Cardinals Secondary Play Will Be Key Vs Saints

If the Cardinals want to beat the Saints on Sunday, their secondary must be at their best.

The Arizona Cardinals may only be playing for pride at this point, but that’s enough motivation for them to want to play their best this weekend against the New Orleans Saints. If the Cardinals want to get the win, they’ll need their secondary to be in top form. Their performance will probably decide the game.

The Saints are not having the kind of year they would have liked either. At 5-8, they’re also out of the playoff picture and trying to end the season positively. That, however, does not mean they’re an easy win for Arizona. Their record belies their talented offense that is tied for second in the NFL in scoring, and number one in passing yards. They can move the ball as well as any team in the league, which is where the Cardinals secondary comes in.

The Cardinals pass defense has been good, by the numbers, for the season. They rank second in the NFL in passing yards given up and passing touchdowns surrendered. There have been some issues, though. Last week, with the game on the line, Dolphins receiver Kenny Still got free twice for chunks of yardage that wound up deciding the game. They also had lapses recently in a blowout loss to Atlanta.

New Orleans has a trio of talented pass catchers that the Cardinals must figure out how to stop. Drew Brees spreads the ball around as well as anybody, so the Cardinals secondary will be tested.

Patrick Peterson is having a terrific year, and should do his part. Brees figures to try to take advantage of other matchups. Marcus Cooper has been inconsistent, and might not be 100% after hurting his back against Miami. Tharold Simon might get a lot of time in relief. Either Brandin Cooks or Michael Thomas will face them, and that could be a matchup that Brees looks to exploit. Tyrann Mathieu is expected to return and will probably spend a lot of time in the slot.

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The safety position will be a little thinner this week, with Tyvon Branch going to injured reserve, only weeks after being activated. DJ Swearinger and Tony Jefferson have been solid all season, but their ability to cover over the top will certainly be tested. Jefferson will be tasked with over-the-top help most often, and if Brees can get Swearinger into coverage alone, it will be a weak spot.

If the Cardinals want to win on Sunday, they’ll have to stop the Saints passing game. Of course, that’s easier said than done. It will be a chess match between Brees and the Cardinals secondary, and one the game hinges on.