The Cardinals and guard Daryn Colledge (hidden) took on Lions defensive tackle Ndomukong Suh last season.
Last week, it was outside. This week, it is inside.
"Our tackles had the tough job last week," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. "Our guards have the tough job this week."
That's because the Detroit Lions visit with talented defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, a duo with the potential to make a mess on the interior of the Cards' offensive line. The last time the Cardinals saw Suh, he did little in the Cards' 38-10 win at University of Phoenix Stadium. Fairley didn't even play, although the Cards' offensive line didn't look anything like the current version either.
Because of injuries and changes, only left guard Daryn Colledge was on the field last season against the Lions.
"That's OK," center Lyle Sendlein said, noting that the Cards have video of the Lions taking on Arians' offense against Indianapolis last year, video of last week's Vikings game and even the game the Lions had against the Patriots in the third week of the
preseason.
"It won't be so much listening to Daryn," Sendlein said with a smile.
"Obviously they are pretty good," offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin said. "Hopefully our guards hold up and I think they will. There is a little bit more of a onus on us this week because '90' (Suh) is in there."
Fairley had 1½ sacks against the Vikings last week. Suh escaped a suspension this week – instead, getting nailed for a $100,000 fine he is appealing – after a low block against Minnesota that cost the Lions a defensive touchdown. That play also overshadowed how dominant he was in the game.
"Those two D-tackles are tremendous athletes," guard Paul Fanaika said. "The obvious focus is on the defensive tackles. But you need to come out and think every opponent is all-world. Preparation is the same. You can't get psyched out."
FITZGERALD, ALEXANDER QUESTIONABLE FOR SUNDAY
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) was still limited in practice Friday and was listed as questionable for the game, along with linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (biceps). Fitzgerald did seem to look a little better during the open portion of practice, but he still did little and was throwing more passes (during drills to his fellow wide receivers) than catching them.
Arians said Fitzgerald hurt this hamstring in practice Wednesday. If Fitzgerald had to miss the game, the Cardinals would be down to three receivers. The team's best receiving tight end, Rob Housler, will also miss the game with his ankle sprain.
Everyone else on the Cardinals' injury report is probable. For the Lions, tackle Jason Fox (groin) is out, safety Don Carey (hamstring) is doubtful and Fairley is questionable with a bad shoulder.
NEW PRE-GAME OPTIONS AT STADIUM, POST-GAME ON TV
If you are attending the game at University of Phoenix Stadium, there are a couple of new options before kickoff this season.
The "Arizona Cardinals Flight Deck" presented by the All New 2014 Chevy Silverado takes place on the north plaza outside of the stadium and opens three hours and 25 minutes prior to kickoff. It features a 50x100 foot shade structure, cooling towers, a cheerleader autograph table and a huge video wall to watch the early games.
The "Arizona Cardinals Preflight Party" will take place at Westgate's WaterDance Plaza, next to the dancing fountains. Opening three hours before kickoff, it has a beer garden and live music, as well as other fan-friendly interactive experiences.
And for those watching on TV after the game, Fox Sports Arizona is debuting a new hour-long postgame show after home games called "Cardinals OT" featuring former NFL players Ron Wolfley, Bertrand Berry and Glenn Parker, as well as Jody Jackson, Dave Pasch and Paul Calvisi. The initial episode is set to air at 4:30 p.m. or after the postgame show of Diamondbacks-Rockies.
