Thursday, September 28, 2023

Arizona Cardinals Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Arizona Cardinals in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Biggest issue on offense: Second-half production

The Cardinals have scored just 18 points in six second-half quarters this season, leading to a minus-29 second-half point margin. Just two touchdowns in the second half, compared to four in the first, have cost them wins in their first two games. Arizona can't seem to move to the ball after halftime, either. It's averaging 3.6 yards per carry in the second half against 7.1 in the first. Should Arizona figure out a way to recreate its first-half productivity after the break, it'll defy expectations this season and continue to win games. -- Josh Weinfuss

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

The time is nigh for Drew Petzing to get some shine. A first-year offensive coordinator, Petzing has shown creativity and purpose in his game plans, especially early in contests during the scripted portions. That was clear against the Commanders and Giants, but it really became obvious against a Cowboys defense that had dominated its first two opponents. Joshua Dobbs and the read-option game neutralized Dallas' pass rush early on and put the 'Boys on their heels. Dobbs has held up well and made the most of his chance as the starter, while players such as James Conner and Rondale Moore look reborn. This team has been a lot better than I imagined it would be early, so credit where it's due: Jonathan Gannon is off to a solid start.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 26

Give this team credit for beating the Cowboys in impressive fashion. They are 1-2 and have been in every game. So much for the tanking idea.

USA Today -- Rank: 27

Props to QB Joshua Dobbs, notching his first-ever NFL win in his seventh season — and against Dallas' vaunted defense. Dobbs will never be mistaken for Kyler Murray physically, but this team and its fans have to love the physical and mental toughness he brings on every snap.

The Athletic -- Rank: 27

QB confidence rating: 6

The Cardinals traded a fifth-round pick to the Browns for Joshua Dobbs on Aug. 24, and he's been just fine. Arizona isn't asking much. His 82 attempts are 30th among starters, but he's completing 72 percent of those passes, which ranks fourth in the league. Dobbs is just a placeholder for whomever Arizona drafts next year, but he's a serviceable one.

FOX -- Rank: 24

Someone clearly forgot to tell the Cardinals they're supposedly tanking. Jonathan Gannon has been treated like an NFL laughingstock for most of his brief tenure with the Cardinals, but nobody's laughing now. This team has come to play all three weeks so far, and it was finally rewarded with a statement win against a big favorite. Arizona completely outplayed and embarrassed a Dallas team that was favored by two touchdowns.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 28

Joshua Dobbs is a fun story. He spent last season on the Browns and then the Lions' practice squad before the Titans signed him out of desperation late in the year, making him their starter for the final two games. He was 27, had never started an NFL game and had thrown just 17 career passes. He played OK with the Titans, signed back with the Browns this offseason, and then the Cardinals traded for him a little more than two weeks before the season to be their starter. Dobbs has played very well considering the circumstances, and Sunday he experienced his first win as a starting quarterback. That's a rare path.

PFT -- Rank: 21

Think of how good they could be if their offseason decisions prioritized winning this year.

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