Arizona Cardinals game vs. Detroit Lions: Live updates and analysis
[ad_1]
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs. Lions: Kent Somers and Dan Bickley preview the game | 11:58
Kent Somers and Dan Bickley from azcentral sports preview the Arizona Cardinals game against the Detroit Lions Sunday morning in Detroit. azcentral sports
1 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bob McManaman wraps up Cardinals practice on Friday | 0:54
azcentral sports’ Bob McManaman discusses the Cardinals final preparations for the season opener against the Lions.
2 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Chiefs-Patriots lessons for Cardinals | 2:06
Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss the Cardinals season opener against Detroit Lions on Sunday.
3 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals report: Thursday’s practice | 2:52
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss highlights from the Cardinals practice on Thursday.
4 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards a slim pick, what are the keys? | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Arizona Cardinals and their season opener against the Lions in our Shot Clock video.
5 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals report: How will Bucannon’s absence affect team? | 3:25
Scott Bordow and Kent Somers from azcentral sports break down the Cardinals practice on Weds., Sept. 6, 2017. David Kadlubowski/ azcentral sports
6 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Detroit Lions, Super Bowl champions? | 1:57
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach discuss Moore’s Super Bowl pick in our Shot Clock video.
7 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Reaction to Cardinals’ move at punter | 2:54
Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman weigh in on the Cardinals’ move at punter on Monday and more from the team’s training facility in Tempe. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
8 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers wraps up the Cardinals’ preseason finale | 3:00
Cardinals insider Kent Somers breaks down the end of the preseason.
9 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs Broncos preview | 12:19
The Arizona Cardinals game at Denver Broncos Thursday night offers some interesting position battles as roster cuts loom. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
10 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers and McManaman wrap up Cardinals’ Tuesday practice | 2:19
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers & Bob McManaman wrap up the Cardinals’ practice on Tuesday in Tempe, including the team’s punting situation going into the final preseason game. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
11 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: CJ2K stays?; Drown out LA fans | 2:05
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Chris Johnson and the Cardinals roster as well as Diamondbacks fans vs. Dodgers in our Shot Clock video.
12 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Sights and sounds from 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club | 1:46
Sights and sounds from the 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club, themed “The Grand Illusion,” at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale on Monday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports
13 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals break camp | 4:35
The Arizona Cardinals broke training camp on Thursday as the team prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game on Saturday. Kent Somers and Bob McManaman from azcentral sports break down the last four weeks. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
14 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS McLellan and McManaman wrap up Cardinals practice | 3:07
Sarah McLellan and Bob McManaman of azcentral sports wrap up the Cardinals’ practice on Monday. Topics include the improvement of Kareem Martin, the status of Chris Johnson and the play of John Brown. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
15 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers on Cardinals vs. Falcons | 3:32
The Cardinals settled down after a rough start in Atlanta. Kent Somers/azcentral sports
16 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals treating final preseason game seriously | 8:32
The Cardinals game planned for tonight’s game with the Falcons, something out of the ordinary, Kent Somers explains. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
17 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob talk Cardinals game planning and remaining preseason games | 2:31
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman break down what the Cardinals have in front of them for the rest of preseason. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
18 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bickley and Moore: Cardinals looked ‘sluggish’ | 8:24
Bickley and Moore breakdown the starters’ performances in the Cardinals game vs. the Bears. Patrick Been/azcentral sports
19 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards’ Palmer, ‘D’ gotta get better | 2:08
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss the Arizona Cardinals.
20 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob break down Cards’ preseason loss to Bears | 3:59
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk Bruce Arians’ decision to go for it with Saturday’s preseason game on the line and other moments against the Bears. Patrick Breen/ azcentral sports
21 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on the Cardinals’ ‘boring’ camp | 3:35
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talks about the dog days of training camp. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
22 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on Arians’ anger, receiving issues | 2:59
Arizona Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman with the latest news from Cardinals training camp on Tuesday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
23 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards WRs stink; anthem issue solved | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley talk about Cardinals wide receivers and more in our Shot Clock video.
24 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Insider: Was Arians’ criticism truth or motivational chatter? | 2:53
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman with the latest news from Cardinals Training Camp on Monday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
25 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Stanton stands out for Cardinals | 2:01
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers talk about Cardinals’ win over the Raiders and LaVar Ball not being the big baller he claims to be.
