DAN BICKLEY

What stands out across Arizona Cardinals’ 2021 schedule

May 12, 2021, 6:27 PM | Updated: May 13, 2021, 11:35 am

Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after converting a two-point conver...

Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after converting a two-point conversion against the Detroit Lions during the final moments of the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

There is no great reveal accompanying the NFL’s schedule release. We have known for months who the Cardinals are playing in 2021.

It’s the sequencing of opponents that makes the exercise so irresistible. It’s a chance for football fans to predict win totals and set expectations based on conventional wisdom, on what they remember from the previous season.

That’s the folly of it all. Mainly, because football teams and their intentions rarely stay the same from one year to another.

Smart fans look for timing of the bye week (Week 12); quality of opposing quarterbacks (nine opponents feature new quarterbacks or uncertainty at the position); number of prime-time appearances on national television (three, all at home); potential bad weather games (the only outdoor road game after Week 13 is in Southern California); and daunting road trips (not many).

The highlights:

at Tennessee:

The first game of the season comes on the road, against an 11-win team that is physical and well-coached. Zaven Collins will start his NFL career by staring down Derrick Henry, a steamrolling running back who rushed for over 200 yards on three different occasions in 2021. Also, new cornerback Malcolm Butler gets to lock up a former teammate, star receiver A.J. Brown.

This is a tall task but nothing motivates football players like fear. The Titans in Week 1 will certainly keep the Cardinals focused during the drudgery of training camp.

vs. Minnesota:

Home opener marks the homecoming of Patrick Peterson. Don’t expect a Ring of Honor ceremony. Second consecutive week facing an impact running back (Dalvin Cook). First big test for revamped secondary (Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen).

at Jacksonville:

Cards likely to face a rookie quarterback (Trevor Lawrence) in his third NFL start.

at L.A. Rams:

Cardinals still haven’t beaten Sean McVay, who is 8-0 against Arizona as head coach. It will be even more difficult against Matthew Stafford, the new quarterback in L.A.

vs. San Francisco:

A second consecutive NFC West battle following a series of September challenges make this a daunting home game.

at Cleveland:

Rematch between Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield, Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks from Oklahoma.

vs. Houston:

Expect DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt to have monstrous games. And for David Johnson to spend much of the afternoon running from sideline to sideline.

at Green Bay:

The Cardinals host the Packers on Thursday Night Football. The platform only makes sense if Aaron Rodgers is still playing for Green Bay, a quarterback with a history of astonishing performances at State Farm Stadium.

at San Francisco:

How many fans will be allowed to attend games in California?

vs. Carolina:

The Cardinals have lost five consecutive games to the Panthers, including two painful playoff losses. Revenge!

at Seattle:

Road games in the Pacific Northwest always bring out the best in the Cardinals, and this one comes with the reward of a prolonged rest after it’s over.

BYE:

Week 12 is a little deep into the schedule for a bye week, but better later than early.

at Bears:

Late November football in Chicago. And I bet J.J. Watt still plays without sleeves. Bears will enter the game with additional, as one of six teams who will play on Thanksgiving the previous week. Cardinals will be even better rested, as they are coming off their bye week.

vs. L.A. Rams:

The Cardinals get a Monday Night Football berth, against an opponent that has routinely blown the doors of Arizona in the past four years.

at Detroit:

Cards know the Lions all too well, having played the NFC North squad seven times in the past eight years. And Jared Goff won’t be nearly as dangerous without Sean McVay pulling his strings.

vs. Colts:

Christmas night football in Arizona. Prepare for an onslaught of “Murray Christmas” jokes, quotes and anecdotes.

at Dallas:

Kyler Murray is 7-0 at AT&T Stadium, including three state championships and a Big 12 championship.

vs. Seattle:

Let’s hope this game means something. And let’s hope the Cardinals learn how to finish games and seasons a lot better than they did in 2020.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Dan Bickley

Mike Conley plays to the T-Wolves crowd in a Game 2 win against the Suns...

Dan Bickley

Suns look more ready for offseason than playoff run after Game 2 loss to T-Wolves

The best three players in the Suns' Game 2 loss were all Timberwolves. Phoenix seems ready for a long offseason more than a playoff run.

4 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant need to come for a victory & vengeance in Game 2

Tuesday's Bickley Blast calls for Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to show some emotion ahead of Game 2 against the Timberwolves.

15 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Who is this Phoenix Suns team and where are they going?

While Phoenix Suns fans are looking for silver linings following their playoff opening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dan Bickley questions this team and its motives ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday.

2 days ago

Devin Booker drives against Karl-Anthony Towns...

Dan Bickley

Suns’ psychological edge vanished with Game 1 Timberwolves win

The Suns lost more than a basketball game on Saturday. They lost their edge and their psychological advantage.

3 days ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Is the relocation of Coyotes a warning sign for the remaining Arizona sports teams?

After how quickly Arizona lost its NHL franchise, Dan Bickley wonders if area teams need to take note of the events that led to the departure of the Coyotes.

5 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have a ‘Golden Summer’

Dan Bickley askes if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can wins a gold medal and an NBA championship in the same summer during his Bickley Blast.

6 days ago

What stands out across Arizona Cardinals’ 2021 schedule