Last-Minute Prediction for Arizona Cardinals Week 2 Matchup
By Sion Fawkes
The Arizona Cardinals are heading into Week 2 looking to shake their offensive ineptness from Week 1. One player will help them fly this week.
The Arizona Cardinals offense looked lost last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, a defense that, despite showcasing elite talent, took time to build chemistry in 2021. This season was a different story and the Cardinals scored just seven points before the Chiefs eased the throttle.
This week, the Cardinals will face a pair of elite pass rushers and a defense that allowed just 2.5 yards per carry on the ground last Sunday. Logistically, quarterback Kyler Murray will need to utilize the quick game, and last week, he had one bright spot that gave the Cardinals offense a ray of hope in receiver Greg Dortch.
Greg Dortch can go off in the Arizona Cardinals Week 2 matchup
Look for Murray to look Dortch’s way often, as the shifty receiver displayed incredible ability as a route-runner in last Sunday’s matchup and during the preseason. Murray targeted Dortch nine times last week and completed seven throws to the undersized receiver.
While Dortch gained just 63 receiving yards, or nine yards per reception, those short, quick passes and modest gains through the air are all the Cardinals need to keep their offense on the field and to systemically wear down the Raiders defense. Especially Jones and Crosby.
Further, if Murray looks Dortch’s way often and establishes the quick game, it will set things up for deeper pass attempts to the likes of tight end Zach Ertz and receiver A.J. Green, the latter of whom proving he remains a deep threat in this league last season.
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It will all start with Dortch, who I can see going off for 10 receptions and at least 100 receiving yards in this outing. Look for a big game from Dortch, and if you play fantasy football, you may want to consider picking him up off the waiver wire in the near future – that’s if another fantasy owner hasn’t already done so.
(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)