Kick-off Thursday night to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Arizona Cardinals (2-4) – New Orleans Saints (2-4)
After only six games played, we are only at the beginning of a season that promises to be long. However, the NFL franchises do not expect and the train of the playoffs can pass early. From these two observations, Arizona and New Orleans must already begin to feel the state of emergency arrive. Certainly one like the other is not found in the highest divisions. Whether in NFC West or South, no team is above the 3-3 record. A feature that still leaves all their chances of playoffs to the Cardinals and Saints.
Except that at the same time, you have to perform. For the moment, the two franchises show the same record: 2-4. In content, we are still far from the playoffable teams. This Thursday Night Football match of the week can allow one of the teams to give themselves a boost to attack in the middle of this season. Conversely, for the loser, it may be time to start looking back instead.
DeAndre Hopkins back
On the Cardinals side, the big concern for several weeks has been in attack. Only a few days ago, Arizona faced Seattle, a defense known for its porosity. We thought then that this was an opportunity for Kyler Murray and his family to burn and gain confidence. Kliff Kingsbury’s men showed none of that. Worse, they added concern. Three points scored only in attack (the others were on special teams). A stat that is not worthy of a team like the Cardinals.
Kyler Murray isn’t blameless, but it’s still worth noting that he’s not really helped. The offensive line is struggling and its receivers are struggling to be truly productive. That’s where a Sunday man could come in handy: DeAndre Hopkins. The former Houston player, suspended 6 weeks before the season should indeed make his return this Thursday. We don’t know what physical condition he will be in after several months without playing. Whatever happens, he has to come and bring a constant target for Kyler Murray. Hopkins will also allow the coaching staff to add new games to the playbook.
Turn to the ground game
Arizona’s goal is simple: return to victory at home. This season, the Chiefs, Rams and Eagles have come to beat them at home. If we add the five consecutive losses to Glendale at the end of the season, it’s been 8 games that the Cardinals have not won at home. So this absolutely needs to be remedied. For that, they will have to beat Saints who are also very irregular. On the New Orleans side, the big question is on the side of the quarterback. Jameis Winston injured, Andy Dalton took over.
The former Tampa Bay is on the return, but we do not know if Denis Allen will trust him again. Dalton has been pretty good and the Saints have a difficult choice to make: put Winston back with the ups and downs we know him or leave Dalton and his average level. Beyond that, the offense of the Louisiana franchise will be driven by its ground game. For two meetings, New Orleans supports in this sector. Denis Allen’s men have gained at least 228 yards in the last two meetings. The Cardinals have been warned.
