NFL Game of the Week: Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals

It’s an NFC showdown this upcoming Sunday as the Detroit Lions get set to travel west to take on the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals will be coming off their first victory of the season, defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a 41-10 lopsided affair.

Arizona’s offense looked fantastic last Sunday, and a big reason for that was Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison was able to rack up four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns against a Rams secondary that had no answers all day.

It wasn’t just the passing game that worked well for the Cards. James Conner was able to produce his 15th career 100-yard rushing performance Sunday as well as a touchdown.

Quarterback play has also not skipped a beat this year. Kyler Murray is finally healthy this year and has yet to throw an interception.

Expect Murray and this offense to continue to pour it on once again this Sunday. We may have just seen a preview of what this offense can be for many years to come.

As for the Lions, they fell to Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-16.

After winning against the Rams in Week 1, Detroit's offense did not play up to expectations, especially with their quarterback play.

Even though Jared Goff threw for over 300 yards, he could not find the endzone and threw two interceptions.

Despite the weapons at Goff’s disposal, it is important to know about how dangerous the run game is for the Lions.

David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are arguably the most formidable backfield in the league, as they both have combined good numbers as a running back duo.

The run game was in full effect in the Week 1 overtime victory against the Rams. That said, the run game played a big role in overtime, providing 60 of the 70 yards in the period.

Both players combined for 119 rushing yards in Week 2.

Montgomery had 35 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs had 84 yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

The run game for Detroit I feel will be crucial in keeping up with the high-flying Cardinals offense.

Goff had to throw the ball 55 times last week, which is something Dan Campbell will certainly want to figure out for Sunday’s clash.

As long as the run game is back in full effect this week, the Lions could maintain possession for the majority of the game.

However, this game could certainly go into a shootout. Both offenses have high-quality receivers and speed.

Kyler Murray may not be one of those receivers, but he is very dynamic in the pocket and can make plays work with his elite speed and quickness.

Alongside the impressive rookie Maserati Marv, the Cardinals offense seems to finally be figuring out their offense after last week.

As for the Lions, they have pro bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown and talented second-year receiver Jameson Williams, to go along with the aforementioned run game.

All in all, both offenses will be looking to shine on Sunday.

Will this game come down to a shootout? Or will the defenses have any answers?

We will find out this Sunday afternoon in the desert.

Ben Barker is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bsb5566@psu.edu.