The Arizona Cardinals’ new offense is looking pretty good for the first half of the season, and they’ve already become one of the most efficient teams in the league.
But a few more wins, and it could get a bit better.
The Cardinals are 4-2, with five of those wins coming on the road, and the last two coming by two touchdowns.
So, while Arizona has already been dominant, the team is still finding a way to play with pace.
Here are five things to watch for this week against the New York Jets.1.
New York’s defense looks scary to many.
New England was able to run the ball more than they did the previous two weeks against the Broncos and Seahawks, but that doesn’t mean the Jets can’t get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Arizona’s pass rush is coming off a season-high 12 sacks and is ranked fifth in the NFL, which would put them right in the mix for a playoff berth.2.
New Orleans has played well over the last month, but will it hold up?
New Orleans had one of its best games of the year against New England, which had a lot of talent but struggled to slow down the offense.
The Saints’ defense has held opponents to a combined 1,836 passing yards through two games, but New Orleans is still a little shaky at the line of scrimmage.
The defense has allowed five touchdowns and one interception, but those are mostly coming from their pass rush, which is averaging 7.5 sacks per game.
That’s a huge problem for an offense that’s ranked fourth in the nation in passing yards per game and second in total offense.3.
New Brees is not getting off to a great start.
New Lebron James has had two consecutive games with at least 40 rushing yards and three touchdowns, which means the offense is still adjusting to his new system.
The first half has been a mixed bag, with New Orleans having a few good plays, but it’s been too slow and inconsistent for Brees to get anything going.
With James’ struggles and the fact that the Saints have yet to score a touchdown in their last five games, the offense needs to be on top of its game to be successful.4.
The Jets are still a dangerous team.
Newyork has a tough schedule, with the Giants, Rams, Lions, Bears and Cowboys all coming to MetLife Stadium in Week 5.
The Giants are coming off their first loss of the regular season, losing at home to the Cardinals, and both teams are playing on short rest.
This is a huge game for the Jets, who have a bye in Week 6, but they also face a tough slate of opponents in Week 7, including the Cardinals and Seahawks.5.
New Yorks’ defense is making up ground on Arizona.
New Newysses defense has struggled in the last week, but the Cardinals have managed to win four straight, and their secondary is getting a boost as well.
The Cards are tied for first in the NFC in interceptions, and while New York has allowed an average of just three passing touchdowns in the past five games they’ve allowed just two in those five wins.
The best thing to watch out for for this season is how Arizona does in the second half, as New York is still the favorite to win the division.
