Arizona Cardinals vs Chicago Bears Picks and Predictions November 3rd 2024

Bears Seek Redemption Against Rising Cardinals After Crushing Loss

The Chicago Bears head to Arizona with hopes of bouncing back after a gut-wrenching last-second loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite holding a superior 4-3 record compared to the Arizona Cardinals’ 4-4, the Bears still find themselves as slight underdogs on the road, possibly due to the devastating Hail Mary that cost them a win and raised questions about head coach Matt Eberflus’s game management.

Bears Reeling from a Painful Ending

Chicago’s last-minute heartbreak was sparked by a 52-yard Hail Mary pass that gave Washington an improbable win. Criticism has been directed at Coach Eberflus, who chose not to call a timeout before the final play, leaving his defense unprepared. Eberflus also caught heat for dismissing a 13-yard pass preceding the Hail Mary as harmless — an oversight that ultimately proved costly. Meanwhile, Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson’s lapse in concentration as he was seen facing the wrong direction and taunting fans during the Hail Mary also added to the scrutiny.

“We had a good conversation,” Eberflus said of his discussion with Stevenson. “It’s all about accountability and execution, and that starts with me. The game didn’t finish the way we wanted.”

Quarterback Caleb Williams noted that the team captains had a candid talk with Eberflus following the game, describing it as a “grown-man talk,” emphasizing accountability without heated emotions.

Cardinals Riding High on a Hot Streak

While the Bears grapple with internal issues, the Cardinals have won three of their last four games, marking their best run since 2021. Veteran kicker Chad Ryland has come up clutch with game-winning field goals in each victory, helping Arizona edge out San Francisco, the Chargers, and Miami in nail-biters.

A primary key to Arizona’s recent success has been their pass rush. In their four victories, the Cardinals notched 11 sacks, thanks to veteran Dennis Gardeck and second-year tackle Dante Stills, each of whom has three sacks. This defensive pressure has made a significant difference compared to their losses, where they’ve managed just four sacks across four games.

“We’ve got to continue to find ways to affect the passer,” said Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon. “This week is a big challenge because (Caleb Williams) forces you to play differently on defense.”

The Cardinals may receive a boost with the potential debut of rookie defensive tackle Darius Robinson, who was recently activated from the injury list and could be ready for action after recovering from a preseason calf injury.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

The Bears enter the game with a few key defensive players potentially unavailable. Starting safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and nickel back Kyler Gordon (hamstring) are still on the injury report after missing last week’s game. Defensive end Montez Sweat (shin) is also a question mark for Sunday.

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On the Cardinals’ side, offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (groin) and rookie Darius Robinson (calf) missed practice, though cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting practiced in full and appears ready to play.

A Familiar Coaching Connection

A warm moment will likely take place before the game as former colleagues and friends, Eberflus and Gannon, meet on the field. Gannon, now in his second year as head coach of the Cardinals, spent three years with Eberflus on the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff, with Eberflus as defensive coordinator and Gannon as defensive backs coach.

“People ask me about him all the time. The first thing that comes to my mind is elite leadership skills,” Gannon said. “I learned so much from him. He’s been a really cool resource for me, and I love his family.”

The Stakes Are High in Arizona

The Bears are looking for a redemptive win after a tumultuous week, while the Cardinals aim to stay competitive in the NFC West with a potential fourth win in five games. The stakes are high for both teams, with Chicago desperate to right the ship and Arizona riding a wave of momentum and improved performance.

With the Bears’ struggles in defending the pass and the Cardinals’ ability to close games late, the outcome may hinge on whether Chicago’s defense can contain Arizona’s red-hot offensive players. For both Eberflus and Gannon, this matchup presents a critical opportunity to reinforce their teams’ standings and build upon the lessons they’ve learned from one another.