The three biggest things to watch for Sunday when the Cardinals play the Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans:
Murray's More Than Four, And Chasing The Running Back Situation
Kyler Murray isn't going to only throw four passes in a half Sunday. He can't. The Saints are a team, at full strength or not, with either Drew Brees or Teddy Bridgewater, that can score some points. They also have a top-10 rushing defense. As great as the Chase Edmonds story is for the Cardinals, they are a better team when they have Edmonds and a healthy David Johnson. Johnson's availability is unknown at best, with newcomers Alfred Morris and Zach Zenner the ones to help Edmonds if the Cardinals need it in the backfield. Meanwhile, the focus goes back on Murray, who figures to have to be able to move the ball through the air – possibly with wide receiver Christian Kirk still sidelined with a bad ankle – in a loud and difficult place to play. Murray hasn't turned the ball over in a few games, and has only been sacked three times in three weeks. Those are the things that will be tested when Murray goes back to pass Sunday.
Patrick Peterson Versus Michael Thomas Versus All The Saints' Weapons
P2 has been a traveling man, although he acknowledged he won't travel all the time with wide receiver Michael Thomas, one of the best wideouts in the league. There will be times when Peterson will be deployed differently. But with Alvin Kamara getting healthier and ex-Cardinal Ted Ginn and Latavius Murray and jack-of-all-trades Taysom Hill, there are other places the Saints can go beyond Thomas anyway. Peterson has to have a good day to at least limit Thomas. The pass rush, which had eight sacks against the Giants, probably isn't going to get as much of a free run against the Saints and what are often quick pass attempts. The defense was better against the Giants, but there is little question the Saints' offense is much better than what the Giants offer.
Three Is Good, Four Means More
The Cardinals have a three-game winning streak for the first time since 2015 to get back to .500. That is a solid accomplishment for a team that had struggled in the two games previous and has gone through growing pains with a first-time NFL coach and rookie quarterback. It's also undeniable that the Cards went through the softest part of their schedule with those wins – which is why No. 4 would be a statement. The Saints are 6-1. They are playing well, regardless of who is behind center at quarterback. They have an impressive home field advantage. The Cardinals will be decided underdogs Sunday. But to then get a win would impact this team far more than the 4-3-1 record would indicate.
