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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

3 worries for the Cardinals against the Bengals

Arizona Cardinals fans are used to things happening to disappoint them. The Cincinnati Bengals come to town this weekend as a struggling team. It is a game that the Cardinals could win, even though Cincy is favored on the road.

While there is hope the Cardinals can play at the level they have and sneak a win away from the Bengals, there are reasons to be concerned.

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Here are what Cardinals should be worried about in this matchup.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

The Bengals find their way on offense

The Bengals have been awful on offense this season. They shouldn’t be with the skill players they have, but they have. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been hampered by a sore calf. The passing game has been bad.

But we know it will come around and they can be an offense that scores 30 points a game.

Knowing the Cardinals’ history, this would be the week that Burrow gets right.

Joe Mixon goes off

(AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Mixon has been a bright spot for Cincinnati. He is averaging 4.2 yards per carry and has 247 yards and a touchdown through four games.

Running backs have gashed the Cardinals in recent weeks. Last week, Christian McCaffrey had 179 total yards and scored four times.

Tony Pollard rushed for 122 yards against the Cardinals for the Cowboys.

With an ailing defensive line and linebacking corps, running backs have been taking advantage.

A kicking issue

Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (5) watches his field goal attempt against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium.

The last two meetings against the Bengals have come down to last-second field goals.

Matt Prater has been great but has run into issues when his holder has changed.

His holder changed this week, as the Cardinals released punter Nolan Cooney and signed Blake Gillikin, who will not hold for kicks.

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