Can Arizona pride be enough to upset the Texans on Sunday?
The Arizona Cardinals are going to play at NRG Stadium on Sunday against the Houston Texans for a Week 15 matchup that presents the Cardinals with plenty of adversity. Arizona's playoff hopes are no longer but have a chance to upset the Texans placement in the playoff run.
Arizona comes to Houston dealing with significant injury concerns that have forced adjustments on both sides of the ball. Most notable absence is their star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison has been the Cardinals most dynamic vertical threat. With Harrison being out, Arizona's tight end Tre McBride has stepped up being considered the best tight end in the league.
Jacoby Brissett has had a hot hand in each game that he has started in this season, but battling to survive in a pocket that is being protected by an injury rattled offensive line.
The offensive line takes another big hit as Paris Johnson Jr. has been ruled out against the Houston Texans.
In order to help Brissett handle the thin offensive line the Cardinals will be relying on quick throws, misdirection, and a balanced run game to avoid long-developing plays.
The Houston Texans are known for their blitzing which could cause Jacoby Brissett to make quicker decisions than used to and making more mistakes.
Houston's front seven have proved to be affective against the run game while collapsing pockets at the same time. Controlling the line of scrimmage has been what the Texans identity has become late into the season.
The Texans offense will look to take advantage of a Arizona Cardinals secondary that is filled with injuries as well. Quarterback Stroud will look to use his cannon of an arm to make big plays down field.
Here are some keys to the game for Arizona to complete a huge upset.
- Play situational football
- show discipline to sticking with the game plan
- Stop having so many penalties in big games
- Win the turnover battle
- Convert on third down
Arizona has to maximize every possession and capitalize on any mistakes the Houston Texans make. This game is a chance for the Cardinals to prove their resilience and continue to fight for positions going into next season.