26 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cardinals protecting QB Palmer? | 1:56
Mark Faller and Kent Somers discuss the Arizona Cardinals’ strategy with QB Carson Palmer.
27 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore and Bruce Arians talk charities | 0:59
Greg Moore of azcentral sports talks with Arizona Cardinals Head Coach about charities in the Valley. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
28 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Gabbert’s big chance, special team auditions | 1:51
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach discuss the latest with the Cardinals and the Hall of Fame Game.
29 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Arians changes tone with Cardinals | 2:07
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians being tough on the team and the Diamondbacks’ playoff chase.
30 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Red-White practice | 8:44
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Arizona Cardinals’ Red-White practice Saturday afternoon in Glendale. Hannah Gaber-Saletan/ azcentral sports
31 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on Gruden possibility, CB battle | 2:35
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman of azcentral sports give their take after Arizona Cardinals practice at University of Phoenix Stadium, Friday, July 28, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
32 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals | 1:52
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss early concerns for the Arizona Cardinals at training camp.
33 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Moore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp | 2:26
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Bob McManaman on the first day of Arizona Cardinals training camp. || By Rob Schumacher
34 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson’s work load; D-Backs’ head games | 2:01
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach weigh in on pressing issues with the Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
35 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards kick off fan-friendly camp | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Jay Dieffenbach discuss Cardinals camp, Tyrann Mathieu’s status and more in our Shot Clock video.
36 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers sits down with Cardinals rookie Budda Baker | 1:39
Kent Somers of azcentral sports sits down to talk with new Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker at the team’s Tempe training facility. Baker played college ball at the University of Washington. | Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
37 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals? | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss Blaine Gabbert’s role with the Cardinals and LeBron James’ performance in the NBA finals.
38 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob talk new NFL rules and wide out depth | 2:07
Azcentral’s Kent Somers and Bob McManaman catch up during second week of OTAs at the Cardinals Training Facility. azcentral.com sports
39 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arians Family Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf | 1:44
Coaches and players talk about the importance of head coach Bruce Arians’ family fundraiser at Top Golf in Gilbert. (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
40 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Report card on Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert | 0:58
How has free-agent QB Blaine Gabbert adjusted so far to the Arizona Cardinals? (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
41 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list | 1:11
The NFLPA has released its 2017 Rising 50 list of players poised to break out and rank among next season’s top-sellers in officially licensed merchandise and the Cardinals running back is No. 1.
42 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers | 2:36
Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians about Arians’ annual fundraiser at Steak 44 on Wednesday. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
43 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Keim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round | 0:59
Arizona Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians have found some of their best players in the third round. Wochit
44 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Top 3 games in Cardinals schedule | 1:06
Breaking down the top three games of the Cardinals’ 2017 season. Wochit
45 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Larry Fitzgerald holding 7th annual charity softball tournament | 3:17
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald discuss Fitzgerald’s charity softball tournament on Saturday.
46 of 47
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Larry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 with Kent Somers | 5:24
The Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald joined azcentral sports’ Kent Somers to discuss the team and the upcoming season.
Cardinals vs. Lions: Kent Somers and Dan Bickley preview the game
Bob McManaman wraps up Cardinals practice on Friday
Shot Clock: Chiefs-Patriots lessons for Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals report: Thursday’s practice
Shot Clock: Cards a slim pick, what are the keys?
Cardinals report: How will Bucannon’s absence affect team?
Shot Clock: Detroit Lions, Super Bowl champions?
Reaction to Cardinals’ move at punter
Somers wraps up the Cardinals’ preseason finale
Cardinals vs Broncos preview
Somers and McManaman wrap up Cardinals’ Tuesday practice
Shot Clock: CJ2K stays?; Drown out LA fans
Sights and sounds from 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club
Arizona Cardinals break camp
McLellan and McManaman wrap up Cardinals practice
Somers on Cardinals vs. Falcons
Cardinals treating final preseason game seriously
Kent and Bob talk Cardinals game planning and remaining preseason games
Bickley and Moore: Cardinals looked ‘sluggish’
Shot Clock: Cards’ Palmer, ‘D’ gotta get better
Kent and Bob break down Cards’ preseason loss to Bears
Somers, McManaman on the Cardinals’ ‘boring’ camp
Somers, McManaman on Arians’ anger, receiving issues
Shot Clock: Cards WRs stink; anthem issue solved
Insider: Was Arians’ criticism truth or motivational chatter?
