3 optimistic predictions for the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7

The Arizona Cardinals played like the NFL’s flattest team in Week 6, generating just three points on offense to the Seattle Seahawks. 

The Arizona Cardinals look like a team with no hope and no direction following last week’s debilitating loss to Seattle. But there is a new hope, two new hopes really, with the return of DeAndre Hopkins and the team’s recent acquisition of Robbie Anderson. That gives me optimism that the Cardinals will at least strike back sometime in 2022.

Even if the Cardinals come out and lose this week, the duo of Hopkins and Anderson, plus the fact head coach Kliff Kingsbury is contemplating handing playcalling duties elsewhere, shows this season is far from finished.

It is hard for me to predict the Cardinals will win this game. But they should at least excel in a few areas this Thursday. Here are three optimistic predictions in areas where the team should look pretty good against the New Orleans Saints.

1 – Hopkins hauls in a touchdown reception

DeAndre Hopkins’ return cannot come at a more desperate time, with the Cardinals offense struggling in all facets. When Hopkins is on the field, they are a different breed. And while it’s farfetched to claim that this offense will work things out on a short week, it is logical to predict he will find the end zone.

Look for Hopkins to lead the Cardinals in receptions and receiving yards in his first game back from the six-week suspension. And although I see a loss coming, his performance should at least generate some optimism in the desert going forward.

2 – Arizona Cardinals defense gets five more sacks

The Arizona Cardinals looked like a dynamic defense on Sunday, sacking quarterback Geno Smith five times. Expect a repeat performance on Thursday night, with Zach Allen leading the way with two quarterback takedowns, J.J. Watt pitching in for another one, and Zaven Collins, and Markus Golden snagging the final two.

If there is one place the Cardinals have excelled routinely, it is on defense. And despite the offense’s struggles, Team MVP through the first six weeks of the year, Vance Joseph, has this defense playing at a championship level.

3 – Playcalling improves – Somewhat

Kingsbury is definitely feeling some added pressure here, and you can be sure that he will call more sensible plays from here on out. While I don’t believe the Cardinals will win this one, I can at least say they will make more headway here, with Kingsbury calling plays that cater more to his players’ strengths.

Overall, I am more than optimistic that the needle will start pointing north for the Cardinals. But since they are playing on such a short week, it is hard for me to be confident enough that they will come out and win this thing. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons for optimism.

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)