At 4-5-1 (3-7 ATS), you just never know which Cardinals team is going to show up. They had all the tools on both sides of the bill to easily beat the free-falling Vikings this past Sunday but flat-out failed, losing 30-24.
Carson Palmer could still show signs of his great abilities, but his age is also showing, particularly when there’s high pressure from pass rushers, and it’s hurting the execution of the offense. He only completed 20 of his 38 passes (52.6-percent) for 198 yards against the Vikes, with two touchdowns and two interceptions, one of which was a 100-yard pick-six. His offensive line didn’t help as well, as he took 19 QB hits (four were sacks).
With all the talent and stats they put up, the defense was also a letdown for the nth time this season. The front seven faced the struggling O-line of the Vikings (allowed 30-plus QB hits in the last four weeks) and could only produce two sacks. Meanwhile, Sam Bradford completed 71.4 of his passes (20-for-28) with a TD against the secondary.
The two Cards who have been consistent just about all season long are Larry Fitzgerald (74.9 ypg) and David Johnson (137.3 total ypg). The two are leading the team in receiving yards and rushing yards, respectively. Johnson is also second in the NFL in total yards (1,373), 10 yards short of moving past Ezekiel Elliot.
We’ll see if Palmer and the Cards defense can bounce back this coming Sunday. Palmer will be facing the worst pass defense in the league, while D will have an exciting clash with one of the best passing offenses today. The Cardinals have given up the fewest passing yards (1,926) and passing touchdowns (seven) this season, while also placing in the top 10 of sacks (26) and lowest pass completion rate (59.3 percent).
Matt Ryan had an off-night against Philly in Week 10. He had 276 yards and one TD, but only went 18-for-33 (54.5 percent) on his throws. The QB also finished with a 55.5 passer rating, the lowest in this MVP-type of season of his. Atlanta lost 24-15 , but is still at the top of the NFC South (6-4 SU and ATS).
The run game, on the other hand, got more than an off-night, with Devonta Freeman only rushing for 48 yards on 12 carries. It was All-Pro receiver Julio Jones that came up big once again, catching 10 passes for 135 yards. Tevin Coleman wasn’t able to suit up (hamstring), but is expected to play on Week 12.
Now returning from a bye, the Falcons will face another competitive foe. Expect a more aggressive Ryan, Freeman, and Jones (and possibly Coleman), on offense, especially after seeing the Cards’ poor showing last Sunday. The QB and his crew will look to parade their top-notch offensive firepower. They are first in points (32 per game), second in total offense (4,166) and passing yards (3,090), and eighth in rushing yards (1,076).
As for the defense, there’s not many good things to say. The Falcons are one of the worst in giving up points (28.3 per game – ranked 28th) and passing yards (2,830 – dead-last), as well as allowing opposing QBs to complete a pass (68.9 completion rate – ranked 30th).
