Week 13 Preview: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week 13 is officially underway, and both these teams know where they stand when it comes to the playoff picture. The Arizona Cardinals currently sit at 2-10 and are all but eliminated from playoff contention. While on the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers are right in the thick of a loaded AFC side as they currently hold the sixth seed at 7-4.

Even with the Cardinals sitting at 2-10, their record doesn’t tell the full story as quarterback Kyler Murray missed the first nine games of the season as he was recovering from an ACL tear. Over those nine games, the Cardinals had a record of 1-8. With the return of Murray, they are 1-2, having beat the Falcons but lost to the Texans and Rams. The Cardinals will look to bounce back in Pittsburgh after getting thumped by Los Angeles losing 37–14.

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On the other side, the Steelers are trending in the opposite direction, winning three of their last four games. Those three wins came against the Titans, Bengals, and Browns all of which had backup quarterbacks playing. The biggest story coming out of Pittsburgh has been the recent firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Following his firing, the Steelers put up 421 yards of total offense against a solid Bengals defense. This was the first game since Matt Canada was hired that the Steelers offense had more than 400 total yards on offense. Unfortunately, even with the increase in yards, it didn’t translate to points as the Steelers were held to 16 points. Nevertheless, the offense was more effective, and it seemed Kenny Pickett was more comfortable and confident compared to when Canada was calling the offense.

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Comparing the two offenses, the Cardinals hold a slight edge in total offense as they are ranked 24th averaging 297.5 yards per game while scoring 22 offensive touchdowns this season. Taking a deeper look at the Cardinals offense they really struggled to pass the ball. They ranked 29th in passing offense averaging 175.8 passing yards per game while also throwing ten passing touchdowns. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise as the Cardinals were without their starting quarterback the first nine weeks of the season. Switching to the Cardinals’ rushing attack, they have been very effective averaging 121.8 rush yards per game while also scoring 11 rushing touchdowns putting them 10th in the entire NFL.

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Unfortunately, the Cardinals have struggled in the scoring department as they’re averaging 17.2 points per game which is only better than seven other teams. The big issue for the Cardinals has been in between the 20s, as the Cardinals are one of the better teams in the red zone when they get there. The Cardinals rank 12th in red zone offense, scoring a touchdown 57.1% of the time when they get inside the 20. Another reason for their offensive struggles has been their third-down offense. The Cardinals are ranked 24th, converting on 35.3% of their third down attempts. Even with Kyler Murray back, the Cardinals will likely continue to struggle on offense as they have a tough test against a very good Steelers defense in a stadium that is tough to play in.

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Switching over to the Steelers who have also had their handful of offensive struggles this season. The Steelers are currently ranked 26th in total offense averaging 292.9 yards per game while only scoring 17 offensive touchdowns in 11 games. Where the Steelers have really struggled is in their passing offense. The Steelers currently have the 28th ranked passing offense throwing for 178.9 yards per game and hold a tie with the Jets for the least amount of passing touchdowns at seven. Now when it comes to rushing the ball the Steelers have been better. With the combination of running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, the Steelers have the 14th-ranked rushing offense averaging 114 rushing yards per game and have eight rushing touchdowns.

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Sadly, their rushing offense has been the lone bright spot for the Steelers as their scoring offense has been terrible. The Steelers are averaging 16.5 points per game which is only above the Panthers, Jets, Patriots, and Giants. Part of their scoring struggles are likely linked to their unsuccessful red zone trips as the Steelers are ranked 28th, scoring a touchdown 43.5% percent of the time they get inside the 20. Lastly, when it comes to third down the Steelers have struggled as well, converting third downs 35.9% of the time which is 23rd in the NFL. Even with their horrific offensive start to the year, there is optimism the Steelers will be able to turn it around with Matt Canada no longer calling the plays. The Steelers will have a great opportunity this week as the Cardinals have struggled defensively, particularly against the run which is the strong suit of this Steelers’ offense.

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Now onto the defensive side of the ball where the Steelers have been better than the Cardinals. Starting first with the Cardinals, they are 26th in total defense allowing 358.5 yards per game and 38 total touchdowns. When it comes to the passing game the Cardinals have been respectable in terms of yards as they’ve allowed 218.4 passing yards per game for 15th best in the NFL. Unfortunately, they have given up the fourth most amount of passing touchdowns at 21. Then, when it comes to rush defense it doesn’t get any better as the Cardinals are ranked 30th allowing 140.1 rushing yards per game and the second-most rushing touchdowns at 16.

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With the 38 combined touchdowns given up by the Cardinals’ defense, it comes as no surprise that they have the second-worst scoring defense allowing 26.8 points per game. On top of that the Cardinals also have the 23rd-ranked red zone defense allowing a touchdown 59.3% of the time their opponents get inside the 20-yard line. Finally, the biggest issue defensively for the Cardinals has been their third down defense. They are currently last in third-down defense allowing a first down 47% of the time. Even though the Cardinals are facing a struggling offense, their defense must improve if they want to win this game.

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For the Steelers they’ve given up a fair amount of yards but have done a great job of keeping their opponents out of the end zone. A prime example of this has been their total defense ranking. They are currently ranked 25th in total defense as they’ve allowed 354.4 yards per game but have given up the third fewest touchdowns at 19. When looking at their pass defense specifically they are allowing 236 passing yards per game and have given up 13 passing touchdowns. Thankfully, All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to return Sunday to help provide a much-needed lift to an inconsistent secondary. Then, when it comes to Pittsburgh’s rush defense, they have also struggled allowing 118.4 rushing yards per game. Nevertheless, the Steelers really know how to shut it down in the red zone as they’ve given up the second-lowest number of rushing touchdowns at six.

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Taking a deeper dive into the Steelers’ red zone numbers they have the fifth-best defense allowing their opposition to score only 40.6% of the time they get inside Pittsburgh’s 20-yard line. This in turn correlates with the Steelers’ rank in terms of scoring defense as they are allowing 18.6 points per game which is fifth best in the NFL. Finally, one area defensively where the Steelers have been middle of the pack is third down defense. They are currently ranked 14th allowing third-down conversions 37.9% of the time, this is likely one of the reasons why they’re giving up so many yards. Nonetheless, if the Steelers’ defense can continue their red zone success it will put them in a prime position to pull out to win Sunday.

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In the end, this game will ultimately be determined by the Steelers’ defense. These offenses are relatively even, and both have the potential to improve with Matt Canada fired as Offensive Coordinator from Pittsburgh and Murray back in Arizona. The big difference comes on the defensive side of the ball where Arizona has struggled mightily while Pittsburgh has run a bend-don’t-break defense to perfection. If the Steelers can contain Kyler Murray and put up at least 20 points it will greatly increase their chances of picking up their eighth win of the season. With a win, the Steelers would not only increase their chances of making the playoffs but also put the Cardinals’ playoff chances to rest.