New York Giants (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2), 4:05
eastern at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/1/11
What happened last week?
Arizona lost 13-10 to the previously winless Seattle
Seahawks, giving both teams a 1-2 record in the NFC West. Cardinals’ receiver Larry
Fitzgerald torched Seattle in the first half for 64 yards and a touchdown, but
was held without a second half reception for the eighth time in his career. The
Cardinals’ rushing attack was limited by the absence of two key runners, Beanie
Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Both backs will play against the Giants,
returning after the Cardinals’ lowest rushing output of the season at 90 yards.
Wells averaged 91.5 yards in his first two contests this year. Throwing the
ball for Arizona this year is former Eagles’ back up Kevin Kolb, who threw for
252 yards on 39 attempts and two picks last week. Seattle intercepted his final
pass with 1:04 left in the game to seal the victory.
The Giants like playing in Arizona
New York is 2-0 in their last two visits to Glendale, coming
away with a 37-29 beating of the Cardinals in 2008 and a Super Bowl ring. The Super
Bowl Giants beat the Patriots in Arizona’s University of Phoenix Stadium, and
the current bulk of Giants players will always remember the cloud of confetti
pouring down from the stadium rafters in the 17-14 victory. The 2011 Cardinals
do not match up well with the Giants’ last two Arizona opponents; the Patriots were
18-0 and 2008 Cardinals went on to represent the NFC in the 2008 Super Bowl,
losing to Pittsburgh on the Steelers’ final drive.
What you need to know about the
2011 Cardinals
The Cardinals offense had its most success last week running
the no-huddle offense, completing all six pass attempts from the no huddle on
their lone touchdown drive. Kolb’s offense will be bolstered by the return of
two running backs, including star tailback Beanie Wells, but Arizona’s defense has
its holes, squandering second-half leads in consecutive losses. Arizona’s win
came in the first week against the Carolina in Cam Newton’s rookie debut record
of passing for 403 yards. Since then, Arizona limited its passing yards against
to under 300 per game, including just 139 to Tarvaris Jackson in Seattle. The
greater concern is Arizona’s run defense in its two losses. Arizona gave up 172
yards on the ground to the Redskins in week two (the Giants allowed 74 to the
Redskins a week earlier) and more than doubled the Seahawks season total rush
yards (95 combined in its first two weeks) with 122 gained. Turnovers have also played a big role in
Arizona’s two losses. Both losses featured late turnovers when the team had a
chance to win or tie- a fumble by wide receiver Chansi Stuckey in week two and
the Kolb interception last week.
Predictions
The key to a Giants win is keeping the Cardinals offense out
of rhythm running the no-huddle. The Giants are capable of grinding long drives
behind Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, but all four touchdown drives against
Philadelphia were under four and a half minutes. Explosive touchdown drives
will be needed against an Arizona red zone defense that has allowed just four
touchdowns in eleven visits this season. Arizona is also strong in special
teams play, returning one kick for 51 yards an 89-yard punt return touchdown by
first round rookie Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals have an edge in red zone
defense and special teams, but the team that wins the turnover battle will win
the game. The Giants are plus-4 on turnovers. The Cardinals are minus-1,
including two critical game sealers in two losses. New York will escape
Arizona, 23-21.
