2012 Opponent Preview: Arizona Cardinals face Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers
Opponent preview of Arizona Cardinals continues as we head to Week 7 and 8 of the regular season. We have previously previewed the first six weeks of the season. Both of these games will be tough for Cardinals.
Week 7: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings finished the last season with 3-13. It was a poor show, but it was expected. Vikings have been in a rebuilding process for the last few seasons.
Vikings offence is average at most. They have quarterback Christian Ponder who had a fairly well rookie season last year.
This year Vikings will be hoping that Ponder becomes more efficient and productive after passing one year in the league.
Running back Adrian Peterson is fit again and will likely start this season. He has been an integral part of the Vikings offence and was fairly missed during his injury period.
The strong point of Vikings is their defensive team that has players like Kevin Williams and Jared Allen.
Last year, Allen almost broke the record of the highest number of sacks in a season. He scored a total of 22.0 sacks.
Vikings and Cardinals faced each other in the last season and the game was won by the former 34-10.
Cardinals are favourites to win this game as they are better than Vikings in many departments.
Head-to-Head
Cardinals and Vikings have played 24 games versus each other. Vikings have won 14 games, while Cardinals have managed to win 10.
Week 8: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are coming up with a very strong and deep roster this season. They have signed some players on the roster already filled with immense talent.
They have completely furnished their passing game with the addition of A.J. Jenkins, Mario Manningham and Randy Moss this year.
This will overwhelmingly benefit quarterback Alex Smiths’ output. Smith’s production this season will be very important for 49ers in their charge towards the playoffs.
It will be a very difficult task for the Cardinals to surpass the 49ers defence.
Both these sides faced each other in December last year. It was a sensational game that was surprisingly won by Cardinals 21-19. These two teams will play two games against each other this season.
Head-to-Head
Cardinals and 49ers have played 41 games against each other. 49ers have won 24 games and Cardinals have won 17 games.
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