The most difficult end zone the Cardinals will try to reach on Sunday will be obtaining the ever-elusive 4-0 record. But in order to do that, they will have to take on an always-scrappy Miami Dolphins team, one that is headed up by rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Cardinals have plenty of players nursing injuries right now, some of which may force their players out of this week's game. So what must they do to pull off another victory?
I think one of the most important aspects to this game is keeping their players fresh. Especially along the defensive line, with Darnell Dockett doubtful to play, the Cardinals will need to rotate fresh bodies in as often as possible. David Carter, Nick Eason and Vonnie Holliday will all see extended snaps in this game.
Pressuring Tannehill will be key on the defensive side of the ball. He has played well under pressure so far this season, but can he evade a fast and aggressive defense like the one Arizona boasts? The Cardinals hope not. Taking him to the ground early and often like they did with Michael Vick, another mobile QB, will be important.
Kevin Kolb, as he has done all season so far, needs to take care of the ball. The Cardinals are way in the positive on the turnover ratio so far and it needs to stay that way this afternoon. Fumbling has been a minor issue, but cannot become a major one at home.
Finally, Arizona needs to establish a run game. The Dolphins have an above-average run defense and with Beanie Wells on the IR and LaRod Stephens-Howling listed as yet another doubtful player, Ryan Williams, William Powell and Alfonso Smith will need to kick into another gear. Establishing a presence with the running backs may be the most important thing the Cardinals can do.
If they manage to employ these various tactics, I have no doubt that they reach the 4-0 mark by the end of the day.
Check out more Cardinals news at Revenge of the Birds or head over to the Miami Dolphins blog, The Phinsider.