Arizona Cardinals: Breaking Down Schedule Weeks 1-4
By Scott Allen
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals were given some favors by the NFL in the first couple of weeks of the season. They will start the season on the national television stage. They face the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football at University of Phoenix Stadium on ESPN as part of the annual season-opening Monday Night Football doubleheader.
The Cardinals last faced the Chargers in the regular season in 2010. They went to San Diego and lost 41-10. The last overall meeting was in the 2013 preseason, a matchup the Cards also not only lost the game but rookie guard Jonathan Cooper for the season to a broken leg. My prediction for the game is a victory to open the season. The Cards were 6-2 at home in 2013. Cardinals 27 Chargers 21
In week two, the Cards take their first road trip. They head to Met Life Stadium to face the New York Giants. I could not be happier this is only one of two early games for the Cards this season. The Giants are coming off a very disappointing season. The last time the Cards played the Giants in New York, they won on Sunday Night Football 24-14. It’ll be a close one but I’m going to say the Giants pull it out. Giants 17 Cardinals 16
In week three, the Cards are back at home for one of their two tilts against the San Francisco 49ers. This will be a huge barometer of where the Cards are early in the season. The Niners are the one team they still have to get over the hump with. They beat the Seattle Seahawks and the St. Louis Rams in 2013. The crowd should be pumped and I expect the Cards to give two more great games to the Niners in 2014. I give tghe edge to the Cards finally. Cardinals 24 Niners 23
The Cards get a bye in week 4. Personally, I don’t like seeing the bye that early, however after tough tilts in weeks one through three, it could be well deserved. I see the Cards 2-1 going into the bye. Although it would be nice to see the bye later on, it is what it is. Can’t complain too much.