Shot Clock: Stanton stands out for Cardinals
Shot Clock: Cardinals protecting QB Palmer?
Greg Moore and Bruce Arians talk charities
Gabbert’s big chance, special team auditions
Shot Clock: Arians changes tone with Cardinals
Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Red-White practice
Somers, McManaman on Gruden possibility, CB battle
Shot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals
Moore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp
David Johnson’s work load; D-Backs’ head games
Shot Clock: Cards kick off fan-friendly camp
Somers sits down with Cardinals rookie Budda Baker
Shot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals?
Kent and Bob talk new NFL rules and wide out depth
Arians Family Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf
Report card on Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert
David Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list
Bruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers
Keim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round
Top 3 games in Cardinals schedule
Larry Fitzgerald holding 7th annual charity softball tournament
Larry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 with Kent Somers
The Cardinals must …
*Take advantage of Detroit’s continuing poor performance on special teams, which has included a botched punt return attempt, a failed point-after attempt because of a bad snap and a turnover on downs because the punter couldn’t handle the snap and was forced to run out of the end zone.
*Get more out of the short-yardage run game, where the Lions’ defensive front has collapsed things everywhere for David Johnson.
*Go back to a shorter passing game because Carson Palmer has missed sure-fired first downs underneath by trying to go over the top a few too many times.
–Bob McManaman
Lions taking heat
The Cardinals aren’t off to an overwhelming start, but they’re leading the Lions in the first half.
And while that reflects well on certain aspects of the Cardinals’ play – think Justin Bethel’s pick six and some stout defense – it might be more indicative of just how rough this game is going for the Lions.
Not much in the way of offense for either team after one quarter of play at Ford Field, where the Cardinals lead the Lions 10-0.
Here’s a look at some of the numbers:
Total offense – Cardinals 29 yards, Lions 32
Passing yards – Carson Palmer 20, Matthew Stafford 17
Rushing yards – Cardinals 9, Lions 15
Time of possession – Cardinals 8:09, Lions 6:51
Penalties – Cardinals 0-0, Lions 3-29
–Bob McManaman
Humphries out with injury
Left tackle D.J. Humphries was carted off the field with an apparent knee injury midway through the first quarter.
Taking his place is now John Wetzel, who thought he might be starting this game at left guard because of a triceps injury to Mike Iupati. However, Iupati is in the game and playing well thus far. Wetzel will need to step up his game against the Lions’ defensive front.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Cardinals do long-term at left tackle if Humphries is out for any serious length of time. One option could be switching right tackle Jared Veldheer back to his natural position, left tackle.
–Bob McManaman
Not a good start for David Johnson
It’s early but …
Johnson lost the football after a 15-yard reception on Arizona’s opening drive. He took a big hit from free safety Glover Quin, but he needed to do a better job of securing the ball when he knew he was going to get drilled.
Johnson also was called for pass interference, which Detroit declined.
And on two carries, he has zero yards.
On the positive side, you have to think Justin Bethel’s 82-yard interception return for a touchdown is only going to boost his confidence from here on out. Great way to start the season by Bethel on that play – by being in the right spot, following his blockers, and getting the pix six into the end zone.
–Bob McManaman
Picking up the pace
Running back David Johnson didn’t score the Cardinals’ first touchdown of the season.
Neither did receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Actually, no one on offense was responsible for the score, as cornerback Justin Bethel intercepted Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford before taking off for an 82-yard run to the end zone.
With the game’s first catch, Larry Fitzgerald extended his consecutive games streak with at least one catch to 196 games, the third most in NFL history.
Play-By-Play: Chris Myers, Analyst: Daryl Johnston, Sideline: Laura Okmin
Cardinals Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM / Play-By-Play: Dave Pasch, Analyst: Ron Wolfley, Sideline: Paul Calvisi
Cardinals Spanish Radio: 100.3 FM Latino Mix / Play-By-Play: Gabriel Trujillo, Analyst: Rolando Cantu
The view from Detroit
Kyle Meinke from Michigan Live asked me to help break down today’s game between the Cardinals and Lions. Here’s the piece:
MLive: What is Arizona’s biggest strength this season? Its biggest weakness?
Bob McManaman: The Cardinals are built around running back David Johnson, who might be the most complete running back in the league. The running game and the passing game goes through him. What make the offense so good, however, is when it has a speedy wide receiver like John Brown able to stretch a defense and attract both safeties, which opens things up for Johnson and helps Larry Fitzgerald and the tight ends gain mismatches underneath.
