The Arizona Cardinals face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, seeking their first road win of the season. It would be their first win in Pittsburgh since 1969 and first win over the Steelers since 2007.
In this matchup, a few players’ roles stand out.
Whose play and performance should you be watching against the Steelers in particular?
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QB rray
Murray will be a player to watch every week. He had his worse game last week against the Rams. He has scored a touchdown in all three games in which he has played this season.
His decisions on throws and timing were problems last week. Can he look more like he did in his return against the Falcons?
RB James Conner
Conner only got six carries last week. That has to change. It his return to Pittsburgh, where he played four NFL season and during his college career. The Steelers are not great against the run and he is the driving force for the Arizona offense.
TE Trey McBride
With Michael Wilson and Zach Pascal out, McBride is the only pass catcher with any size.
He is 10 receptions away from setting the franchise single-season record for receptions by a tight end.
RT Paris Johnson
Johnson will have his hands full. He will primarily block T.J. Watt, who has 13.5 sacks and is probably the best defensive player in the NFL.
LB Josh Woods and the entire DL
The Cardinals were dominated by the Rams’ rushing attack, allowing 228 total yards. Kyren Williams had 204 total yards from scrimmage, including 143 on the ground. Royce Freeman added 77 of his own.
Woods, who now plays every snap because Kyzir White’s season is over, and the defensive line, with three of their best players on injured reserve, now face a Steelers attack that has both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Both combine for nearly 1,200 rushing yards and both have over 500 for the season.
