• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Phoenix Sports Today

Phoenix Sports News Continuously Updated

  • Cardinals
  • Diamondbacks
  • Coyotes
  • Basketball
    • Mercury
    • Suns
  • Soccer
  • Colleges
    • Arizona State
    • Grand Canyon University
    • Northern Arizona
    • University of Arizona

Cardinals vs Titans: Three matchups to watch

September 11, 2021 by Revenge Of The Birds

Dallas Cowboys v Arizona Cardinals
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals travels to face the Tennessee Titans

To open the 2021 season, the Arizona Cardinals are on the road against the revamped Tennessee Titans. Entering this season, the Cardinals have playoff expectations after adding high-quality veterans and explosive rookies.

The Titans are 2.5-point favorites against the spread at -135. This contest has the highest projected total of the week at 52 points according to Draftkings Sportbook.

In every game, there are battles within the battle. My three matchups to watch this Sunday.

Derrick Henry vs Arizona’s front seven

Derrick Henry is coming off a 2,000-yard season in 2020. The Titans’ offense thrives off Henry’s dominance and Ryan Tannehill flourishes off play action. Henry grows stronger as the game goes longer. Therefore, defenders are not as enthused to tackle Henry.

The Cardinals’ front seven must match Tennesses’ physicality from the start. J.J. Watt will be tested in his first action as a Cardinal. These young athletic linebackers will be vital for the defenses’ success. They must read their keys with patience. Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons must know when to fill in the gaps and to flow to the perimeter to contain Henry.

That Zaven Collins TFL is even prettier on the all-22. Just a total freak of nature to be able to trigger and get downhill that quick at 255-260.

He’s Dont’a Hightower size but moves like he’s Deion Jones. pic.twitter.com/XL9iIc4FCc

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 18, 2021

Stopping King Henry should be priority number one for the Cardinals. If they want to have a chance to steal their first win, force the Titans to become one-dimensional offensively.

Julio Jones/AJ Brown vs Cards’ secondary

As of August 31st, Malcolm Butler has been placed on the reserve/retired list. This is a big blow to an already limited cornerback room. This group will have their hands full with star wideouts Julio Jones and A.J. Brown.

In 2020, they combined for over 1,800 yards receiving, albeit on separate teams. They present physical and athletic mismatches for Arizona’s cornerbacks. Byron Murphy and Robert Alford are listed as the started on the depth chart. They will require safety help over the top to prevent explosive passing plays.

Defending Tennessess play-action deep-shot plays will be pivotal for the success of the defense. Arguably, Arizona’s cornerback position is the worst in the NFL. Week one will be one of their tougher tests this season.

Rodney Hudson vs Jeffery Simmons

Like most wars, they are won in the trenches. Jeffery Simmons is one of the best young defensive tackles in the league. He is extremely disruptive against the run and pass. He blends together explosiveness and power off the ball. His violent hands and knockback power can wreak havoc for opposing quarterbacks.

In another off-season acquisition, Rodney Hudson is manning the middle of Arizona’s offensive line. Hudson is a wily veteran that understands how to work leverage, anchor, and seal defenders. His ability to keep Kyler Murray clean in the pocket will pay its dividends.

#MondayNightFootball Preview via #Raiders C Rodney Hudson working off multiple threats, staying active and providing a physical presence from the pivot#NOvsLV pic.twitter.com/2ZJZGFSr2i

— The Scouting Academy (@TheScoutAcademy) September 21, 2020

Murray had 16 passes knocked down at the LOS last season. Hudson anchoring against Simmons and company can create throwing windows for Murray in the pocket. If Simmons has his way with Hudson or the interior offensive line, Murray will be running early and often.

This matchup has explosive potential. We could be in store for a good old fashion shootout. Buckle your seatbelts, the Cardinals 2021 journey is about to begin.

Filed Under: Cardinals

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Diamondbacks 5, Angels 6: Far From Perfect
  • Game Recap: Summer Suns dominate the Summer Wizards, 103-84
  • Jalen Green on deal to Phoenix: ‘I had a feeling. They’ve been trying to trade me since last year’
  • Jalen Green on deal to Phoenix: ‘I had a feeling. They’ve been trying to trade me since last year’
  • Arizona volleyball gets 2 big commitments for 2027

Categories

Archives

Our Partners

All Sports

  • 247 Sports
  • ArizonaSports.com - 98.7 FM
  • Bleacher Report
  • Heat Waved
  • OurSports Central
  • The Arizona Republic
  • The Sports Fan Journal
  • USA Today

Baseball

  • Arizona Diamondbacks
  • AZ Snake Pit
  • Last Word On Baseball
  • MLB Trade Rumors
  • Venom Strikes

Basketball

  • Phoenix Suns
  • Amico Hoops
  • Basketball Insiders
  • Bright Side Of The Sun
  • High Post Hoops
  • Hoops Hype
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Last Word On Pro Basketball
  • Pro Basketball Talk
  • Real GM
  • Valley Of The Suns

Football

  • Arizona Cardinals
  • Cardinals Gab
  • Cards Wire
  • Deep Dive
  • Last Word On Pro Football
  • NFL Trade Rumors
  • Our Turf Football
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Football Talk
  • Raising Zona
  • Revenge Of The Birds
  • Words From The Birds

Hockey

  • Elite Prospects
  • Five For Howling
  • Howlin Hockey
  • Last Word On Hockey
  • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Talk
  • The Hockey Writers

Soccer

  • Last Word on Soccer
  • MLS Multiplex

College

  • AZ Desert Swarm
  • Busting Brackets
  • College Football News
  • College Sports Madness
  • Devils In Detail
  • House Of Sparky
  • Last Word On College Basketball - Univ of Arizona
  • Saturday Blitz
  • Zags Blog
  • Zona Zealots

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in