Cardinals’ pass rush winning, just not finishing

They only have two sacks this season but are No. 1 in pass-rush win rate through three games.

The Arizona Cardinals knew that, entering the 2022 season, they would have to do a little extra to generate a pass rush. Through three games, the only two sacks they have as a team are by J.J. Watt.

It is undeniable they need more sacks, but the pass rush has not been bad.

In fact, they are No. 1 in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate. They beat their blockers at a higher rate than anyone else in the league.

They have 16 quarterback hits, led by Markus Golden’s five and Zach Allen’s four.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has said that opponents are getting the ball out quickly.

The saying is that sacks come in bunches. If the Cardinals are in fact winning in the pass rush, they will eventually finish and get the sacks everyone wants to see.

Perhaps it will be this week against the Carolina Panthers and they sack quarterback Baker Mayfield multiple times. He was sacked five times by the Cardinals last season when he was with the Browns.

The Panthers have given up nine sacks in three games.

If the Cardinals can get Golden or Allen going in addition to Watt, things will go well for the Cardinals this weekend.

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Cardinals-Panthers expert picks and predictions

Writers from Cards Wire and AZCentral Sports make their predictions for the Cardinals-Panthers game on Sunday.

The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will face one another Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time.

Both teams seek to even their record. For the Cardinals, a win means keeping a nervous fanbase’s attention after a slow start. It would also mean ending a losing streak against the Panthers, whom they have not beaten since 2013.

Who will win this game?

Below, we have expert predictions from writers from Cards Wire and reporters from the Arizona Republic in their preview video. Check them out.

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Kyler Murray’s running ability is being hampered by Cardinals’ game plan

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray says he’s just following the gameplan when it comes to not running the ball.

The Arizona Cardinals and their fanbase saw exactly what kind of player Kyler Murray can be when he uses his legs in their thrilling Week 2 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Cardinals had no offensive movement until Murray began to take control of the game with his legs, ultimately leading them to the win.

The next week, however, Murray’s legs were a non-factor against the Rams and it appeared to be by design. Of course, the Rams were playing a spy and are in general a much better defense than the Raiders, but some designed runs could have really boosted the struggling offense in a winnable game.

Apparently, Murray’s lack of rushing in recent weeks, as well as the end of the 2021 season, are by head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s design.

When asked about using his legs in the gameplan on Wednesday,  Murray said, “It’s more so if I’m asked to do it then I do it…I’ve said I would love to implement that more but I just do what I’m asked to.”

It seems apparent that Murray would be comfortable utilizing his legs more in the game plan, but Kingsbury has been calling plays otherwise.

Prior to injuries and the overall collapse last season, the Cardinals were having loads of success with a pass-heavy scheme. This was when DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, A.J. Green and Rondale Moore were all healthy and at their best.

While that offense was electric, the Cardinals clearly do not have that personnel on the field right now, nor did they when they lost Hopkins to a knee injury last season.

Take the Baltimore Ravens for example. They are thriving behind the legs of Jackson without Hollywood Brown. That is the sort of scheme that could be replicated with Murray’s skillset, at least while Hopkins and the other receivers are banged up.

Part of having an elite offense is being able to adjust. It doesn’t appear the Cardinals have changed their scheme whatsoever to meet their current strengths and weaknesses.

The Cardinals’ offense was to blame for the team’s Week 3 loss to the Rams and they’ll need to perform better this week. If the team can be .500 or better when Hopkins returns, they may be alright. If not, the critics will only grow louder.

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Cardinals’ Week 4 depth chart vs. Panthers

Check out this week’s depth chart for the Cardinals and if there were any changes.

The Arizona Cardinals take on the Carolina Panthers this weekend on the road. With a handful of roster moves, their depth chart entering the week is slightly different than it has been in previous weeks.

Check out what it looks like in Week 4, as the team released this week.

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Christian McCaffrey, Laviska Shenault questionable for Panthers vs. Cardinals

Check out the final injury report for the Panthers, whom the Cardinals face this weekend.

The Carolina Panthers released their final injury report of the week Friday in preparation for their Week 4 home game against the Arizona Cardinals. No one was ruled out but there are a couple of question marks for them.

Running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after two days out.

The details of the final injury report are below with game designations for the Panthers.

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Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore questionable for Cardinals; A.J. Green out

The Cardinals will have a few gameday decisions to make this weekend, including Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.

The Arizona Cardinals released their final injury report of the week and have a few gameday decisions to make. They ruled out three players and have another five officially listed as questionable as they get ready to take on the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon on the road.

One wide receiver is out and another two are questionable, including one new addition to the injury report.

The details of the final injury report are below.

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Several Cardinals to have 2 flags on helmet in Weeks 4-5

Ten Arizona Cardinals players will have an international flag decal in Weeks 4 and 5.

The NFL is holding an event for the next two weeks to celebrate players with an international background. Players who have lived at least two years in another country or have a parent or grandparent who was born outside of the United States can have flag decal of that country in addition to the American flag decal on the back of their helmet.

According to AZCardinals.com’s Darren Urban, 10 Arizona Cardinals players will participate, highlighted by quarterback Kyler Murray. He will have a decal for South Korea.

Offensive linemen Max Garcia and Will Hernandez will have a Mexican flag decal.

Cornerback Marco Wilson will wear one for Puerto Rico.

Defensive lineman Leki Fotu will for Tonga.

Defensive lineman Michael Dogbe and linebacker Victor Dimukeje will have a Nigerian flag decal.

Linebacker Tanner Vallejo will have one for Ecuador.

Linebacker Jessee Luketa will have one for Canada and tight end Bernhard Seikovits will have one for Austria.

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Cardinals-Panthers Week 4 ultimate preview

The Cardinals have struggled against the Panthers in recent memory, but desperately need a win in Week 4.

The Arizona Cardinals will travel to Charlotte for a pivotal matchup against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday as they look to get back into the race for the NFC West crown.

Sitting at 1-2, the Cards have no room for error, especially against a struggling team like the Panthers.

Let’s dive into this important game for the Cardinals.

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Cardinals hopeful both J.J. Watt, Rondale Moore can play vs. Panthers

Both will be questionable for the Cardinals’ Week 4 matchup hagainst the Carolina Panters.

The Arizona Cardinals have wrapped up their week of practice as they get ready to take on the Carolina Panthers on the road this Sunday and appear to only have two question marks about players and injuries.

The final injury report will be released Friday afternoon but receiver Rondale Moore and defensive lineman J.J. Watt will likely appears as questionable.

However, head coach Kliff Kingsbury is hopeful both will be available to play, according to Darren Urban of the official team site.

Watt is feeling better after missing two days of practice but getting some work on Friday.

Moore practiced at least on a limited basis all three days this week. Kingsbury wants to see him warm up and run on Sunday before making the call on whether he will suit up.

Moore has not yet played this season, having missed three games with the pulled hamstring.

His return would be timely because A.J. Green injured his knee last week is is not expected to play.

The Cardinals and Panthers kick off Sunday at Bank of America Stadium at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time.

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Christian McCaffrey misses 2nd straight practice, Laviska Shenault downgraded for Panthers

Check out the Panthers’ second injury report of the week.

The Carolina Panthers released their second injury report of the week and have some injury concerns. Running back Christian McCaffrey missed his second practice in a row, two players were added to the injury report and one was downgraded.

The details of the Panthers’ second injury report of the week are below.

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