The Arizona Cardinals aren’t shying away from discussing the importance of their game at Denver on Sunday, one that could change the narrative about the team.
The Arizona Cardinals are 3-0—one of only two unbeaten teams left in the NFL—but most are giving the bird to Arizona’s chances of still being unbeaten after they face the Denver Broncos on the road Sunday.
The Cardinals know what’s at stake and aren’t doing what so many teams do heading into significant games—insisting how insignificant it is.
"“This ain’t no normal game,” linebacker Larry Foote told The Associated Press. “I know if we get this victory, a lot more cameras are going to be in this locker room. … “It’s a statement game.”"
Improving to 4-0 by beating the Broncos in Denver would redefine Arizona as a legitimate contender a year after going 10-6 and missing the postseason.
"“You want to be in a five-star game,” coach Bruce Arians said. “You want Joe Buck and Troy Aikman doing your games.”"
The game is Fox’s featured game in the late-afternoon slot and the Cardinals, coming off their bye week, will still have backup Drew Stanton at the helm in place of injured Carson Palmer.
"“I know a lot of you guys are picking them to beat us and they deserve that,” Foote said. “They set records last year. They’re trying a new little approach this year, running the ball a little more, but it still starts and ends with Peyton (Manning).”"
The Cardinals have beaten two playoff teams from last season en route to their 3-0 start, topping the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers at home. They also posted a road win at the New York Giants, a game in which Stanton saw his first regular-season action since 2010.
Denver (2-1) is also coming off a bye.
For what it’s worth, Las Vegas doesn’t believe in the Cardinals—they have been installed as a 7½ underdog.
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