Keys to the Game
Cardinals
- Take Advantage of Banged-Up Bears Offensive Line
- Emphasize Rushing Attack
The most blatant objective for Arizona this Sunday is to rewrite the script and put some pressure on the quarterback on defense. The Cardinals defense has the 4th-lowest pressure percentage in the NFL and ranks 30th in PFF pass rush grade, both of which can help explain why they allow the 5th-most yards per play. Improving this issue would provide a huge boost to the team.
The reason why things could be different this Sunday is the state of the Bears offensive line. Left tackle Braxton Jones, backup left tackle Kiran Amedgadijie, left guard Tevin Jenkins, and backup left guard Bill Murray all sustained injuries in last week’s game. Jones and Amedgadijie are officially ruled out already, while Jenkins is listed questionable. Down to a third string left tackle, the Bears are susceptible in pass protection.
In addition, it will be vital for the Cardinals to focus on their rushing attack against the Bears this week. Chicago’s secondary is phenomenal even though it is dealing with injuries. Safety JaQuan Brisker is set to miss his third straight game (concussion), but nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon is listed as questionable after missing last week’s contest. Despite these setbacks, the Bears rank 5th in PFF coverage grade this year and have allowed the least passing touchdowns in the NFL (5).
Because of the group’s strength against the pass, the Cardinals need to lean into running back James Conner and the rushing game. Establishing the run game would then open up the defense to allow QB Kyler Murray to take some deep shots to rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (similar to what the Commanders did with RB Brian Robinson and WR Terry McLaurin last week).
Bears
- Complete Some Explosive Deep Passes
- Score Early
Chicago’s main goal heading into Week 9’s matchup in Arizona needs to be to kill the Cardinals with explosive passes. Though rookie QB Caleb Williams has struggled to complete the deep pass this year, the Cardinals defense provides a great opportunity to get the ball rolling. Arizona allows the 3rd-most net yards per pass attempt and, as previously mentioned, can’t rush the passer (30th in PFF pass rush grade, 4th-worst pressure %). Their inability to create pressure could allow time for long routes to develop downfield, and the amount of passing yards they’ve allowed this season proves that offenses have been taking advantage. The Bears will aim to do the same.
Simply put, scoring early would be extremely beneficial to the Bears this week. OC Shane Waldron’s offense has struggled mightily to produce early in games, which has put the team in difficult situations on several occasions. Last week, they weren’t able to get onto the scoreboard until the end of the 3rd quarter. Scoring early would be huge to break the status quo, if nothing else.
In addition to bucking an unfortunate trend, it would be useful to be in a situation where both the running and passing games are a threat to the Arizona defense. The Cardinals have allowed the 4th-most rushing touchdowns this year. The Bears also would love to eliminate Cardinals RB James Conner from the fold. Grabbing the lead would force the Cardinals into passing situations and cause them to abandon Conner.