Atlanta Falcons Aim for Victory Against Arizona Cardinals
Phoenix – As the Atlanta Falcons gear up for Week 16, they’re making their way west to take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Fresh off a thrilling victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons are eager to maintain their momentum. The question remains: can they secure another win in the desert?
Exploiting a Vulnerable Cardinals Defense
The Falcons’ offense showcased a remarkable turnaround against the Buccaneers, amassing a season-high 476 total yards and scoring 29 points— their most prolific outing since Week 4. Quarterback Kirk Cousins played a pivotal role in this resurgence. He not only orchestrated the offense effectively but also saw key contributions from tight end Kyle Pitts, who was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, and wide receiver David Sills V, who rebounded from an earlier drop to achieve a career-high 78 yards. Additionally, Bijan Robinson continued to impress, recording over 100 scrimmage yards for the ninth time this season.
The Falcons are hopeful that wide receiver Drake London might return to the lineup, adding another layer to their offensive strategy. Facing a Cardinals defense that has allowed an average of 27.7 points per game—ranking 27th in the NFL—Atlanta is poised to take advantage. The Cardinals have allowed 40 points or more in four of their last six games, and 20 points or more in 11 out of 14 contests this season. Although Atlanta has crossed the 30-point mark only once this year, they may need to exceed that threshold to secure a comfortable win.
Containing the Cardinals’ Offensive Surge
On the flip side, the Falcons’ secondary must brace for a potent Cardinals offense led by quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Since stepping in for the injured Kyler Murray, Brissett has put together a career year. He boasts 2,708 passing yards, a completion rate of 66.5%, and has thrown for 18 touchdowns against just six interceptions across nine starts. His impressive average of 300.9 passing yards per game leads the NFL, and the Cardinals have seen a scoring uptick from 20.6 to 22.1 points per game during his tenure.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is well aware of Brissett’s capabilities. “He’s a really good football player,” Morris noted, praising Brissett’s effectiveness as a reliable backup. Tight end Trey McBride has also emerged as a key player for Arizona, leading all NFL tight ends with 105 receptions and closing in on Zach Ertz’s single-season record for tight ends.
Arizona is also set to welcome back wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who has missed the last two games. In his absence, Michael Wilson has stepped up significantly, recording 39 receptions for 481 yards since Week 11—both the highest totals in the league during that span. For the Falcons, rookie Cobee Bryant may have an extended role due to starter Mike Hughes being sidelined with an ankle injury. Coaches have praised Bryant’s confidence, giving him a chance to make a substantial impact on defense.
Kyle Pitts: A Rising Star
Kyle Pitts is fresh off a career-defining performance against Tampa Bay, where he caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. This performance marked a significant increase in his production, as he had also posted games of 82 and 90 yards in the weeks leading up to this standout outing. With Pitts stepping up as the top receiving option in London’s absence, he recorded his first 100-yard game since his rookie season and only his second multi-touchdown game in his career.
As London’s potential return looms, the Falcons must navigate how to best utilize Pitts moving forward. If Pitts can maintain his performance level, the organization may need to consider his long-term future with the team.
Bijan Robinson’s Historic Aspirations
Bijan Robinson has been a standout player for the Falcons this season. His explosive playmaking ability continues to attract attention. As the team prepares for the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Robinson to see if he can further solidify his status as a key figure in the Falcons’ quest for success.
As Sunday’s matchup approaches, the Falcons are poised to face a critical test against a Cardinals team that, despite its struggles, possesses the potential for an upset. The outcome could hinge on the Falcons’ ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and capitalize on their offensive strengths.
