ARIZONA — During the first quarter of their Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans, the Arizona Cardinals experienced a setback as running back Bam Knight had to be carted off the field due to an ankle injury sustained on his first carry of the game. The team has listed Knight as questionable to return, with reports indicating that he hobbled to the sideline in visible pain.
In the wake of Knight’s injury, Emari Demercado, who is rejoining the team after his own recent injury, is expected to take on a larger role alongside Michael Carter in the Cardinals’ backfield. This situation highlights the ongoing injury troubles that have plagued the Cardinals this season, following the earlier losses of key players James Conner and Trey Benson.
As the season progresses, Arizona has notably shifted its offensive strategy. With the ground game struggling to gain traction, they have adopted a more pass-heavy approach, which has led to an imbalance in their offensive dynamic. Recently, the Cardinals have thrown the ball more than any other team in the league while their rushing attempts per game rank 31st.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed these challenges, emphasizing that stats alone do not depict the full picture. He acknowledged the reality of being down key players and how it limits the running game, often forcing the team to prioritize passing in order to preserve possession. Gannon pointed out that when defenses anticipate a pass-heavy attack, they gain the advantage, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced offense.
Gannon’s insights suggest that while it is crucial to adapt to the strengths of the players on hand, an efficient running game is essential to keep opposing defenses under pressure. The hope remains that as players return and the season progresses, the Cardinals can regain some balance in their offensive strategy, contributing to potential success moving forward. The team will navigate these challenges as they aim to capitalize on the abilities of their remaining players while overcoming injury setbacks.