The Arizona Cardinals will be forced to utilize backup QB Colt McCoy this week, which usually means fewer pass attempts and more rushes.
The Cardinals are a big 7.5-point underdog in this game, likely creating an extreme passing game script.
THE BLITZ projects this game to see the 5th-most plays run out of all the games this week at 130.5 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
The Arizona Cardinals have called the 2nd-most plays in football this year, averaging a monstrous 63.1 plays per game.
This game will be played in a dome—which means zero wind, increased pass volume, increased TD potential, and better passing effectiveness.
Cons
Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 33.3 pass attempts per game against the Atlanta Falcons defense this year: 8th-least in the NFL.
Colt McCoy’s throwing precision has declined this season, with his Completion% decreasing from 72.8% to 67.8%.
Colt McCoy’s throwing efficiency has diminished this year, totaling a measly 6.14 yards-per-target vs a 7.44 figure last year.
The Atlanta Falcons defense has been quite strong when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, surrendering an average of 4.61 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 8th-least in the league.
The Arizona Cardinals offensive line has afforded their quarterback just 2.34 seconds before getting pressured (2nd-worst in the league since the start of last season), which has a negative impact on all passing attack statistics across the board.