Why The Arizona Cardinals Will Win on Thursday
By Matthew Gay
Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is congratulated by running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) after he caught the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Most of you that read the title are arriving here with the same premises as most of the nation. The Cardinals are lower ranked than the Seahawks in almost all categories, especially the most important one, wins and losses. If you’re expecting an insiders secret to be revealed, I don’t have one. In all honesty the easier article is the one titled “Why the Cardinals will Lose” because most of the people watching feel this is the case especially after viewing these two teams the last few weeks.
This game is a battle of two solid defenses. My first prediction starts in this field as I feel the Cardinals have the better defense regardless of what the rankings say, it’s not like the Seahawks have played an unbearable schedule thus far. The Cardinals can and will win in part due to the defense stopping the run. Most people will argue or call me nuts because their memory goes directly to the last game Marshawn Lynch played against the Cardinals where he was allowed to run free for hundreds of yards and three touchdowns. It’s a tough memory but keep in mind that was at home. While playing in Arizona “Beastmode” hasn’t surfaced yet.
The Cardinals defense is primed and likely to not only slow the Seahawks offense but put up at least one touchdown in this game. The Seahawks have an equal chance to score a defensive touchdown as well considering the way the Cardinals offense has played since week one. I’m not as concerned as others however because trends like playing poorly don’t stay consistent. Now can I guarantee that the trend breaks on Thursday….no. I believe that the trend will end however because there is no adverse reason for it to continue even if that means simply relying on the running game to etch out a win.
In the end the Cardinals know they are the underdog and all athletes play up to the competition, they’re already “expected” to lose so what else do they have to lose? But the talent between the two teams isn’t separated by much so it will be easier for the Cardinals to add evidence that the NFC West is the toughest division by playing up to the number one team in the division. The stage is set to finally get an offense working on all levels and upset the Seahawks. The fact that the Seahawks have only won twice in Arizona since 2004 doesn’t hurt my case either.