Arizona Cardinals Week 17 Preview

Introduction

As we dive into Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves reflecting on a rollercoaster ride of a season. After a narrow loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, where the scoreboard read 30 to 36, it’s time to assess our performance through the lens of data-driven insights. With our power ranking fluctuating and a few key efficiency metrics in the bottom half of the league, there’s plenty to unpack as we prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in an exciting Week 17 matchup. Buckle up, Cardinals fans, because we’re about to break it down!

Power Ranking

Our power ranking has seen a slight uptick from Week 16 to Week 17, moving from 9th to 11th overall. While this may sound like a step back, it’s important to note that a win rate of 56.6% against a median opponent is still a testament to our competitive spirit. We’re hovering just outside the top 10, which is a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, we’re still in the playoff conversation, but on the other, we need to tighten up our game to truly contend with the league's elite.

Overall Drive Efficiency

Drive efficiency is where we’ve been struggling, currently ranking 27th in the league. This is a notable concern, especially after last week's performance where we racked up 382 yards but still came up short on the scoreboard. It’s clear that while we can move the ball, converting those yards into points has been a challenge. If we want to turn our fortunes around against the Rams, we need to find ways to sustain drives and finish strong in the red zone.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

Our defensive drive efficiency is equally troubling, sitting at 27th in the league. This means that opposing offenses have had a field day against us, and the Panthers were no exception, amassing 392 yards without a single turnover. If we’re going to have any chance against the Rams, we must tighten our coverage and find ways to disrupt their rhythm. We need to channel our inner defensive stalwarts and prevent those long, drawn-out drives that have plagued us this season.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

Our offensive drive efficiency mirrors our overall struggles, also ranking 27th in the league. While our ability to gain yardage is commendable, it’s evident that we need to be more effective in our execution. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has been our Achilles' heel. The Rams will be a formidable opponent, and we need to ensure that every possession counts. Let’s turn those yards into touchdowns, shall we?

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

On the defensive side of the ball, our turnover efficiency has not been kind to us, ranking 26th in the league. Generating turnovers is crucial for flipping the momentum of a game, and we’ve struggled to create those game-changing plays. Against a team like the Rams, who can score quickly, we need to find ways to create turnovers to keep them on their toes. A timely interception or a forced fumble could be the spark we need to ignite our defense.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

Unfortunately, our offensive turnover efficiency is also in the bottom half, ranking 26th. The two turnovers we committed against the Panthers were costly and ultimately swung the game in their favor. If we want to have any chance against the Rams, we must protect the football. Every possession is precious, and we can’t afford to give away opportunities. Let’s keep those hands firm and the ball secure!

Drive Time

Our drive time is ranked 25th, indicating that we’re taking longer than average to move the ball down the field. While there’s a case to be made for taking time off the clock, it’s essential that we strike a balance between efficiency and time management. The Rams are known for their explosive offense, so we need to be quick and decisive in our drives to keep their offense off the field. Let’s aim to speed things up and make every second count!

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to our matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, we find ourselves in a must-win situation. The Rams are favored by 6.5 points, but our simulations give us a fighting chance with a 56.05% probability of winning. With a predicted final score of 26 to 24 in our favor, it’s clear that this game could go either way. The key will be to capitalize on our strengths while addressing our weaknesses. If we can improve our drive efficiency, generate turnovers, and maintain possession, we could very well pull off an upset and finish the season on a high note.

Conclusion

As we gear up for Week 17, it’s clear that the Arizona Cardinals have their work cut out for them. While our stats may not paint the rosiest picture, there’s always room for improvement, and we’re ready to rise to the occasion. Let’s put the past behind us and focus on what lies ahead. With the right mindset and execution, we can turn this season around and make a statement against the Rams.

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.