Arizona Cardinals: Ranking Arizona’s 3 Hardest Games of 2013

3. Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints, September 22

November 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to pass downfield during the first half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Playing in the Superdome is no easy task, especially when you are facing one of the top signal-callers in the NFL in Drew Brees. Sean Payton is one of the most aggressive play callers in the NFL and will probably try to exploit the absence of Daryl Washington as he serves a four-game suspension-by targeting Jimmy Graham on seam routes and Darren Sproles on option routes out of the backfield.

Interior pressure on Drew Brees will be vital in this match up. Campbell and Dockett have to win consistently against one of the best interior offensive lines in the NFL, you can also expect plenty A-gap pressure as the Cardinals try to disrupt Brees and this high powered offense.

No matter how well the defense plays the Cardinals offense has to score points, the the Cardinals offense could have the edge against the Saints defense. The Saints are transitioning to a 3-4 defensive front under Rob Ryan, this is sure to bring some growing pains as the personnel adjusts to the new scheme .

If the Cardinals can defend the middle of the field and win in the trenches they have a chance to win this game. However, it’s going to take a very good game.