THE OFFICIAL GAME DAY THREAD ARIZONA CARDINALS @ CLEVELAND BROWNSWelcome Everyone to Week 9 Of The NFL Season,
Week 9 puts us right in the middle of our 17 game NFL season.
In 1961, The NFL expanded to a 14 game season. To put that into
perspective Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season is the Cardinals bye week.
A 17 game season is a grueling challenge for so many players to remain
healthy. This long time period plus the expanded playoffs can shorten
and end many playing careers. Never before has roster depth become
so much more important than in today's NFL.
The Cardinals are on to Cleveland to face an old time rival
in the Cleveland Browns. Both teams last faced each other in 2021.
The Cardinals won that game going away 37-14. QB Kyler Murray had
a great game passing for 4 TDS. Two of which were to WR DeAndre Hopkins
Kyler was 20-30 for only 229 yards but he had no interceptions
and was sacked only twice.
The big story of that game was the running game. The Cardinals
had 144 yards rushing with James Conner leading the way with
16 carries for 71 yards. Chase Edmonds contributed 46 yds of his own
40 of which came on one play and he also scored a TD.
On defense, the Cardinals were stout. Browns QB
Baker Mayfield was sacked 5 times and was intercepted by
CB Robert Alford. Matt Prater toe tapped a big 51 yarder
as the highlight for the special teams.
This week, QB DeShaun Watson should be back as the Browns
starter. Coach Kevin Stefanski named him as the starter this week .
Coach Stefanski said "Watson took all the first team reps
this past week." Watson's teammates are motivated by his return
at quarterback and their 4-3 record. The Browns are very much
in the playoff hunt and are only one win out in the loss column
to the division leading Baltimore Ravens (6-2).
Arizona might have one advantage this week as
offensive coordinator Drew Petzing came from Cleveland
after a three year stint there. He was the Brown's QB coach in
2022. This Sunday, Petzing should be able to deal with Watson
as he knows him quite well. RB Kareem Hunt was signed
and returned to the Browns after Nick Chubb had a season
ending knee injury. Hunt is only averaging 3.5 yds per carry
but still is a force to reckon with.
Cleveland has the number one rated defense.
The Browns lead the league in lowest completion
percentage allowed at (55.4%). They lead the league
in three and outs to stopping opponents (25.9%)
from getting a 1st down. The defensive leaders are
DE Myles Garrett is the NFL's top pass rusher.
Cleveland has gotten to the opposing QB
20 times on the season.
Their Corners are outstanding in Denzel Ward and
young Martin Emerson who had a pick versus
the Seattle Seahawks in last Sunday's game.
With a new Cardinals QB (Clayton Tune)
behind the center, this will be a challenge
for the Cardinals offense. But that is
nothing new as the team has struggled all season.
Now, that RB Emari Demercado has been ruled out after
playing so well last week. Everything is off
the table for a Cardinals victory.
A 17 game season is hard enough for
a team with lots of talent and depth.
But for the Cardinals, It is time for players
to step up and fight for their future to be
on the roster next season. This should be
an exciting game for Cardinals fans
Will QB Kyler Murray come off the PUP list
to lead the Cardinals to victory?
The Cardinals have until Saturday afternoon
to make their decision. After that,
we will see you Sunday on the Game Day Thread.
GO Cardinals!
FLCF FloridaCardinalFan