The Detroit Lions are heading to Arizona after another primetime defeat, and this Week 5 matchup against the Cardinals is setting up to be an absolute must-win before their bye. With offensive coordinator Drew Petzing facing his old squad and the defense possibly on its last legs, this game isn’t just another Sunday; it’s the tone-setter for their entire break. Win, and they’re looking at adjustments and much-needed rest. Lose? Oh man, that’s an overhaul and a stressful bye week for sure.
Cards Are Playing Hard, But What About That “Out of Whack” Game?
Lions head coach Dan Campbell actually had some pretty respectful words for the Cardinals, saying, “These guys are playing hard. Coach (Mike) LaFleur is doing a really good job with them, man. They’ve been in all these games.” Okay, fair enough, teams fight. But then he drops this gem: “I know the Seattle game got a little bit out of whack there, but these guys play hard.”
Hold up, Campbell! “A little bit out of whack there?” Buddy, when our Hawks roll into town, we don’t do “a little bit out of whack.” We bring the noise, the relentless defense, and enough offensive firepower to make any opposing team feel like things are completely off the rails. You bet that game got “out of whack” if our boys were letting loose. It sounds like the Emerald City probably showed the Cardinals exactly what happens when you underestimate the grit and grind coming out of Lumen Field. Campbell then went on to praise the Cardinals’ ability to score, their offensive weapons, and their defense’s different looks and length, even calling Budda Baker “problematic” and Michael Wilson the guy who “runs the show.” He even name-dropped Roy Lopez as a “lunch pail guy” who’ll make you earn it. It’s clear they’re expecting Arizona’s best, and both teams are desperate for a win.
Everyone Thinks the Lions Win, But Will It Be Enough?
Despite Campbell’s respect for Arizona, the vibe from the “Pride of Detroit” staff is a unanimous Lions victory. They’re predicting some high-scoring affairs, too. Morgan Cannon and Brandon Knapp are both calling for 34-27 and 38-24 wins respectively. Ryan Mathews thinks it’ll be a blowout, 42-17. Jeremy Reisman sees a closer one at 38-37. Alex Reno and Ty Schalter have them winning 31-27 and 33-20. Erik Schlitt and Meko Scott are looking at 31-24 and 38-17. Zac Snyder’s picking 30-25, John Whiticar has 33-30. Even the guys who are 2-2 on the season, Anthony Balaj and Al Karsten, are picking Lions wins, 45-20 and 34-31, with Jerry Mallory at 30-20. Every single one of them is predicting a W for Detroit.
So, the experts are confident, but can the Lions actually pull it off and make that bye week a period of rest and minor adjustments, instead of an absolute panic button situation? This game is everything for them heading into their break. Will they finally get above .500, or will the Cardinals put them in an even deeper hole? Get ready, because this one’s gonna be a battle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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