Arizona Cardinals Week 11 Preview

Introduction

After a thrilling victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, the Arizona Cardinals are riding high on confidence as they prepare for their Week 11 matchup. With a nail-biting score of 25-23, the Cardinals showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, proving that they can hold their own against the odds. As we dive into the stats from last week and how they stack up against the upcoming challenges, it’s clear that the Cardinals are not just a team to watch but a team that can surprise even the most seasoned analysts.

Power Ranking

Currently sitting at a power ranking of 19, the Cardinals have a win rate of 49.0% against a median opponent. While this places them in the bottom half of the league, it’s worth noting that they are steadily improving. The victory against the Falcons not only boosts morale but also gives the Cardinals a fighting chance to climb the ranks. With each game, they are inching closer to becoming a formidable force, and a few more wins could see them breaking into the top 15.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Cardinals’ overall drive efficiency ranks them 20th in the league, which is a slight dip from their previous week’s performance. While they managed to rack up 352 yards against the Falcons, their ability to convert those yards into points remains a work in progress. The key takeaway here is that the Cardinals are capable of moving the ball but need to refine their execution in the red zone to truly capitalize on their drives.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side, the Cardinals are currently ranked 21st in defensive drive efficiency. This is a slight improvement from the previous week, but still indicates that there’s room for growth. The Falcons were able to gain 254 yards, which highlights the need for the Cardinals to tighten up their defense and prevent opponents from marching down the field. If they can improve this stat, it could be a game-changer in upcoming matchups.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

The Cardinals’ offensive drive efficiency ranks them 17th in the league, which is a minor improvement from last week. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remains elusive. They need to find a rhythm and sustain drives to keep their defense off the field. The ability to convert third downs and finish drives with touchdowns rather than field goals will be crucial as they look to build on their recent success.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

Unfortunately, the Cardinals’ defensive turnover efficiency ranks at a dismal 24th in the league. This means they’re not generating turnovers at a rate that could swing games in their favor. Against a team like the Houston Texans, who are known for their offensive prowess, the Cardinals will need to step up and create opportunities to regain possession. A couple of timely turnovers could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cardinals are struggling with offensive turnover efficiency, currently sitting at 28th in the league. This is a troubling statistic that has plagued them all season. With only one turnover against the Falcons, they showed signs of improvement, but they need to continue protecting the ball. In a league where every possession counts, minimizing turnovers is essential for success.

Drive Time

The Cardinals rank 4th in drive time, which is a unique position to be in. This stat indicates that they take their sweet time moving down the field, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While it allows them to control the clock and keep their defense fresh, it can also lead to missed opportunities if they don’t convert those long drives into points. Striking the right balance between efficiency and time management will be crucial as they prepare for their next challenge.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 11, the Cardinals will face off against the Houston Texans, who are favored by 4.5 points. The simulations from advancedfootballstats.com predict a final score of 31-24 in favor of the Texans, with a 60.8% chance of a Texans victory. However, the Cardinals have a 50.9% chance of covering the spread, which means they could keep it close. With the over/under set at 47.5 points, it’s expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Cardinals will need to harness their offensive power and tighten their defense to pull off an upset against a formidable opponent.

Conclusion

As the Cardinals gear up for their matchup against the Texans, they have the opportunity to build on their recent success and prove that they are a team to be reckoned with. While the stats may not be perfect, the potential is there for a breakout performance. With key adjustments and a focus on minimizing turnovers, the Cardinals can turn their season around and make a statement in the league.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Arizona Cardinals' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.