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Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts Preseason Game Analysis - August 17, 2024

The NFL preseason is in full swing, and the Arizona Cardinals will be traveling to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are looking to rebound after losing their preseason openers, making this an important game for evaluating depth and addressing key issues before the regular season. This analysis will break down the latest odds, team performance, coaching strategies, and more, culminating in a prediction for the game.

Game Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Over/Under
Arizona Cardinals	+3.5 (-110)	+165	Over 36.5 (-120)
Indianapolis Colts	-3.5 (-110)	-195	Under 36.5 (EVEN)

Team Analysis

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals enter this matchup following a narrow 16-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints in their preseason opener. Despite the loss, there were some positive takeaways, particularly the performance of rookie quarterback Clayton Tune, who completed 15-of-24 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Tune demonstrated poise in the pocket and an ability to make plays, though the offense as a whole struggled to convert on third down, going just 3-for-12 in those situations.

The Cardinals' running game was led by Michael Carter, who rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Carter’s performance was one of the few bright spots in a ground attack that otherwise struggled to find consistency. In the receiving corps, Dan Chisena stood out with five receptions for 63 yards, showing good chemistry with Tune. However, the Cardinals will need more from their other receivers, especially with Emari Demercado listed as questionable for this game.

Defensively, the Cardinals held their own against the Saints, particularly in the red zone, where they limited New Orleans to just one touchdown on three trips. However, the Cardinals struggled to generate pressure, recording only one sack, and their secondary gave up several big plays. With linebacker BJ Ojulari on injured reserve, the Cardinals' pass rush could be a concern, and they’ll need others to step up against the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are also looking to bounce back after a 34-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener. The Colts' offense showed flashes of potential but was hampered by turnovers, including an interception thrown by Sam Ehlinger, who completed 5-of-6 passes for 80 yards. The Colts' quarterback room remains a point of interest, with Ehlinger competing for the backup role behind Anthony Richardson.

On the ground, the Colts were led by Jalon Bean, who rushed for 24 yards on four carries. Bean’s performance was solid, but the Colts' running game lacked explosiveness, with the offensive line struggling to create consistent running lanes. In the passing game, D.J. Montgomery led the team with 45 receiving yards on two catches, including a 30-yard reception that highlighted his big-play ability. The Colts will be looking for more consistent production from their skill players in this game.

Defensively, the Colts had a mixed showing against the Broncos. While they managed to force a turnover and record two sacks, they also allowed 388 total yards, including 250 through the air. Injuries could play a role in this game, with cornerback JuJu Brents and defensive end Genard Avery both listed as questionable. The Colts will need a stronger performance from their secondary to contain the Cardinals’ passing attack.

Coaching Analysis

Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Gannon

Jonathan Gannon, the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is entering his first season at the helm after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Gannon is known for his defensive expertise, and his impact was evident in the Cardinals' opener, where the defense showed improvement in the red zone. However, Gannon will need to address the team’s struggles in generating pressure and converting on third down offensively. His ability to make in-game adjustments and develop young talent will be crucial as the Cardinals continue to rebuild.

Indianapolis Colts - Shane Steichen

Shane Steichen, also in his first year as head coach, was previously the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, where he was instrumental in the development of Justin Herbert. Steichen’s offensive philosophy emphasizes a balanced attack and the use of play-action, which was on display in the Colts’ opener. However, the team’s turnovers and inconsistency on both sides of the ball will be areas of focus as Steichen prepares for this game. Steichen’s experience in developing quarterbacks will be particularly valuable as the Colts evaluate their depth at the position.

Recent Performance

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have had a rough stretch over their last five games, dating back to the end of the 2023 regular season. The team finished last season with four losses in their final five games, including a narrow loss to the Seahawks in the season finale. Their preseason opener against the Saints was another close defeat, as the Cardinals struggled to execute in key situations, particularly on third down and in the red zone.

Offensively, the Cardinals have been inconsistent, with a rotating cast of quarterbacks and a running game that has yet to find its rhythm. The defense has shown potential, particularly in limiting scoring opportunities, but injuries and a lack of pass rush have been ongoing concerns. The Cardinals will need a more complete performance if they hope to secure a win in this game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have also experienced a turbulent stretch, losing three of their last five games, including their preseason opener against the Broncos. The Colts’ offense has shown flashes of explosiveness, particularly in the passing game, but turnovers and inconsistent play have hampered their overall performance. The defense has been solid against the run but has struggled in pass coverage, particularly in giving up big plays downfield.

Despite these challenges, the Colts have been competitive in most of their recent games, and there is optimism that the team can build on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. With a new coaching staff in place, the Colts are still adjusting to new systems on both sides of the ball, making this game an important step in their development process.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts have not faced each other frequently in recent years, with their last regular-season meeting coming in 2021, a game the Colts won 22-16. Historically, the Colts have had the upper hand in the series, winning four of the last five meetings. However, preseason games are less about historical records and more about evaluating current rosters and schemes.

