Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals: Pregame Q&A with Raising Zona

Checking up on the Arizona Cardinals with Raising Zona’s Scott Allen ahead of their meeting with the Detroit Lions in week 5 of the 2015 NFL season.

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians (left) speaks with Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week five of the 2015 NFL season is upon us which means the Detroit Lions are set to host the Arizona Cardinals. To get a feel for the Cardinals side of things, I got together with Scott Allen of Raising Zona for a pregame Q&A.

Below are my questions followed by Scott’s Answers.

1. The Cardinals limped to the finish line last year, particularly with injuries at quarterback so how are fans feeling about expectations with Carson Palmer back healthy?

"They hold their breath every time he takes a hard hit but he’s gotten up after every one so far this season, albeit only four games in. Fans for the most part are estatic about the way he is playing. With 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions so far, it sure is nice to have number 3 back there again. I even suggested right before the season started that he was an MVP candidate. Guys like Aaron Rodgers might have a say in that but its how I and a lot of others feel about his ability to carry this team."

2. What has been the key to David Johnson bursting on the scene with so much force as a rookie and what do the Lions need to do to slow him down?

"David Johnson had a great first two weeks against the Saints and Bears. He didn’t see much action against the 49ers and although he scored the Cards lone touchdown against the Rams he really cost the Cardinals in the 24-22 loss this past Sunday. There is no doubt he is a versatile talent like Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson. He is bigger than Ellington so should be able to take some hits. However he dropped a sure touchdown against the Rams and fumbled the opening kickoff to allow the Rams to get on the board early. This though was two weeks after returning the opening kickoff a franchise-record 108 yards for a touchdown. He runs hard and is hard to bring down but as Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said last Sunday, “he played like a rookie”. That’s where the concern is right now. He is young and still learning, so that is where the Lions can take advantage."

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