In preparation for the Cleveland Browns Week 6 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, we went Behind Enemy Lines with Jess Root of Cardinals Wire. We wanted to find out what the expectations in Arizona are for this game and what kinks in the armor might be present for the undefeated Cardinals:
Is there one thing the Browns can try to stop that will make a win certain?
The biggest bugaboo to the offense is big negative plays. When it stays on schedule, it is nearly impossible to stop. However, because Kyler Murray takes deep drops, he can be susceptible to the 15-yard sack. If the Browns get a couple of sacks or force a couple of big penalties, they can slow the offense. Also, like any other offense, turnovers are key. The Cardinals have been great about protecting the football and great about taking it away.
Is the undefeated record a big thing for the Cardinals coaches and players?
Yes and no. The message is clear and consistent. They want to be 1-0 every day and every week. Yes, winning every game is important, but they are not looking back or looking ahead. They have big goals for this year, but publicly, they have been very persistent about staying in the present.
If Chandler Jones can’t play, who will threaten the injury-limited Cleveland offensive tackles in passing situations?
We haven’t seen hardly anything from J.J. Watt off the edge this season. I don’t know if they will start this week, but Markus Golden will be the main focus, while Dennis Gardeck, who had seven sacks last season in only 93 defensive snaps, Devon Kennard and Isaiah Simmons will play on the other side.
Has cross-country travel had an impact on Arizona in recent years?
When the Cardinals have been a bad, subpar or even a mediocre team, they struggled back East, especially in the early time slot. This weekend’s game is obviously a late game, but they have been much improved since the start of Kliff Kingsbury’s time as head coach.
What do you predict the score for the game to be?
I think this is the game where the Cardinals finally take an L. They definitely can win, but they have to adjust to no Maxx Williams or Rodney Hudson. They now will likely not have Chandler Jones. I believe this will go down to the wire but the Browns are victorious, picking up a 27-24 win.