Arizona Cardinals: Another hard fought victory coming in Week 11?
By Larry Brake
The Arizona Cardinals face the Oakland Raiders with the possibility of winning their third game of the season but it will be tough.
Josh Rosen and the Arizona Cardinals played well against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. The Cardinals defense was very disruptive to the Kansas City offense. On Sunday in Week 11, the Redbirds can expect another tough game, but should defeat the Oakland Raiders.
Rosen faces a Raiders defense that gives up an average of 399.1 yards per game. They have only eight sacks and are allowing an average of 258.1 passing yards per game. Most of all, Raiders opponents have scored an average of 30.2 points per game.
The Redbirds triplets of Rosen, David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald should have a very good game. Arizona’s defense will be able to pressure Derek Carr. Turnovers will be the thing that could disrupt the Cardinals road to victory.
Last Sunday, Rosen threw two interceptions. He will have to make quick decisions in throwing downfield. Rosen has to utilize his legs more than trying to throw into tight windows.
Johnson had a good game in Kansas City. He carried the ball 21 times for 98 yards with a touchdown. Johnson caught 7-of-9 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown. He had 183 yards from scrimmage, definitely his best game this season.
Arizona needs to run the offense through Johnson again this week. If the Cardinals can establish Johnson in the running and screen pass games, the downfield passing game will open up dramatically. They need to build off the momentum from Week 10 in Kansas City.
Defensively, Arizona must pressure the Raiders early and often. The Raiders offensive line has allowed 29 sacks through nine games. Constant pressure could result in potential turnovers, strip sacks and pick-sixes. The Redbirds defense must impose their will throughout the game.
Next. 20 Bold predictions for NFL Week 11. dark
As usual, the game will be won in the trenches. Expect the home team to win their third game out of their last six. They should win in a hard fought battle with the score being somewhere around 31-24.