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Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins: Preview, prediction

By Scott Allen

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after rushing for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after rushing for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws a pass in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws a pass in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cardinals offense last week against the Redskins was able to move the ball in short spurts. The short passing game seemed to work for quarterback Carson Palmer and his receivers.

Last week Palmer threw for 300-yards and three touchdowns, no interceptions.  Also, running back David Johnson had 84-yards rushing on 18 carries.  Additionally, he caught nine passes for 91-yards.  He had one touchdown rushing and another receiving.

It is that kind of balance the Cardinals will need once again to succeed against the Dolphins, particularly if any weather develops.  Johnson will need to touch the ball 25-30 times.

The Cardinals will need to contend with Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell.  He is an up and coming corner who has 50 tackles and two interceptions this season.  He recently indicated he felt he was the best corner in the game.

He is good, but the Cardinals offensive weapons, when healthy and performing at the top of their game, are better.  Speaking of being healthy, it appears receiver John Brown will play but will be limited in the number of snaps he sees.

The Dolphins defense is ranked 25th in the league in average yards given up, giving up 373.1-yards-per-game.  They have 11 interceptions as a unit.

The Cardinals offense is ranked 9th in the NFL in total yards gained. They average 369.1-yards-per-game.  Palmer has thrown 11 interceptions so far in 2016.

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