The Arizona Cardinals head into Week 4 with one of the league’s most lackluster offenses. Will they find their groove against Carolina?
The Arizona Cardinals have not beaten the Carolina Panthers in nearly a decade, and with one of the league’s most lackluster offenses, it will be hard to overcome anyone. But that doesn’t mean the Cardinals won’t at least make things entertaining, despite my predictions saying otherwise.
My realistic predictions, that is. So let’s get bold and outline three gutsy calls that might just bring the Cardinals their second road win of the season against a team that has been a thorn in their side for some time.
1 – Murray goes off-script
Kyler Murray is at his best when he escapes pressure, extends plays, and completes jaw-dropping passes. Murray spent all but two quarters leading one of the NFL’s most anemic offenses. That will change if he reverts back into his unorthodox ways this Sunday.
If Murray goes off-script, he can throw for 300 yards and run for 100. The question remains whether head coach/offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury sees it that way. If he does, then my 28-17 prediction in favor of Carolina will render itself null and void.
2 – Arizona Cardinals hold Mayfield to under 50% completion percentage
It’s hard to call this one a bold prediction, as opponents have kept quarterback Baker Mayfield’s completion percentage to below 50% over the past two weeks. They also held the former number one overall pick to under 200 passing yards in both matchups.
And while the Arizona Cardinals have yet to allow a completion percentage under 64% this season, they also faced three of the league’s better quarterbacks. Mayfield has been one of the worst in football this season, giving the Cardinals a golden opportunity to turn things around.
3 – Trayvon Mullen records Cardinals first interception
Corner Trayvon Mullen was finally active for the Cardinals in Week 3, but he played in just eight special teams snaps. Meanwhile, Marco Wilson and Jace Whittaker have not been the answer at cornerback, despite Wilson’s fair advanced statistics in which he has only allowed eight completions on 18 targets.
Per PFF, Wilson and Whittaker rank 97th and 101st out of 103 eligible corners for the season, respectively. Enter Mullen, who should see some time in the defensive backfield this weekend. Let’s get ultra gutsy and say Mayfield tosses one to Mullen in the first quarter. I won’t get so bold as to project a Pick Six, but nonetheless, Mullen ends the Cardinals drought and finally sees extended playing time.