Arizona Cardinals Week 17 Preview

Introduction

As we wrap up Week 16 and gear up for the final stretch of the 2023 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals are reflecting on their recent performance against the Chicago Bears. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Cardinals fell short, losing 27-16. This loss not only stings but also highlights the areas where we need to improve as we head into our Week 17 matchup. Let’s dive into the stats from last week and see how they stack up against our performance earlier in the season, while also peeking ahead to what’s in store for us next.

Power Ranking

Currently, the Arizona Cardinals sit at a power ranking of 25, with a win rate of just 41.0% against a median opponent. While this places us firmly in the bottom half of the league, it’s essential to recognize that power rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. They reflect not only our current struggles but also the potential for growth. A shift in our performance could easily see us climbing the ranks, so let’s channel that underdog spirit and aim for improvement in the final weeks of the season.

Overall Drive Efficiency

In terms of overall drive efficiency, the Cardinals rank 24th out of 32 teams. This is a slight dip from our previous week’s performance, where we managed to show some promise but ultimately fell short in execution. With an offensive drive efficiency ranking of 17, we’re just scraping by, but we need to find ways to convert our drives into points rather than just yardage. The goal is to not just move the ball, but to finish drives with a bang, and that’s something we’ll be focusing on as we prepare for our next game.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

Our defensive drive efficiency is a concerning 27th in the league. This statistic reveals that we’ve been struggling to halt opposing offenses, allowing them to march down the field with relative ease. In Week 16, the Bears racked up 420 yards against us, which is a clear indicator that our defense needs to tighten up. We must find ways to disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses and make those crucial stops if we want to turn our season around.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On the offensive side, our drive efficiency is ranked 17th, which is a small silver lining amidst the storm. While we’re not the worst in the league, we need to capitalize on our opportunities better. In our game against the Bears, we managed 306 yards but failed to convert those into enough points. We need to become more efficient in the red zone and ensure that our drives end with touchdowns rather than field goals or, worse yet, turnovers.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

Our defensive turnover efficiency is also lacking, ranking 27th. This means we’re not generating turnovers at a rate that can significantly impact games. In Week 16, the Bears only turned the ball over once, and that’s not going to cut it if we want to change our fortunes. We need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create opportunities for our defensive backs to make plays. A few timely turnovers can swing momentum and give our offense a much-needed boost.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the flip side, our offensive turnover efficiency is ranked 26th, which is another area that requires immediate attention. While we managed to avoid turnovers against the Bears, our overall trend has been concerning. We need to ensure that we protect the ball and minimize mistakes, especially as we head into a crucial matchup in Week 17. Ball security is paramount, and our offense must prioritize making smart decisions to keep drives alive and points on the board.

Drive Time

Interestingly, we rank 4th in drive time, which indicates that we take our sweet time moving down the field. While this can be beneficial in keeping the opposing offense off the field, it can also work against us if we’re not converting those long drives into points. We need to find a balance between being methodical and being efficient. If we can shorten our drives while still maintaining possession, we’ll be in a much better position to score.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 17, we face off against the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently favored by 11.5 points. The Eagles have a potent offense and a defense that can create turnovers, so we’ll need to be at our best to compete. Advanced Football Stats simulations predict that the Eagles will win 61.4% of the time, but they also suggest that the Cardinals have a 70.4% chance to cover the spread. This means that while we may not be favored to win, we have a fighting chance to keep it close. The over/under is set at 48 points, and with both teams capable of scoring, we might see a high-scoring affair. It’s crucial that we come out strong and establish our identity early in the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Arizona Cardinals have a lot of work to do as we head into the final weeks of the season. While our stats from Week 16 paint a picture of a team in need of improvement, there’s still hope for a turnaround. By focusing on our drive efficiency, tightening up our defense, and protecting the ball, we can make a push for a more respectable finish to the season. Let’s rally together and show the league what we’re capable of in Week 17!

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.