Three trickeries the Arizona Cardinals will face in week nine

Defensive unit versus an expanded Playbook

The Cardinals defense must expect the Dolphins to pull a few rabbits out of the hat with trickeries. Especially if they’re looking to keep Tagovailoa’s jersey clean.

It shouldn’t be surprising to see the Dolphins engage in direct snaps to the running back, perhaps splitting Tua out wide, or even running packages that may include backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Such an approach is common with a young team featuring limited upside and a rookie quarterback who is just getting acclimated to the game.

Since the Cardinals have a stingy defense led by stud safety Budda Baker that has allowed just 146 points so far in 2020, they need to expect the unexpected come Sunday’s matchup. They’re not facing a team that will use traditional methods to win next week. Especially given Tagavailoa’s lack of experience.

Expect a run-heavy approach that should also include end-arounds, reverses, double-reverses, and perhaps even a reverse pass. The Cardinals best bet in keeping the Dolphins offense in check is to bust the play before it even gets off the ground. Send the edge rushers, jam the receivers, and throw the Dolphins timing off.

In other words, get physical early and stay physical all game long. Negate the trickeries and force Tua and company to throw away the game plan early.