Arizona Cardinals set to soar with Marquise Brown back in the lineup
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals offense could soar to unimaginable heights when Marquise Brown returns to the lineup on Monday night.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was off to a fantastic start for the Arizona Cardinals before a fractured foot sidelined the speedy wideout in Week 6. Before the injury occurred, the 25-year-old had hauled in 43 passes for 485 yards and three touchdowns for a Redbirds squad that was thrilled to have him.
The timing of the setback was awful, considering the fact that sensational wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins would be returning from a suspension the following week. Cards fans were dreaming of a scenario in which Brown and Hopkins would be on the field together, but that glorious occurrence would be put on hold for a few more weeks.
The “Red Sea” could finally get their wish this coming Monday when Arizona takes on the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City. On Wednesday, the Cardinals designated Brown to return from the injured-reserve list. Could the 5 foot 9, 170 pounder be back in the lineup for the all-important meeting with the division-rival 49ers?
Marquise Brown could be back in the Arizona Cardinals lineup on Monday
There are indications that the Hopkins-Brown receiving combination could finally be unveiled when the Cards take on San Francisco in primetime. Not to mention that Rondale Moore and A.J. Green will also be in the mix, and running back James Conner appears to be completely healed from the rib ailment that cost him three games in October.
It’s also looking like veteran quarterback Colt McCoy will make his second-consecutive start for Arizona. First-string passer Kyler Murray may need another week or so to get his strained hamstring right. Many Cardinals followers, including yours truly, are ecstatic that McCoy will once again be leading the team’s scoring attack.
There are two offensive weapons, however, that the Cards will have to do without. Tight end Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, will miss the remainder of the campaign with what appears to be a torn ACL. Eno Benjamin, the club’s top option behind Conner, was released on Monday after he complained about his lack of playing time.
Arizona will now lean on a couple of rookies to pick up the slack. Trey McBride, a second-round draft pick out of Colorado State, will attempt to fill Ertz’s shoes. Keaontay Ingram, a sixth-round selection, will be Benjamin’s replacement.
Related Story. Colt McCoy needs to be starting quarterback. light
But the real excitement will center around Brown’s return. Get out the popcorn, and watch Brown and Hopkins lead the Cardinals’ playoff push that will get underway this coming Monday night.
(Statistics provided by Pro Football Reference)
Want your voice heard? Join the Raising Zona team!