Arizona Cardinals: 3 Bold predictions vs. Lions

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 26: Carson Palmer (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 26: Carson Palmer (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Carson Palmer won’t be sacked

Every football game is won with strong play on the offensive and defensive line. Without protecting your quarterback or opening holes for the ball carrier will result in three-and-outs and failed third-down conversions. Not getting pressure on the quarterback will do the exact opposite.

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The Cardinals have elite edge rushers in both Chandler Jones and Markus Golden. They don’t, however, have as much star power on the other side of the field. And that could haunt them all season.

Week 1 won’t be as big of an issue though. The Lions have multiple defensive lineman on injured reserve and their best pass rusher, Ezekiel Ansah, didn’t touch the practice field all throughout training camp.

With that being said, Ansah is expected to play this week, but after just two sacks in 13 games last season, expect some rust. D.J. Humphries should be able to hold his own in his first career start at left tackle in the NFL.

1. David Johnson will have 225+ all-purpose yards

If the Lions are going to win getting pressure on quarterback Carson Palmer will certainly be a start. But their first priority is containing running back David Johnson.

In his second season out of Northern Iowa, Johnson put together a spectacular campaign that was MVP-worthy. He ran for 1,239 yards and added another 80 catches for 879 yards through the air. This season his goal is to run and receive for 1,000 yards each and we all know that’s realistic for 2017.

His first test is against a Lions defense that’s less than spectacular up front, but has looked solid in the secondary through the preseason. Knowing the Detroit offense things could get out of hand quick with their firepower so slowing the game down with Johnson is key for the Cardinals offense.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Week 1

If Sunday’s contest becomes a shoot-out Johnson won’t turn into a non-factor. He was targeted 126 times last season and will see the same attention in 2017 with Arizona’s lack of playmakers at receiver. Regardless of how the game plays out, Johnson will be the X-factor.