunday. Both quarterbacks will also most likely face a heavy dose of the blitz, so yeah, ball protection will definitely be key.
* Time of possession… if Arizona can continue to run the ball with success it can limit the amount of time Andy Dalton will have on the field. It would also keep the Cardinal’s defense fresh although I don’t see this being a huge sack game for either ball club. Arizona will take their fare share of deep shots, but sticking to a balanced play call can do wonders for the time of possession battle.
-Give me the Key Playas
Chris Johnson had a tough go at it in Seattle, but the Seahawks play the run very well. Look for “CJ2K” to have another stellar day in Arizona, and look for Andre Ellington to be more involved this week. Ellington lost the starting job after an injury gave Chris Johnson the opportunity to shine, but Ellington has done very well with the touches he has had averaging 7.6 yards a carry.
Trio vs trio… all 6 of the receivers I mentioned earlier can put up 100 yard games. Michael Floyd is dealing with a hamstring, as is John Brown, but if one or neither can go on Sunday be on the look out for Jaron Brown.
The No-Fly-Zone, aka Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Rashad Johnson, Jerraud Powers, Tony Jefferson, and Justin Bethel will have to cover a lot of space as the Cincinnati offense will stretch the field. Peterson may shadow A.J. Green in this match up, and Tyrann Mathieu will probably see tons of action against the rising star known as Tyler Eifert.
And last but definitely not least, Andy Dalton and Carson Palmer. Good teams do not lose two games in a row but Carson Palmer has a way of not losing at home so something has to give on Sunday Night.
-Give me the Score
Absolutely not. The only thing I will predict is a good game. Arizona, in my opinion, is benefiting from playing in these types of big games. Intensity is everything and you have to have it week in and week out. If the Cardinals can stick to what they do best, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a tough time in Arizona.
Graffix by Mike Yuardte
