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1. Talented twosome not in place. Why does QB Kurt Warner, right, rank third in passing yards and own the fifth-best passer rating? He was throwing to the most prolific receiving tandem in the NFL, that’s why. Anquan Boldin is tied for third in catches (27), is fifth in yards (366) and first in touchdowns (five). Larry Fitzgerald is tied for eighth in catches (24), ranks third in yards (415) and is tied for second with six catches over 20 yards. Boldin (6-foot-1, 217 pounds) and Fitzgerald (6-3, 220) are big, physical, athletic and a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. But Boldin is out after taking a blow to the head last week. His absence is a huge break for the Bills, who can focus their coverage on Fitzgerald. Even without Boldin, the Cardinals’ passing game is still capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Look for them to try to isolate Fitzgerald on the Bills’ cornerbacks, particularly rookie Leodis McKelvin.
2. Warner giveth, the Bills taketh away. Warner committed six of the Cardinals’ seven turnovers last week against the Jets. The Bills no doubt took note of the fact that Warner has a tendency to expose the ball by holding it low, making it easier for defenders to strip him. DEs Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay are good at coming off the edge and using their hands to beat blockers. Getting a pass rush, whether it’s from the front four or with the blitz, will give the Bills a chance to get sacks and pressure Warner into making more mistakes.
3. Tale of two tailbacks. Buffalo’s Marshawn Lynch (275 yards) and Arizona’s Edgerrin James (277 yards) have posted similar numbers, but one could argue that Lynch is having a better season. In addition to scoring four touchdowns, Lynch has been more effective moving the chains and gives the Bills’ offense more balance. James, the NFL’s leading active career rusher, isn’t the dominant back he was in Indianapolis, but he is still dangerous as a runner and receiver. Lynch is complemented by versatile Fred Jackson, while James gets good support from rookie Tim Hightower, an all-purpose threat and a reliable short-yardage back (three TDs). While the Bills and Cardinals have explosive passing games, stopping the run must be a priority for both defenses.
2. Warner giveth, the Bills taketh away. Warner committed six of the Cardinals’ seven turnovers last week against the Jets. The Bills no doubt took note of the fact that Warner has a tendency to expose the ball by holding it low, making it easier for defenders to strip him. DEs Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay are good at coming off the edge and using their hands to beat blockers. Getting a pass rush, whether it’s from the front four or with the blitz, will give the Bills a chance to get sacks and pressure Warner into making more mistakes.
3. Tale of two tailbacks. Buffalo’s Marshawn Lynch (275 yards) and Arizona’s Edgerrin James (277 yards) have posted similar numbers, but one could argue that Lynch is having a better season. In addition to scoring four touchdowns, Lynch has been more effective moving the chains and gives the Bills’ offense more balance. James, the NFL’s leading active career rusher, isn’t the dominant back he was in Indianapolis, but he is still dangerous as a runner and receiver. Lynch is complemented by versatile Fred Jackson, while James gets good support from rookie Tim Hightower, an all-purpose threat and a reliable short-yardage back (three TDs). While the Bills and Cardinals have explosive passing games, stopping the run must be a priority for both defenses.
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