Arizona Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Preview, prediction

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Oct 11, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) misses a catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) and free safety Rashad Johnson (26) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The defensive game plan for the Arizona Cardinals is very simple; stop the run. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense without Ben Roethlisberger (who isn’t playing) runs entirely through Le’Veon Bell. If the defensive line can clog running lanes for the All-Pro and his capable back up DeAngelo Williams then it will be a long day for the Steelers offense.

The other thing the Cardinals defense will need to do is force Michael Vick to throw the ball. Vick has had trouble connecting with All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown , and has only connected with him 8 times in the last two games. If Patrick Peterson can follow Antonion Brown like he’s his shadow it’ll make things that much harder for Michael Vick.

Vick is also a running threat, and is something that the defense will need to prevent him from doing. On the game winning drive against the Chargers last week, Vick scrabmled for a 24 yard gain on third down to help move the Steelers into field goal territory. If the defense can force Vick to throw from the pocket, all the better.

Odds:

Arizona -3.5

O/U 45

Prediction:

With the Arizona Cardinals staying in the same time zone for the past 7 days and catching a Steelers team on a short week, it should be a fruitful day for the Cardinals. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be making his return this week, is another thing that bodes well for the Cardinals. If the receivers capitalize on their advantage against a weak Steelers secondary, and the defense can contain Le’Veon Bell and Michael Vick, the team should be returning to Arizona with another win. Cardinals 38 Steelers 17

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