Arizona’s rushing attack
The Titans had a hard time stopping the Cardinals’ backs as the game went on, allowing 136 rushing yards and 4.1 yards per carry. The Vikings posted similar numbers against the Bengals, allowing 149 yards on 36 carries.
The difference is, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is not the same dynamic dual-threat quarterback as Kyler Murray. The Vikings’ defense did not need to account for Burrow, who rushed once for just 2 yards. And while Murray did most of his damage through the air in Week 1, he’s always a threat to tuck the ball and run if he finds no one open downfield.
Add Murray’s ability to the fact Chase Edmonds looked in midseason form with 12 carries for 63 yards, and the Cardinals have a viable one-two punch in the backfield. And this does not even count James Conner, who added 53 rushing yards on the day.
While it’s becoming clear the Cardinals are preferring to use Murray’s ability to make things happen through the air as opposed to on the ground, his sheer presence takes the pressure off of Edmonds and Conner. Especially if the Cardinals insert the option game or play-action.