5 reasons why the Cardinals will beat the Titans in Week 1

The Arizona Cardinals are set to begin the 2021 NFL season on the road against the Tennessee Titans.

Waiting for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday are the Tennessee Titans, a team that has a revamped offense that looks to impose its will in the AFC South. The defending division champions acquired Julio Jones in the offseason to create a Nashville version of a “Big Three”.

With Derrick Henry running over defenders like Mario with the invincibility star power-up and A.J. Brown catching darts out of the bright blue sky, the Cardinals have a lot of work to do on defense. This matchup is magnified due to the recent and rather shocking retirement of cornerback Malcolm Butler.

This has the potential to be a shootout on the scoreboard with how both offenses are primed. There are five reasons Arizona will win their season opener and come away confident as ever. To keep up in the NFC West, every game has to be treated as a big game. Otherwise, the chances of winning the division will dwindle quickly.

Reason No. 1

Arizona will control the pace of play

When it comes to offense, the Cardinals operate in an Air-Raid style offense that can be a double-edged sword. If it’s gaining yards, it can tire out the opponent’s defense. If it doesn’t, then it wears out the Cardinals defense (as seen in the latter half of the 2020 season).

The additions of James Conner and Rodney Hudson will give Tennessee’s defensive line more than they can handle, and it will let Arizona’s defense rest more as a benefit. Winning the time-of-possession battle against Derrick Henry and the Titans will give the Cardinals an edge in this game.