So, you’re saying there’s a chance?? According to TeamRankings.com, the Cardinals still have a .1% chance of making the playoffs and, hey…they could still get a playoff berth! But let’s all come down to earth for a second. They were the only team in the NFC West to lose last week. Even the new Jimmy G 49ers won. So things aren’t looking so great, but let’s really take a look in this edition of Talking Touchdowns.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans

The now 5-7 (yuck) Cardinals take on the the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans. Let’s take a look at the matchup.

Offense

Bruce Arians, the QB whisperer, said that Blaine Gabbert will continue to be his QB1. One of Gabbert’s key targets, and the bright spot on this offense is wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Fitz continually makes effective plays, whether big or small. In last week’s game against the Rams, Fitz extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 207, which is also the third longest in NFL history. He now trails only Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez. Larry Legend is on pace for 109 receptions, which would tie his career record and the Cardinals franchise record.

While things seem in disarray in the college football world of Tennessee, the future seems bright for the pro team. The Titans are flying high with a hold on first in the AFC South, as they have won six of their last seven games, and are 4-1 in a division that they haven’t won since 2008. The Titans are lead by signal caller, Marcus Mariota, and the two-headed run attack of Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. In last week’s game against the Texans, Henry only had 11 carries, but rushed for 109 yards and a score. Henry’s touchdown was on a career-long 75 yard touchdown run.

Defense

Linebacker Chandler Jones continues to be on fire for Arizona. He didn’t make as many flashy plays last week against the Rams, but he did have a forced fumble and a sack. Jones is second in the league in sacks with 13. If he can make life hard on Mariota then we will have a ballgame!

Now for Tennessee’s defense, I am going to highlight Safety Kevin Byard who leads the team with six interceptions. And, well, if you saw Blaine Gabbert throw two interceptions in the first half of last week’s game, you will understand why I highlighted him. The Cards offense needs to be on Byard alert at all times this Sunday. With a Tennessee defense that is ranked 5th in the rush defense, Kerwynn Williams, the O-Line and AP will have their work cut out for them.

Game Prediction

The Titans are on a roll and I think they are going to steamroll all over the birds. Final score 30-21. Prove me wrong, Red Birds!

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Photo Credits:

• Arizona Cardinals on Wikimedia Commonsby Moe Epsilon
• 49ers on Wikimedia Commonsby Sports Logos.Net
• Tennessee Titans on wikimedia by Tennessee Titans
• Bruce Arians on Flickr by Gage Skidmore
• Larry Fitzgerald on flickr by Brook Ward
• Arizona Cardinals Stadium on Wikimedia Commons by Ixnayonthetimmay
• Marcus Mariota on flickr by Erik Drost=
• Derrick Henry on wikimedia by Mario957
• Demarco Murray on Wikimedia Commonsby Scott Mecum