Buffalo Bills at Arizona Cardinals: By The Numbers

by cgolden on Oct 2, 2008 7:55 AM MDT in General Arizona Cardinals News

Team Stats - Game Averages

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Off	27.2	319.5 (16th)	217.5 (12th)	102.0 (20th)
Def	15.8	280.5 (7th)	168.5 (6th)	112.0 (17th)

Offense: In a somewhat surprising revelation, the Bills are being led by the passing game and second year QB, Trent Edwards. The Bills' passing game was ranked 30th in the league last year (164.6 yds per game) but Trent Edwards is not the same quarterback this season. His completion percentage (56.1 to 65.5), yards per attempt (6.8 to 7.8) and QB rating (70.4 to 93.5) have all sky-rocketed this year. Edwards may not be a upper tier quarterback yet but he does have the skills and the weapons to cause some problems for an opposing secondary. The running game is a bit of an question mark right now but that could have more to do with opposing teams' focus on Marshawn Lynch. His yards per carry is down from last year but he's scoring more touchdowns and is catching more passes.

Defense: The Bills defense overall has improved from 31st in the league in 2007 to a very respectable 7th in the league this season. The biggest improvement has been against the pass where the Bills have jumped up from 238.4 yards per games (29th in 2007) to 168.5 (6th). The Bills have had the advantage of playing 'offensively challenged' teams (SEA, JAC, OAK, STL) of which three out of the four are 20th or worse in terms of offensive yards per game.

Team Stats - Game Averages

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Off	26.5	377.8 (5th)	290.8 (4th)	87.0 (25th-T)
Def	25.8	305.8 (9th)	204.5 (16th)	101.3 (14th-T)

Offense: The Cardinals offense obviously relies upon the pass and last weeks stats inflated the numbers but eventually we'll have to be able to do more than throw the ball. They'll have to improve upon 87.0 yards per game to be able to compete in the NFC West though.

Defense: The Cardinals took a big hit in terms of points scored last week but overall, they are a better unit than 2007. The run defense should continue to improve as Gabe Watson works back into the mix. The pass defense took a big shot in week four but they're not as bad as the Favre's 6 TDs would suggest.

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Comments

winnable game

Been thinking how much better yall are at home than on the road. This would sure prove that theory. Big, big game for you guys. I think hyou can do it. Just need to shore up the special teams more than anything else. I’m confident the offense won’t turn it over like that again while playing at home.

by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:21 AM MDT reply actions

I agree but there are some relative issues concerning me.

After last weeks performance i think we will see a more conservative approach by the Cards at the start of the game and they will try to throw in a lot more run plays than I would like to see. I’d like to see them take to the air and try to jump out and take an early lead.

I think Warner is a far more confident QB at home. We have a great record at home and I think the crowds higher expectations this year have added to the crowds enthusiasm. This may be a game were the home advantage might not be so prominent as much faith has been lost over the past two games. In years past It has been far easier to take the crowd out of the game in Arizona then it should be. Unless I’m in the stands:)

by badmatty53 on Oct 2, 2008 10:57 AM MDT reply actions

run vs. pass

I’d love to see them come out and be aggressive like they were against the Dolphins. The Bills secondary is pretty decent but if this team can’t beat other teams through the air then we’re in for a long day. I’d much rather see them jump on someone early and see them pound the rock in the second half.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Oct 2, 2008 11:01 AM MDT up reply actions