Jimmy Casey ‘22

Sports Editor

The Cardinals are a Juggernaut

Arizona is hot, and I’m not talking about the temperature. The Cardinals have been the most dominant team in the league thus far. Sitting at a perfect 6-0 record following Sunday’s win, Arizona looks every bit the title contender that many believed they could be. Quarterback Kyler Murray has dazzled through the first six games, throwing for 14 touchdowns and rushing for three more. He’s surrounded by a star-studded group, headlined by wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. It seems like every time they have the ball there’s another skilled player shredding the opposing team’s defense, whether it be Chase Edmonds, AJ Green, Rondale Moore, or the seemingly 10 other dynamites they have on their roster. This attack combined with a solid defense that features both seasoned veterans and budding young stars has led the Cardinals to the top of the NFL. While a lot of people probably expect Arizona to slow down, I believe they’ll only get better. Now, I understand they’ll likely lose a couple games, but I think they’re really this good. Kyler Murray is playing at an MVP level and their weapons are incredible. So, I’ll say it – I predict the Cardinals will lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season. BOOK IT!

Trevon Diggs Isn’t Going to Stop 

Trevon Diggs’s ascent to super-stardom has been a sight to see. The Cowboys’ cornerback has seven (yes, seven) interceptions through the team’s first six games, including two that he returned for touchdowns. This is an unprecedented feat for a cornerback to reach, especially considering the talent that we see at the quarterback position in today’s NFL. There hasn’t been a defensive player with 11 or more interceptions since 1981. Diggs has 11 more games to eclipse that number. Because of this record start, most NFL heads believe Diggs’s production will inevitably slow down. Personally, I don’t. I think Diggs’s dominance will continue, only regressing marginally in the last 11 games of the season. His instincts and hands have been otherworldly thus far, and I don’t see that going away. Look for Diggs to continue his historic season and run away with the NFC Defensive Player of the Year Award. 

The Chiefs Are Actually in Trouble (Kind Of)

The talk about Kansas City’s rocky start has been exhausted through the first six weeks of the season, as the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs sit at 3-3 on the year. Mahomes has been uncharacteristically sloppy to start the season, as he’s thrown eight interceptions through just six games, tied for second worst in the NFL at this point. And while his struggles are what a lot of people are talking about, my main concern lies on the defensive side of the ball. At this point, I’d call it generous to say that their defense looks like Swiss cheese. It’s been that bad. They’ve given up 400+ total yards and 30+ points in four out of six games. Kansas City can’t stop anyone, and there’s no end in sight. Personnel change can only do so much, and it won’t solve the problems this defense seems to have. I wouldn’t be surprised if Patrick Mahomes goes wild and rights the ship for Kansas City, but, in my opinion, I don’t see them getting back to the AFC Championship, let alone the Super Bowl.