Fansided

Arizona Cardinals: 5 Reasons They’re No Super Bowl Contender

By Ryan Phillips

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

They can’t run the ball

With Palmer out, the Cardinals would love to be able to lean on a strong running game to help take some pressure off of Stanton. The problem? They don’t have one.

Arizona is currently averaging an anemic 79.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks 30th leaguewide. As a team the Cardinals rank dead last in the NFL at 3.1 yards per carry. After reading those numbers I actually think anemic isn’t quite the word for their running game. Atrocious is more like it.

The combination of Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor and Marion Grice just isn’t getting anything done on the ground for the Cardinals. With Palmer out, teams are sure to turn up the heat on Stanton in an attempt to rattle him. A solid running game could keep pass rushers honest, but now there’s no reason for opponents not to pin their ears back and attack.

Bruce Arians is a fantastic offensive coach, but even he can’t figure out a way to ignite Arizona’s ground game. If that continues, the Cardinals will be cooked.

Next: Their record is a mirage

Home/Arizona Cardinals