The Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals will face off in Glendale on Sunday afternoon. Both teams enter Week 10 with records under .500.
The Falcons have dropped five of seven games after their 2-0 start, while the Cardinals are just 1-8 on the season. Which team has the advantage on Sunday?
To help us preview Week 10, we went behind enemy lines with Jess Root, the managing editor of Cards Wire.
What do you expect from Kyler Murray in his return?
Root: While it is hard not to be excited about the potential ceiling, I expect much better play at the position than the Cardinals have gotten all season. There will probably be a little rust but I would think he might actually connect with a throw or two down the field.
How is first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon doing?
Root: Gannon is doing very well. He has a very intentional approach to everything and it shows. The team analytically should be losing by 50 every week and is competitive in (almost) every game. He pushes his coaches, hold players accountable and holds himself accountable. The job hasn’t been too big for him.
What is the strength of this Cardinals team?
Root: The Cardinals run the ball well. They get production at running back, from the receivers and from the quarterback position. Defensively, it’s hard to point to any one thing other than effort. They aren’t great at run defense, covering guys or sacking the quarterback.
Which player isn't getting enough recognition?
Root: Well this is a tough one because no one has been great. James Conner missed four games but is probably the closest thing, as he is a workhorse and averages over five yards a carry.
Week 10 prediction
Root: I think this is the perfect storm for the Cardinals to win. Atlanta has given up 140+ rushing yards and 28+ points in their last 2 games and the return of Murray and Conner will be a big boost to the offense. Cardinals 24, Falcons 20.
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