The Arizona Cardinals are underdogs as they open the season on the road against the Buffalo Bills. However, the last two times they opened the season on the road against a team that made the postseason the previous season, they won.
What will be the keys for the Cardinals to potentially “put the league on notice,” as defensive lineman L.J. Collier said in the preseason?
Make Josh Allen make mistakes
Allen has thrown five interceptions in his last two season openers, which were both Buffalo wins, but with as good as Allen is, the Cardinals will need to steal a possession or two.
Limit TE Dalton Kincaid
The Bills’ receiving corps of Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman is not scary. Only Shakir has caught a pass from Allen before this season.
Kincaid will be to the Bills’ offense what Tray McBride was for the Cardinals last year.
The Cardinals played tight ends well last season and with Kyzir White back in the lineup and healthy, they have a pretty good chance at limiting him.
Challenge the secondary
The Bills have a completely remade secondary. There is no more Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde or Jordan Poyer. They now have Rasul Douglas, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin.
Kyler Murray must challenge the Bills down the field and show that the passing game is better than last season.
Run the ball
The Bills were 28th in yards per rushing attempt allowed last season. They allowed over 100 rushing yards in five of their first six games last year and in their final four, including the postseason.
Their best run defense is their offense getting leads.
If the Cardinals stick to the run and don’t fall too far behind, they will be able to move the ball.
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