Bengals’ Winning Strategy: Defeating the Arizona Cardinals
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 28, at Paycor Stadium. This matchup marks a crucial moment in Week 17 as both teams approach the conclusion of their respective seasons. The Bengals, with a record of 5-10, are fresh off a dominant 45-21 victory against the Miami Dolphins. Conversely, the Cardinals, sitting at 3-12, suffered a disappointing 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Bengals’ Winning Strategy: Defeating the Arizona Cardinals
This clash will determine the finishing positions in the league for both teams, with Cincinnati expected to end third in the AFC North, while Arizona looks to avoid finishing last in the NFC West.
Key Players and Return from Injury
Leading Cincinnati’s offense is quarterback Joe Burrow, who has returned to form after a turf toe injury. Burrow has an impressive record of 2-2 since his return, highlighted by a strong performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. In the recent game versus Miami, Burrow delivered a stellar performance, completing 25 out of 32 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns. This achievement earned him recognition as the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week.
- Quarterback: Joe Burrow
- Wide Receiver: Tee Higgins (returned from concussion protocol)
Strategies for Victory
To secure a win against the Cardinals, the Bengals must focus on three crucial strategies.
- Maintain Offensive Momentum: With the return of Burrow and Higgins, the Bengals need to keep their scoring pace high. Consistent offensive performance will be key to outpacing Arizona.
- Defensive Improvements: Historically, the Bengals’ defense had struggled this season. Despite improvement, they recorded 155 missed tackles, the highest in the NFL. They must tighten up defensively to allow Burrow more scoring opportunities.
- Stay Injury-Free: As the season draws to a close, the Bengals must avoid injuries that could affect their preparations for next season. Staying healthy is paramount for a strong offseason.
Broadcast Information
The game against Arizona will be broadcast on FOX-TV (Channel 19) and can be listened to on the Bengals’ radio network, which includes WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530), and WEBN-FM (102.7). The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
As the Bengals look to secure a victory against the Cardinals, the importance of strong offensive and defensive play cannot be overstated. With the stakes high and the determination to finish the season on a positive note, fans can expect an exciting showdown at Paycor Stadium.