In this matchup, the Colts appear to have the edge, particularly on offense, where they have shown more explosiveness and depth. The Cardinals will need a strong performance from their defense to contain the Colts’ passing attack and create opportunities for their offense. Both teams have areas of concern, but the Colts’ home-field advantage and recent success against the Cardinals give them a slight edge in this game.

ATS Records

In the 2023 regular season, the Arizona Cardinals were 7-10 against the spread (ATS), reflecting their inconsistent performance throughout the year. The Cardinals have struggled to cover the spread in games where they were underdogs, and their preseason opener against the Saints was another close loss where they failed to cover. The spread for this game, with the Cardinals as 3.5-point underdogs, reflects the uncertainty surrounding their roster and performance.

The Indianapolis Colts were 8-9 ATS in the 2023 season, including a 4-5 ATS record at home. The Colts have been a reliable team to bet on, particularly in close games where they have consistently covered the spread. Their preseason opener against the Broncos was a high-scoring affair, and while they failed to cover the spread, the Colts have shown the ability to bounce back in subsequent games. The spread for this game, with the Colts favored by 3.5 points, suggests confidence in their ability to win at home.

Betting Stats and Trends

Arizona Cardinals

• The Cardinals are 0-1 ATS in the 2024 preseason, failing to cover the spread against the New Orleans Saints.
• Arizona is 2-3 ATS in their last five games overall, including the regular season.
• The total has gone under in three of the Cardinals' last five games, including preseason and regular season.
• The Cardinals have covered the spread in just one of their last four games as an underdog.

Indianapolis Colts

• The Colts are 0-1 ATS in the 2024 preseason, failing to cover the spread against the Denver Broncos.
• Indianapolis is 3-2 ATS in their last five games overall, including the regular season.
• The total has gone over in four of the Colts' last five games, including preseason and regular season.
• The Colts have covered the spread in four of their last six games at home.

Player Spotlight

Arizona Cardinals - Clayton Tune

Clayton Tune, the Cardinals’ rookie quarterback, was a bright spot in their preseason opener, throwing for 163 yards and a touchdown. Tune’s poise and accuracy have been impressive, particularly for a young player, and he will be looking to build on his strong performance in this game. With the Cardinals’ starting quarterback position still up for grabs, Tune has an opportunity to make his case and secure a spot on the roster.

Indianapolis Colts - Sam Ehlinger

Sam Ehlinger, the Colts’ backup quarterback, had a mixed performance in the preseason opener, completing 5-of-6 passes for 80 yards but also throwing an interception. Ehlinger is competing for the backup role behind Anthony Richardson, and his ability to bounce back from mistakes and lead the offense will be crucial in this game. Ehlinger’s decision-making and ability to protect the football will be key factors in determining the Colts’ success against the Cardinals.

Injury Impact

Injuries could play a significant role in this game, particularly for the Arizona Cardinals, who have several key players listed as questionable. Running back Emari Demercado and linebacker BJ Ojulari are both questionable, and their absence could weaken the Cardinals on both sides of the ball. Without Demercado, the Cardinals’ running game could struggle to find consistency, while the defense could be vulnerable without Ojulari’s presence in the pass rush.

The Indianapolis Colts are also dealing with injuries, particularly on defense, where cornerback JuJu Brents and defensive end Genard Avery are both questionable. The absence of these key players could impact the Colts’ ability to stop the run and defend against the pass. Additionally, wide receiver Ashton Dulin is questionable, which could limit the Colts’ options in the passing game. The coaching staff will need to make adjustments and rely on their depth to maintain their competitive edge.

Weather and Venue Impact

The weather for this game is expected to be mild, with temperatures around 82 degrees in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, provides a controlled environment with its retractable roof, ensuring that weather conditions will not be a factor during the game. The stadium’s atmosphere is known for being one of the loudest in the NFL, even during the preseason, and the Colts will look to use their home-field advantage to build momentum and put on a strong performance for their fans.

The Arizona Cardinals will need to be prepared for the noise and atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium, as it can be a challenging environment for visiting teams. The Colts, meanwhile, will look to leverage their home-field advantage, even in a preseason setting, as they seek to rebound from their opening loss and build confidence heading into the regular season.

Historical Context

The Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts have a limited history, with just a handful of regular-season meetings over the years. The Colts have traditionally been one of the stronger teams in the AFC, while the Cardinals have fluctuated in performance, leading to a relatively lopsided series. The most recent meeting between these two teams came in 2021, a game the Colts won 22-16, highlighting their ability to grind out close victories.

This preseason game marks a rare opportunity for the Cardinals and Colts to face off in a non-competitive setting, providing both teams with an opportunity to evaluate their rosters and build momentum for the regular season. The Colts will be looking to continue their success against the Cardinals, while Arizona will be aiming to reverse the trend and secure a win on the road.

Prediction