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Arizona Cardinals Starting to Show Weakness

By Annaliese Leon

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The Arizona Cardinals have a lot to work on, as their offense hasn’t been productive at all the last two games. The Cardinals have not scored an offensive touchdown in nine consecutive quarters, Ouch!

A key factor of the losses to Seattle and Atlanta was definitely the absence of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. While most would argue that one player doesn’t define a loss, they must not know the talent and leadership that Larry brings to the team.

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Larry Fitzgerald is always the first person to get to one of his teammates after a big play, and also the first person there when his teammates mess up. He lifts them up and brings energy and positivity to the team. In addition, with Larry on the field, it draws in defenders, most times double coverage. Because Larry is in double coverage most of the game, sometimes triple coverage, it opens up other receivers for the Cardinals, such as Michael Floyd and John Brown.

Aside from Larry, injuries as a whole are finally starting to show weakness in the Cardinals, as they seem to never stop. In Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta, the Cardinals had defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (fractured thumb), running back Andre Ellington (hip pointer) and guard Paul Fanaika (high ankle sprain) leave the game with injury.

It has been confirmed that Ellington will not practice on Wednesday. However, on a brighter note, linebacker Matt Shaughnessy will be coming back this week after missing eight games. Larry Fitzgerald is also expected to practice on Wednesday; having him back in action already helps the Cardinals offensively.

With the Cardinals are tied for NFL best record at 9-3, the biggest problem is that while the Cardinals have lost two straight, the Seahawks have won two in a row The Cardinals’ three game lead in the NFC West has now diminished to one game as we approach the final four games of the season.

The biggest key for the Cardinals to get back on winning terms definitely has to be getting it going on offense. With a combined 13 points in their last two games, they have to look to change things up as they prepare to face a 7-5 Chiefs team.

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Drew Stanton hasn’t been the Drew Stanton from the beginning of the season. He threw for 24/39 totaling for 294 yards, with two interceptions and just one touchdown. These turnovers have been killing the Cardinals, as wide receiver Michael Floyd also had a fumble to add to the Cardinals turnover nightmare.

Their biggest problem was their third down conversions. They only completed 1/7 third downs, totaling at just 14%. The Cardinals only entered the red zone once throughout the entire game. With Ellington likely out Sunday, rookie out of Arizona State, Marion Grice is going to have to step it up in his absence. Larry back may put the offense back on track, however, whether or not he returns, John Brown and Michael Floyd are going to have to step it up big time as they’ve both had a couple key passes dropped.

The Cardinals are going to have to figure out a solution quickly. A 9-3 record may seem comfortable for other teams, but not when you’re in the NFC West, one of the best divisions in all of football. The Cardinals know this especially, considering the fact that they finished 8-4 last season and just missed the playoffs.

The Cardinals host the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday as they hope to put an end to their two-game losing streak and maintain their NFC West lead. Kickoff is set for 2:05 PM M.S.T on CBS.

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