Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans Preview

by Jimmy on Nov 28, 2009 2:35 PM CST in Tennessee Titans Previews

The numbers for the Arizona Cardinals look a lot like those for the Houston Texans. They have a devastating aerial attack and are decent to not very good running the football. The key on defense will be keeping the Cardinals from getting the big play with their excellent receiving tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Kurt Warner is a very accurate quarterback who does a great job of finding the open receiver and getting him the ball. The Titans defense has been better of late, but they still gave up some big chunks Monday night against the Texans. The worst thing that could happen in this game would be to give up some big plays early and dig a hole for Vince Young and the offense.

The Cards are 27th in the NFL in rushing which is a little surprising considering they have two pretty talented running backs in Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Obviously part of the low rushing number is because they are so successful throwing the ball. The key here for the Titans will be to stop the run with their front four so they don't have to take anyone out of pass coverage for support.

The Arizona defense has good numbers against the rush, but they have given up a 100+ yard rusher in three out of the last four games. One of those 100+ yard rushers was Justin Forsett. (Don't feel bad if you have to Google his name.) Chris Johnson can run against this defense. The key there is the defense being able to keep it close enough that the offense doesn't have to abandon the game plan.

The key for VY will be to keep doing what he has been doing- keep taking the throws that are there, not forcing things and making a few plays here and there with his legs. Their pass defense hasn't been good so Vince should be able to make some plays down the field. Obviously the worst thing that he could do in this game would be to turn the ball over a couple of times and give Warner and company a short field.

The Cardinals are a very good team, but they are not a team the Titans we have seen since the bye week cannot beat if they play well. I'll take the Titans on another game winner late by Rob Bironas.

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I really think

this game will be determined by our Defensive pressure. Warner has to be put on the ground, not necessarily sacked. That will be key in this game.

Chris Johnson---everything Reggie Bush was supposed to be.

by CJ4MVP on Nov 28, 2009 3:32 PM CST reply actions

rec'd.....

OK…all Titan fans chant along with me now…..DEFENSE

by titansfan4ever on Nov 28, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

I'm with that also

HOOD HOOD HOOD

Que Where?!?!

by SouthTexasTitan on Nov 28, 2009 8:06 PM CST up reply actions

thats right

Warner had his bell rung last week, so a little pressure will go a long way. If we can’t put him down early and often, nick harper is in for a very long day.

by vancouverTITAN on Nov 28, 2009 5:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

DEFENSE!

……And a 92 yd option to CJ..:)

by zero defects on Nov 28, 2009 5:20 PM CST via mobile reply actions

A lot like the Texans game

Except I think Arizona is less well equipped to handle the rushing attack.

One major difference I expect is whereas Houston did us a favor by running the ball, Arizona won’t. Of course, we did Houston a favor by sitting Hood.

This Arizona D is a bit more aggressive than the Houston scheme we faced, so I would rank aggressive play calling high on the list of priorities for this one.

by WC22 on Nov 29, 2009 6:25 AM CST reply actions

Also worth noting

VY appeared to struggle against 3-4s such as NE, SD, and DAL in the past… by my count, this pre-season and regular season he has faced 5 teams live that run 3-4s (SF, JAX2, GB, CLE, DAL) and sat in on gameplans for another 4 (NYJ, NE, JAX1, PIT). So, there really shouldn’t be too much ARI tries that our QB hasn’t seen. Thinking CJ has tons of success on 1st and 2nd down as our linemen get to the second level and our downfield blockers and 6th lineman (Crumpler) seal DBs. That will leave very manageable down and distance situations on 3rd, where I expect continued success and execution.

Also look to see the screen game back after taking a week off vs. Houston.

by WC22 on Nov 29, 2009 6:43 AM CST up reply actions