Gameday Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. Atlanta Falcons
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals continue their early season road trip with a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
TV/Radio: FOX 10/92.3 FM KTAR
Game Outlook: The Arizona Cardinals are 1-0. The Atlanta Falcons are 0-1. Many observers believe it easily could be the other way around. If you ask the oddsmakers, they’d have you believe the Falcons are going to run all over the Cardinals tomorrow. Speaking of running, the Cards running game is in trouble again. Beanie Wells will most likely miss his second game, although it is still officially a game day decision. Wells did practice this week, albeit limited at best. He experienced swelling his knee on Friday. With this news, it will be back to Tim Hightower and most likely and offensive balance leaning towards more passing. That same imbalance gave the Cards a close 17-13 win over the St. Louis Rams, a game that many feel the Rams could have won.
The Atlanta Falcons come off a tough road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime 15-9. Matt Ryan had a hard time moving the ball at times last Sunday, but may find it will be an easier task this Sunday. It’s Atlanta’s home opener and with the way this offense can run and throw, it may not be long before the Falcons get that early insurmountable lead. The Cards will have to be more focused this week and limit the mistakes if they think they have a chance to win.
Injury report:
Arizona – Beanie Wells, game-day decision. Early Doucet – Out. Hamza Abdullah, Kenny Iwebema – Questionable.
Atlanta – Michael Jenkins, Out
Prediction: Atlanta 30 Arizona 23. I think ultimately both teams do more scoring this week, but with Atlanta at home for their opener and the lack of a balanced attack for the Cardinals will do the Cards in this week. The Cards will ultimately make some mistakes and there will be too many to overcome. I hope I’m wrong, but the writing is on the wall.