3 matchups the Arizona Cardinals must take advantage of vs. Falcons

The Arizona Cardinals are facing the Atlanta Falcons in Kyler Murray’s return to live game action, and there are a few matchups they can take advantage of.

Oct 29, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA;  The Arizona Cardinals offense lines up against the Baltimore
Oct 29, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; The Arizona Cardinals offense lines up against the Baltimore | Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Budda Baker
Arizona Cardinals v Cleveland Browns | Nick Cammett/GettyImages

2 - Secondary vs. Taylor Heinicke

The Arizona Cardinals secondary has barely caught a break all season, but this Sunday, luck may finally be on their side. Arizona, who have so far allowed a 102.3 passer rating and 223.8 passing yards per game, will face a career backup in Taylor Heinicke, who hasn’t necessarily put much scare into opposing defenses. 

The secondary could also get a strong push from the Cardinals pass rush, one that is 10th in sacks this season with 25 and always seems to turn in solid performances. That, coupled with the presence of the impressive Budda Baker and Garrett Williams, could also create far more trouble than the secondary has for most of the season. 

Atlanta could try to open things up for Heinicke by going with the quick game and establishing the run, so the Cardinals must stifle them both if they want a chance to keep Heinicke from getting hot. But if they can force the Falcons to go one-dimensional, they could have their best game of the season.

Schedule