The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West if they beat Detroit and San Francisco loses to Philadelphia. Arizona was embarrassed by its performance against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, and they usually bounce back when they’re feeling disrespected, so look for them to quickly and unmercifully take out the Lions.
THE SKINNY
The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West if they beat Detroit and San Francisco loses to Philadelphia. Arizona was embarrassed by its performance against the 49ers on Monday Night Football, and they usually bounce back when they’re feeling disrespected, so look for them to quickly and unmercifully take out the Lions.
Larry Fitzgerald is expected to play after suffering a knee injury last week, but the Cardinals would like nothing better than put the game away early and give him some rest.
Backs against wall, Cards get lowly Lions
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower both lost fumbles last week and will be under close watch. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt wants at least one running back he knows will hold onto the ball, and so far, neither Wells nor Hightower have demonstrated that they can do that on a consistent basis.
2. If this game is closer than expected — say it’s still up for grabs in the fourth quarter — then there will be real reason to worry about Arizona. The Lions have lost three straight games and were pummeled 48-3 by Baltimore last week.
3. The offensive line has to do a better job protecting Kurt Warner than it did against the 49ers. Detroit doesn’t rush the passer as well as San Francisco, but if anything will change the likely outcome of the game, it’s if Warner is forced out of the pocket and can’t get into any rhythm.
Cardinals at Lions
When: 11 a.m. Sunday
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
TV/Radio: Channel 10/KTAR (620 AM)
Records: Arizona 8-5, Detroit 2-11
Cardinals offense
WR Larry Fitzgerald
LT Jeremy Bridges
LG Reggie Wells
C Lyle Sendlein
RG Deuce Lutui
RT Levi Brown
TE Stephen Spach
WR Anquan Boldin
QB Kurt Warner
RB Tim Hightower
FB Dan Kreider
Cardinals defense
DE Calais Campbell
DT Bryan Robinson
DE Darnell Dockett
OLB Chike Okeafor
MLB Karlos Dansby
MLB Gerald Hayes
OLB Clark Haggans
RCB Bryant McFadden
LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
SS Adrian Wilson
FS Antrel Rolle
Lions offense
WR Bryant Johnson
LT Jeff Backus
LG Manny Ramirez
C Dominic Raiola
RG Daniel Loper
RT Gosder Cherilus
TE Michael Matthews
WR Calvin Johnson
QB Daunte Culpepper
FB Jerome Felton
RB Maurice Morris
Lions defense
LDE Jason Hunter
DT Grady Jackson
DT Sammie Hill
RDE Dewayne White
OLB Julian Peterson
MLB Larry Foote
OLB Ernie Sims
LCB William James
RCB Phillip Buchanon
SS Marvin White
FS Louis Delmas