The weakness as it stands now is at inside linebacker, where the team is missing one of its starters (Deone Bucannon with an ankle issue) and is relying on a rookie (Haason Reddick) to fill his shoes. Arizona is also relying on 35-year-old Karlos Dansby in the middle and we’re about to find out how much he has left in the tank. There isn’t a ton of help behind them in terms of serviceable depth.
MLive: The Lions are starting Greg Robinson at left tackle, which could be a problem. Especially with Chandler Jones staring him down this week. How has Jones looked and how do you think Arizona will try to get after Matthew Stafford?
McManaman: Jones is a huge weapon on this Cardinals’ defense, no question, But so is the other outside linebacker, Markus Golden, who led the team with 12.5 sacks a year ago. Jones finished with 11. Coach Bruce Arians said he expects both players to get five more sacks than they did a year ago, which might be wishful thinking or a very real possibility.
The Cardinals love to blitz, and they do it from everywhere, so Stafford better keep his eyes open when he sees Tyrann Mathieu and rookie Haason Reddick lining up anywhere near the box. Stafford remembers all too well what this defense did to him ma couple years ago.
MLive: The Cardinals have won seven straight in the series. They make it eight in a row if …
McManaman: … they win the turnover battle, which they can do by harassing Stafford as often as possible. The secondary in Arizona is full of ballhawks (Patrick Peterson, the Honey Badger, Tyvon Branch, Antoine Bethea) and the defensive front and outside edge rusher are all disruptive and capable of forcing fumbles and stripping the ball. The over/under on forced turnovers by the Cardinals in this game: 3.
Bob McManaman’s prediction: The Cardinals win the turnover battle, score a touchdown on defense, and get nearly 200 yards from scrimmage by David Johnson. Cardinals 30, Lions 21
By the numbers
With 82 receiving yards today …
Larry Fitzgerald can become just the fifth player in NFL history to have 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over a career in season openers.
The four to have done it thus far: Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Andre Reed and Don Maynard.
With 125 passing yards today …
Carson Palmer will pass Charley Johnson (14,928) for fifth on the Cardinals’ all-time passing list.
The top four in franchise history: Jim Hart (34,639), Neil Lomax (22,771), Jake Plummer (17,622) abnd Kurt Warner (15,843).
With two points today …
Kicker Phil Dawson will pass Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud (1,699) for 14th place on the NFL’s all-time scoring list.
With a win today …
Coach Bruce Arians will tie Don Coryell (42) for second place on the all-time victory list.
Ken Whisenhunt ranks first in franchise history with 49 wins.
–Bob McManaman
Waiting for word on Iupati
Since left guard Mike Iupati wasn’t among the inactives named for today’s game, it might be natural to assume he will start. That may not be the case, however, as Iupati is still dealing with a tender right triceps issue.
He experimented with using a brace contraption on his arm late last week. Coach Bruce Arians said Iupati would be a game-time decision and even if he starts.
We could see John Wetzel filling in or replacing him altogether of things don’t go well and the arm just can’t hold up.
We’ll update his status closer to kickoff.
P.S. My prediction on today’s score: Cardinals 30, Lions 21.
–Bob McManaman
Nkemdiche among inactives today
Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (calf strain) is inactive for today’s game against the Lions. He had practiced twice last week on a limited basis, but it clearly wasn’t enough to make the coaching staff feel comfortable that Nkemdiche could make any real sort of impact in the season opener.
With Nkemdiche out, look for Xavier Williams and Olsen Pierre to get more action than perhaps previously planned.
The rest of the Cardinals inactives today: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert, receiver Chad Williams, linebacker Scooby Wright, guard/tackle Will Holden, tackle Ulrick John and of course, linebacker Deone Bucannon, who was ruled out on Thursday by coach Bruce Arians because of an ankle issue.
The Cardinals own a seven-game winning streak against the Detroit Lions, the team’s longest active win streak against any NFL opponent.
Sunday’s game in Detroit marks the Cardinals second visit to the Motor City in the last three seasons.
The Cardinals beat the Lions 42-17 at Ford Field in the team’s last trip to Detroit.
Sunday’s game is the 65th all-time meeting between the two franchises, dating back to when the Cardinals played in Chicago and the Lions were known as the Portsmouth, Ohio, Spartans.
The Lions have a 31-28-5 edge in the series with the Cardinals, though the Cardinals have taken 12 of the last 15 meetings.