The Denver Broncos enter Week 7 looking to build on their 17-14 overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks, while the Arizona Cardinals arrive after an 18–16 upset of the Los Angeles Rams. The teams have had contrasting starts to the season, but both have shown that their defense can win games even when the offenses struggle.
Denver’s defense has kept the team competitive, but Bo Nix and the running game have struggled to deliver consistent production. Arizona can exploit those problems if its defense continues to force difficult third downs and create pressure. Denver should be the favorite on paper, but overlooking a Cardinals team coming off a divisional win could turn this into an uncomfortable afternoon.
Cardinals’ Defense Is Becoming a Serious Test for Bo Nix
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The Cardinals held the Rams to 16 points in their Week 6 win, showing an ability to make stops when the game is on the line. Safety Budda Baker remains a key presence in the secondary, while defensive lineman Darius Robinson gives Arizona another impact player to watch in the trenches. The Cardinals will need that same discipline against Denver if they want to turn that upset win into a winning streak.
Meanwhile, Denver’s passing game has lacked consistency, and the struggling ground attack has made life harder for its quarterback. Arizona can capitalize by disrupting the pocket and forcing Nix into hurried throws. The Broncos’ offensive line must give him time to work through his reads, while the defense needs to contain Trey McBride and the Cardinals’ other playmakers. If Arizona controls the tempo, Denver could find itself in a tight game again.
Jacoby Brissett Must Find Answers Against Denver’s Defense
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has produced some numbers, but Arizona needs more consistency from him. Through six games, he has thrown for 1,328 yards and nine touchdowns, with six interceptions. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 218 yards against the Rams, but Arizona failed to score a touchdown in the 18–16 victory, relying on six field goals. That formula will be difficult to repeat against Denver’s defense.
The Broncos have recorded 18 sacks through six games, ranking second in the NFL. With linebacker Jonathon Cooper eligible to return after his removal from the Commissioner’s Exempt List, Denver could gain another vital edge defender. Brissett will need to get the ball out quickly and avoid costly mistakes if Arizona hopes to pull off another upset.
Trey McBride Is Arizona’s Offensive X-Factor
McBride has become Brissett’s most dependable target. Through six games, the Cardinals’ tight end has recorded 49 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns. His 65 targets underline how heavily Arizona relies on him in the passing game. McBride can create mismatches against linebackers, find open space between zones and turn short catches into meaningful gains.
The Broncos need disciplined linebacker play and help from their safeties to keep him from becoming Brissett’s easy outlet under pressure. If Denver forces Arizona to rely on less-established receiving options, it can make the Cardinals’ offense more predictable. With both teams leaning on their defenses, his performance could be one of the biggest factors in deciding the outcome.
More on the Denver Broncos
- Two Worries and Three Encouraging Signs for the Broncos vs. the Cardinals in Week 7
- Trey McBride’s 49 Catches and 2 Other Things That Should Scare the Broncos About the Cardinals
- NFL Analyst Floats a Bo Nix Benching in Arizona After the Shortest Passing Start in 20 Years
- Broncos Announce RB Move After J.K. Dobbins’ 41 Yard Game
