Arizona Cardinals: 3 Takeaways vs Colts in Week 2

By Tyler Olson | Sep 17, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with Antoine Bethea #41 and Haason Reddick #43 after a sack against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals can’t make a catch against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Where is Larry Fitzgerald?

Through the first two weeks of the season Larry Fitzgerald has just nine catches and 95 yards. Prior to 2017, he went through the first two weeks of the season with under 10 catches and 100 yards just twice: 2012 and 2014. Those two years were two of his worst seasons in his 14-year career.

This could be a case of the inconsistent play from quarterback Carson Palmer, poor offensive line play, lack of ability to run the ball, etc. It could also be a case of Fitzgerald beginning to hit his wall as an NFL receiver. In Week 1, he was targeted 13 times, only coming away with six catches. On Sunday, he was targeted six times, but only came away with three balls.

1. Defense saves face

After an ugly performance in Week 1, the defense bounced back in Week 2, which is what Cardinals fans needed to see. Before running back David Johnson went down with a wrist injury, the offense looked to be a bit behind the defense in terms of ability and projected success for 2017. Now with Johnson out, it’s the defense that’s going to need to carry the Cardinals to success this season.

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Indianapolis only put up 13 points on the Cards, which is suspected. Arizona kept plays in front of them and did a solid job all day, taking care of the Colts running backs holding them to just 2.62 yards per carry. They’ll need that same performance against Ezekiel Elliot and the Dallas Cowboys next Monday night.

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