PHOENIX – The Falcons will look to snap their three-game losing skid on Sunday when they take on the Arizona Cardinals (1-3-1) at State Farm Stadium.
The Cardinals are coming off an emotional first win of the season – and of new coach Kliff Kingsbury's career – over the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Here are five things to know about Atlanta's upcoming opponent:
Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray hitting his stride
The Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick the 2019 NFL Draft. After hiring Kliff Kingsbury to be their new head coach, the Cardinals went all in on the duo of Murray and Kingsbury.
Murray, one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, appears to be hitting his stride five games in. In the 26-23 win over the Bengals, Murray led the team in rushing yards with 93.
Not only has Murray been impressive on the ground, he's been accurate in the passing game. Murray has thrown for 1,324 yards and four touchdowns. The Cardinals have the No. 17th-ranked passing offense with Murray at the helm.
Kingsbury provides blueprint for success
The Cardinals are still in the process of figuring out their identity as an offense with Murray and Kingsbury both in their first year in the NFL.
But it appears they might have found something to build on in their win against the Bengals.
Arizona rushed for 266 yards in Week 5. The Cardinals found success in their rushing attack by committee – Murray led the pack with 93 yards and running backs David Johnson and Chase Edmonds combined for 159 yards.
The Falcons rank No. 19 against the run allowing 120.8 yards per game.
Larry Fitzgerald still capable of making plays
The future Hall of Famer is in his 16th season and still making plays for the Cardinals. In his career, Fitzgerald has caught 1,332 passes for 16,637 yards and 118 touchdowns.
At 36 years old, he's still a weapon the Falcons' secondary will have to account for. Fitzgerald has caught 29 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Cardinals' defense having trouble forcing turnovers
The Cardinals' defense has yet to record an interception this season. Matt Ryan has thrown seven interceptions so far and the Falcons sit at minus-five in the turnover margin.
This game could come down to who takes care of the football best.
Another week, another pass-rushing duo
Between Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs, the Cardinals have had success getting to the quarterback. Suggs and Jones have combined for 7.5 of Arizona's 12 total sacks and the Falcons will have their hands full containing them.
The Cardinals rank No. 16 in the NFL in sacks recorded through five games.
