Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals Face Off on Sunday
The Denver Broncos face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EDT at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in a matchup broadcast on CBS where the 4-2 Broncos enter as 4.5-point favorites against the 2-4 Cardinals.
Denver Defense Tests Reworked Arizona Line
Denver brings a ball-hawking defense into Glendale led by defensive lineman Zach Allen, who has tallied 4.5 sacks through six games following last year’s All-Pro selection. Allen spent the first four years of his career with the Cardinals after being selected in the third round out of Boston College in 2019 before leaving in free agency after the 2022 season. He now attacks a reworked Arizona offensive line missing starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who suffered a torn left biceps three weeks ago and was lost for the season. Rookie Jayden Williams starts at left tackle in his place.
The Broncos arrive after a five-sack performance against the Seattle Seahawks, a game where a dozen different defenders hit quarterback Sam Darnold 17 times. Denver also welcomes Jonathon Cooper back from the commissioner’s exempt list, which should funnel more quarterbacks toward Nik Bonitto. Conversely, Arizona’s offensive line surrendered zero sacks last weekend during an 18-16 road victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Offensive Struggles and Coaching Adjustments for Bo Nix
Questions surround Denver quarterback Bo Nix during his third season as the team’s quarterback. Nix has thrown for 1,049 yards and six touchdowns while completing 60.3% of his passes, with all three figures tracking toward career lows. Last week, he threw for just 107 yards in a 17-14 overtime win against Seattle. Broncos coach Sean Payton accepted blame for the offensive friction.
Broncos vs. Cardinals: 3 Keys to Avoiding an Arizona LetdownREAD: https://t.co/8b8LtlqlpI pic.twitter.com/lwfNe4uKNs
— https://x.com/BroncosOnScout/status/2113362776920047633
I have to be better just relative to in the course of the game. Each game takes on a different feel or style, if you will. Collectively, I think his play will be a byproduct of all of us doing our jobs better.
Nix acknowledged his own need to improve while supporting his coach’s leadership. The Broncos hold a 4-2 record against the spread this season, while the Cardinals stand at 3-3.
Cardinals Chase First Home Win in Over a Calendar Year
Arizona snapped a four-game losing streak last week by defeating the Rams behind six field goals from kicker Chad Ryland, who accounted for all 18 points, including a 43-yard game-winner as time expired. Those six field goals and 18 points mark career highs for Ryland. Despite that road success, the Cardinals carry a nine-game home losing streak at State Farm Stadium that has lasted more than a calendar year, marking their longest home skid since the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988. Both of Arizona’s victories this season occurred away from home at SoFi Stadium against the Chargers and the Rams.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett highlighted the approach under first-year coach Mike LaFleur following last week’s victory. Humility is a week away, Brissett noted of the team mindset heading into the matchup against Denver. The last meeting between these two franchises took place on December 18, 2022, when the Broncos secured a 24-15 victory in Denver. The Broncos hold a 10-1-1 advantage in the series.
Ring of Honor Induction for Larry Fitzgerald
Sunday’s game features special ceremonies at halftime as former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald enters the team’s Ring of Honor and sees his No. 11 jersey retired. Fitzgerald recently entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.