The Arizona Cardinals will kick off their 2019 season Sunday at home against the Detroit Lions. There are plenty of questions about their own team but now they also have to worry about an opponent and the games count now, unlike in the preseason.
Who are the Lions players the Cardinals need to worry about in the matchup?
QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford had a down year by his standards in 2018. However, with the Cardinals playing without their top two cornerbacks in Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford, you can be sure he will be licking his chops to get the ball to his receivers.
WR Kenny Golladay
Golladay was a 1,000-yard receiver a year ago. He will have a significant advantage against Tramaine Brock, who is capable but not great, and against Byron Murphy, who is making his NFL debut.
WR Marvin Jones
Jones only played in nine games in 2018 but still had 530 receiving yards. That was after amassing over 1,100 yards in 2017 and leading the NFL in yards per reception. The younger and more athletic of the two starting cornerbacks for the Cardinals is Byron Murphy, while Chris Jones will also see time covering Jones, but both are very inexperienced.
CB Darius Slay
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray will be tested by Slay, one of the league’s best receivers. Now, the Cardinals will use three and perhaps four receivers at a time, so Murray can avoid him, but Slay could make Murray pay if he tests him.
DL Damon Harrison
Harrison is one of the very best run-stopping defensive linemen in the game. The Cardinals struggled to run the ball last season. They want to be better this year. They will need to neutralize Harrison or avoid him completely.
RB Kerryon Johnson
Johnson is a dynamic back and the Cardinals were the worst team in the league last season at stopping the run. They struggled in the preseason. They have to limit Johnson.
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