The Arizona Cardinals have struggled more offensively the last three weeks than they have all season. They had five straight games of at least 30 points and at least 400 yards. They are averaging 22 points per game in their three-game losing streak and haven’t topped 314 yards in those contests.
It won’t get easier against the New York Giants, their Week 14 opponent on the road.
New York, on a four-game winning streak, has turned around its defense.
They are the NFL’s 10th-ranked defense, allowing 339 yards per game. They are ninth in scoring defense, giving up only 22.1 points per game.
The Cardinals have been at their best when they run the ball. New York has been dominant against the run.
The Giants are fourth in rushing defense, allowing 96.7 yards per game. The 4.0 yards per rushing attempt allowed is tied for seventh-best in the league.
The one area where the Giants defense is not strong is on third down. Opponents convert on 42.1% of their third-down attempts. On fourth down, they are even worse, as opponents have converted on 9-of-14 (64.3%).
Defending the pass, the Giants are middle of the pack.
They allow 242.3 passing yards per game and an opponent passer rating of 91.8, which mirrors the Cardinals’ passer rating allowed. They have allowed only 17 passing touchdowns and have picked off 10 passes.
They are tied for eighth with 32 sacks.
Their defense is similar to the Washington Football Team’s unit. Of course, the Cardinals put up 30 points against Washington earlier this season, so there is optimism.
The Cardinals need to win this game and need to get the offense back on track. While it will not be easy on the road in December against a physical defense, a win would be just what the Cardinals need.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and
