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Arizona Cardinals need Christian Kirk to take the next step

By Damian Parson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 23-17. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 23-17. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals could benefit from a Christian Kirk breakout campaign to finish this season. This offense is in need of a consistent second option.

DeAndre Hopkins is the NFL’s leading receiver in receptions and yards. Hopkins is the unquestioned top option for Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury. The problem is, no one else has stepped up on a weekly basis as the clear cut number two. Did Sunday give us a glimpse of Christian Kirk in that role?

Kirk tied Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald with seven targets. Only Kirk turned those targets into successful reps. He finished the game with five receptions for 78 yards and averaged 15.6 yards per catch. When provided the opportunity, Kirk made routine plays to keep the offense in rhythm and on schedule.

Hopkins will continue to be a dominant force every week, but Christian Kirk has to seize the opportunities against single coverage. The tweet below showcases the explosive ability Kirk offers to this offense.

Arizona needs Kirk to step up. If this were to transpire, the trickle-down effect would be positive for the other wideouts.

Andy Isabella could continue to develop and earn Kyler’s trust with defenses focusing on Hopkins and Kirk. Larry Fitzgerald could become the defacto seamstress as 84% of his snaps are ran out of the slot. Forcing defenses to defend this offense honest should be an important goal for the remainder of the season.

In addition, an unpredictable offense creates headaches for opposing defense. Dialing up plays to highlight Kirk’s shiftiness and 4.46 speed is paramount for desired offensive production. Christian Kirk has the skillset and traits to complement Hopkins well.

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Heading into their Monday Night Football showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, the offense has another opportunity to work out its kinks. Dallas presents one of the league’s worst defenses, the passing attack could be in store for another big performance. More importantly, Kirk has another opportunity to earn his keep as Arizona’s number two wide receiver.

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