The Atlanta Falcons play host to the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC showdown on Sunday afternoon from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While there isn't much on the line for either team, young players are bound to play an important role in this one as the future is on display. The Cardinals have lost five in a row heading into this one and will be looking to snap that skid. For the Falcons, they haven't fared much better of late, with four losses of their own heading into this one. These two teams haven't squared off since back in 2019, a one-point win for Arizona, as they look to replicate that success on the road this time.
After a strong season last year as the team continued its progression forward, this year has been nothing short of a disaster. A 4-11 record has them focused more on a top draft pick rather than a potential playoff spot. The Cardinals only have two wins in their last ten games and with one win in their last eight games, there's little reason to think that a trip to the East Coast will provide a much different result. It helps that Arizona has actually been better away from home (3-3 record) than at home (1-7), but overcoming the injuries and lack of depth while being on the road might be too much to ask of this group. With the 49ers next week to close things out, there's a definite possibility that they could close out the season winless if they don't spring the upset in this one.
As mentioned earlier, injuries have been a huge reason why Arizona has struggled so much this season. The most notable injuries are at quarterback, where not only Kyler Murray (knee) is out, but backup Colt McCoy (concussion) has been battling issues as well. As if that wasn't bad enough, James Conner (illness) is questionable, while Rondale Moore (groin) and Zach Ertz (knee) are both out. Without even considering the injuries that are also on the defensive side, the offense will struggle to move the ball at all in this one.
LB Tanner Vallejo added to the #AZCardinals injury report on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/JFvmYJ3PDM
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 29, 2022
There's no doubt that Arizona will struggle in this one and it'll start on the offensive side. With the majority of starters out at key positions, moving the ball seems like a near-impossible ask. On the season, they rank in the bottom third of the league in nearly every offensive category, and even with Atlanta's own defensive woes, it won't be enough to get this group going in this one. On the defensive side, the run defense is their calling card but with Atlanta having one of the league's best rushing attacks themselves, Arizona will need to stay locked in and force the Falcons into attacking through the air. All eyes will be on Zaven Collins (93 tackles) to lead the way in the middle but with limited help, it remains to be seen how he'll perform.
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