Cardinals Aim to End 2-Game Losing Streak Against Struggling Titans on 10-Game Slide
Tennessee Titans Set to Face Arizona Cardinals: A High-Stakes Clash in State Farm Stadium
Titans Aim for Revival Against Cardinals at State Farm Stadium
The Tennessee Titans, who are struggling with a 0-4 start, are heading to Arizona to face the 2-2 Cardinals this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EDT, as aired on CBS. Despite the Titans’ ongoing challenges, this matchup promises potential high-stakes action with the Cardinals favored by 7 1/2 according to BetMGM.
Team Performance and Historical Insights
Historically, the Cardinals lead the series 8-4. In their last encounter, the Cardinals emerged victorious with a 38-13 win in Tennessee on September 12, 2021. Recent performance metrics indicate that the Titans have struggled offensively and defensively, ranked 31st overall on offense and 25th on defense. Conversely, the Cardinals are showing moderate strength with their defense ranked 23rd overall.
Key Players to Watch
For the Titans, all eyes will be on rookie quarterback Cam Ward. With a challenging start, Ward has been the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL, facing 17 sacks. Meanwhile, Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. searches for consistency after a fluctuating start with 208 yards and two touchdowns this season. His performance against the Seahawks exhibited both challenges and potential for clutch plays.
Key Matchup: Cardinals Offense vs. Titans Defense
A critical aspect of this game will be how the Cardinals’ offense performs against a Titans defense that has shown resilience early but tends to fatigue as games progress. Notably, the Titans have allowed a 47-10 score discrepancy in fourth quarters, highlighting a need for improved defensive endurance.
Injury Reports and Impacts
- Titans: RT JC Latham will miss his fourth game due to a hip strain, and WR Calvin Ridley is questionable. RB Tyjae Spears might make his season debut but remains doubtful.
- Cardinals: RB Trey Benson and veteran James Conner are out, leaving the team short-handed in the backfield. DL Darius Robinson and CB Will Johnson are also on the injury list.
Important Series Notes
This competition marks only the second time the Titans play at State Farm Stadium since losing 12-7 on December 10, 2017. They return under the leadership of coach Brian Callahan, the second coach after Mike Mularkey, while the Cardinals aim to extend their winning streak in this intermittent series.
Statistics That Matter
The Titans are facing a difficult 10-game losing streak, originating last season, which aligns with historical lows for the franchise. Remarkably, they have initiated 12 rookies so far, tying for their highest since 1983. Notably, Cam Ward, a top overall pick, is following in Marcus Mariota’s footsteps as a trusted rookie start. Veteran LB Cedric Gray and star DT Jeffery Simmons have also delivered noteworthy performances.
Cardinals’ Strategic Moves
With their main running backs on injured reserve, Arizona might leverage Emari Demercado and Michael Carter from the waiver wire. Additionally, QB Kyler Murray, known for his dual-threat capabilities, could potentially lead the charge on the ground, enhancing his fantasy football appeal.
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