Key matchups the Arizona Cardinals can take advantage of Sunday

By Sion Fawkes | Sep 27, 2020

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is congratulated by DeAndre Hopkins #10, Larry Fitzgerald #11 and Patrick Peterson #21 after scoring a 21 yard rushing touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Kenyan Drake versus the Detroit run defense

Kenyan Drake has 146 rushing yards, good for 15th in the NFL. However, he has gotten off to slow starts in each of the first two games of 2020. In Week Two against Washington, Drake picked up most of his yards during garbage time in the fourth quarter.

However, he also had to run against a notorious front seven from both Washington and San Francisco during the first two weeks of the season. In Week Three, he should catch a break with the Lions.

Thus far, the Lions have allowed 353 rushing yards against running backs, which ranks 31st in the NFL in front of only the Cincinnati Bengals. They also rank 32nd in the league against the run, allowing 408 rushing yards through two weeks.

This provides a golden opportunity for Drake. And you can bet the Cardinals will look to get Drake involved early as they melt a weak Lions run defense.

Further, Drake isn’t the only back you could see involved here. Look for a potential renaissance from RB2 Chase Edmonds, who has recorded just 30 yards on nine carries in 2020. And as mentioned in the previous slide, expect Cardinals leading rusher Kyler Murray to get plenty of rushing opportunities.

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