The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive bread and butter has been the running game. They ran for 234 yards against the San Francisco 49ers last week.
However, facing the Chicago Bears, it will be a challenge.
The Bears are No. 1 in the NFL against the run.
They are first in the NFL in yards allowed, giving up only 79.8 rushing yards per game. They have allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns in the league (seven) and are third in rushing yards allowed per attempt (3.5 yards per attempt).
They have allowed over 100 rushing yards in only two of their last 11 games and both times were against the Detroit Lions. After Week 3, they have allowed 68.4 yards per game. Opponents have failed to reach 50 rushing yards four times.
Conversely, the Cardinals are seventh in the league in rushing at 131.8 yards per game. They are third in the league averaging 4.9 yards per rushing attempt.
James Conner leads the way with 717 rushing yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. But Emari Demercado has had big runs. So has Michael Carter.
Kyler Murray’s legs factor in.
The game might be decided on that. If the Cardinals can’t find success running the ball, they will likely struggle offensively and won’t be able to win. If they do find similar success running the ball as in previous weeks, it will be hard for Chicago to win.
Whose strength will be victorious on Sunday? We will find out in a few days.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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