Arizona Cardinals: Game By Game Look At 2015
By Scott Allen
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after a reception in the fourth quarter to surpass 12,000 career yards as Detroit Lions defensive end Jason Jones (91) reacts at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5: at Detroit Lions
The known: They’ve lost Ndamukong Suh but they will still be a playoff contender. They still have quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson. Although their offense struggles more than it really should at times, they are still formidable.
This one is in Detroit. The Cardinals have not played here since 2009. The last three meetings between these two teams resulted in Cardinals victories in Glendale. We could see a different result this time.
Prediction: Detroit 23 Arizona 20
Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers
The known: At first glance when the offseason began, it seemed the Steelers would be on the decline. They lost in the AFC Wild-Card playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens. Them they lost longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Le’von Bell had off field issues. However now it seems all that is forgotten. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger got a new contract. They have an up and coming receiver in Martavis Bryant.
Another cold weather city earlier in the season. You could always see cooler temperatures here in the fall in October but at least the Cardinals avoid another chance of snow and frigid temperatures. It will still be tough to come out a winner though.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 35 Arizona 27
Week 7: Baltimore Ravens:
The Ravens are expected to do well again. Running back Justin Forsett and quarterback Joe Flacco will be leading the way again. This one will be on Monday Night Football.
Coming home to play and play in front of a national television audience should be enough motivation for the Cardinals to come off their short two-game losing streak. It will still be a close game though. I would expect nothing less.
Prediction: Arizona 24 Baltimore 16
Week 8: at Cleveland Browns
To say Cleveland is in bit of dysfunction would be putting it mildly. Quarterback Johnny Manziel just came out of rehab and who even knows if he is still on the Browns roster come opening weekend. Receiver Josh Gordon is in trouble off the field, again.
The one factor in Cleveland’s favor is this is November 1st and it’s in Cleveland. Who knows what kind of weather this will bring. The Cardinals have not historically played well in Cleveland. The last two Cardinals teams lost here 44-6 and 32-0. The last game was in 2003 though. This team has nothing to do with them.
Prediction: Arizona 21 Cleveland 17
Week 9: Bye week