Arizona Cardinals must capitalize on three key matchups heading into Carolina
By Sion Fawkes
Kenyan Drake versus Panthers run defense
It was surprising to see Kliff Kingsbury fail to utilize Drake (and quarterback Kyler Murray) more often in the running game in Week Three against the NFL’s weakest run defense.
Kingsbury even criticized his own playcalling following the loss to Detroit and rightfully so, given Murray’s struggles in the passing attack against the Lions where he threw three and nearly a fourth interception. That said, look for Kingsbury to utilize Drake among his other puzzle pieces in the run game against a weak Carolina front seven.
Thus far the Panthers run defense ranks in the bottom half of the league in both yards per rush (4.9) and rushing yards allowed per game (124.0). With Drake quietly performing well in 2020 with 219 rushing yards on 4.1 yards per carry, coupled with Kingsbury vowing to call better plays on offense, expect the Cardinals to make up for what they should’ve taken advantage of in Week Three.
Expect less throwing and more running that will start with Drake. But you should also expect to see Murray and RB2 Chase Edmonds take their turns toting the rock and opening the passing game for Murray.