The Arizona Cardinals return from their bye week with a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coming off of four straight losses prior to the bye week, the Cardinals will look to turn over a new rock and string together some wins.
They get a tough opponent in the Steelers right off the bat. For all the talk this year about the aging Steelers defense (that has several players over the age of 30), Pittsburgh ranks best in the NFL in both overall defense (surrendering only 270.5 yards per contest) and passing defense (surrendering only 157.7 passing yards per game).
Those numbers present a challenge to Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, who is feeling the pressure amidst the team's 1-4 start. He will have to dissect the Steelers secondary and approach his 256.2 passing yards per game average to help his teammates out and give Arizona a good chance at winning the game.
The Cardinals will have to rely on running back Beanie Wells, who will have a more favorable match-up against the Steelers run defense. Pittsburgh ranks 15th in the league against the run, allowing 112.8 yards per game. Wells, who is averaging 95.24 rushing yards per contest, needs to be efficient with his carries. Breaking off a few big runs could go a long ways in helping out Kolb against the unyielding Steelers secondary.
If Arizona can establish a running game behind Wells, they will create offensive opportunities and give themselves a chance to stay in the game. A big outing by Wells could help the Cardinals right the ship after the team's ugly 1-4 start and get a much-needed victory against the Steelers.