Cardinals Face Formidable Texans Defense Amid Injury Woes and Mounting Pressure
The Arizona Cardinals are limping into Week 15 with a 3-10 record, already eliminated from playoff contention and staring down a brutal matchup against the NFL’s top-ranked defense. While the Houston Texans might not be a divisional foe, they present a challenge that could be even more punishing than what Arizona has faced in the NFC West this season.
There’s no sugarcoating it - this one could get rough.
A Season Spiraling, But Stakes Still Exist
The Cardinals are coming off a lopsided loss to the Rams, and things don’t get any easier this weekend. Even with Houston’s offense being up and down, their defense has been nothing short of elite. Combine that with Arizona’s ongoing struggles to consistently move the ball - especially outside of garbage time - and it’s easy to see why this matchup is raising red flags.
Yes, the postseason is off the table, but that doesn’t mean these final four games are meaningless. In fact, they might be more important than ever for Jonathan Gannon and his staff. While there’s been no serious talk about job security, a string of blowout losses to end the year - especially if it finishes at 1-14 - could force some tough conversations in the front office.
Draft position is nice, but in the NFL, wins still matter - even in December, even when the playoffs are out of reach. At some point, this team needs to show signs of life, something tangible to build on. That’s easier said than done, especially with the Texans coming to town.
The Matchup: Best Defense vs. Battered Offense
Let’s talk about the trenches, because that’s where this game might be decided - and quickly.
Houston, under DeMeco Ryans, has built a defense that’s not just good - it’s dominant. The Texans lead the league in points allowed (208) and total yards allowed per game (266.3). They’re also holding opponents to just 172 passing yards and 94.3 rushing yards per game - both top-five marks in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s offense ranks 15th in total yardage (335.5), but that number is inflated by late-game drives in blowouts. Don’t expect those same opportunities this week. Houston hasn’t been blowing teams out, but they also haven’t been giving up soft yardage late in games.
Scoring-wise, the Cardinals are putting up just 21.7 offensive points per game - 11th-worst in the league. That’s a tough number to bring into a game against the league’s stingiest defense.
The Offensive Line: A Major Concern
Things go from bad to worse when you look at Arizona’s offensive line situation.
Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., arguably the team’s best lineman, is out with a knee injury. Guard Evan Brown hasn’t practiced. That leaves the Cardinals turning to undrafted rookie Josh Fryar at tackle, while Jon Gaines II and Isaiah Adams will handle the interior.
That’s not ideal when you’re facing Will Anderson Jr., who’s quickly becoming one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. Anderson has 10.5 sacks on the season and brings relentless pressure off the edge. If you remember how Micah Parsons wreaked havoc against this Arizona line earlier this year, brace yourself - this could be worse.
Protecting Jacoby Brissett - or whoever is under center - is going to be a tall order. The Texans may only rank eighth in total sacks (36), but they don’t need gaudy numbers to disrupt an offense.
They win with speed, discipline, and physicality up front. That’s a nightmare for a patchwork offensive line.
Injury Report: Key Playmakers Sidelined
The injury bug hasn’t just hit the offensive line - it’s all over the roster.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) and Xavier Weaver (hamstring) both missed Thursday’s practice. Running back Emari Demercado (ankle) was limited. That’s three weapons the Cardinals can’t afford to lose, especially against a defense that doesn’t give up many second chances.
Defensively, the secondary is also banged up. Cornerback Max Melton (heel), safeties Rabbit Taylor-Demerson (ankle) and Jalen Thompson (hamstring) all sat out. Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (knee) was also sidelined.
There is one bright spot: rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (knee) practiced for a second straight day, albeit in a limited role. If he suits up, he could provide a much-needed spark on the defensive front.
Around the Valley: Quick Hits
- Staff Shake-Up in Tucson: Arizona Wildcats football is losing a key piece of its front office. GM Gaizka Crowley is reportedly heading to Arkansas. In today’s college football world, yes - general managers are a thing, and losing one can have ripple effects on recruiting and roster management.
- Top-12 Showdown: The No. 1-ranked Arizona men’s basketball team has another big test this weekend, taking on No. 12 Alabama in Birmingham on Saturday night.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
- NFL Dreams Begin: Arizona State standouts WR Jordyn Tyson and S Xavion Alford are officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Both had strong college careers and are ready for the next step.
- Sun Devils Hoops in Vegas: ASU’s men’s basketball team will face off against Santa Clara in Las Vegas on Sunday, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
- Suns vs. Lakers, Round Two: The Phoenix Suns (14-11) get another crack at the Lakers on Sunday night - this time at home. After a tough loss to the Thunder, they’ll look to bounce back and build some momentum heading into the holiday stretch.
The Cardinals have four games left to prove they’re more than just a team playing out the string. But with injuries stacking up and the league’s best defense on deck, Week 15 could be less about scoreboard results and more about grit, resilience, and finding something - anything - to build on.