Michael Carter’s Moment? Cardinals’ Ground Game Could Be Key vs. Falcons’ Defense
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals have leaned heavily on the pass this season, but against a Falcons defense that boasts one of the NFL’s most disruptive pass rushes and a secondary that doesn't give up much, that strategy might need a shift. The run game, inconsistent as it’s been in 2025, could be the difference-maker - and Michael Carter may be the one holding the keys.
Arizona’s backfield has been in flux since losing James Conner and rookie Trey Benson in back-to-back weeks. That double blow left the Cardinals scrambling to find stability at a position that’s been anything but steady.
Three names emerged in the aftermath: Emari Demercado, Bam Knight, and Michael Carter. Demercado, once in the mix for early-down work, saw his role reduced after a costly goal-line fumble.
Knight, who flashed potential earlier this year, has been slowed by injuries. That opened the door for Carter - and last week, he stepped through it.
Carter turned in his most productive outing in nearly a calendar year, rushing for 56 yards and adding 38 more through the air on four receptions. For a player trying to re-establish himself in a crowded backfield, it was a performance that turned heads - and maybe turned the tide in his favor.
The 26-year-old hasn’t topped 58 rushing yards in a game since Week 17 of last season, when he posted 70. But with momentum building and opportunity knocking, Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons might be his best shot yet at a breakout.
Here’s why: Atlanta’s defense has been stout in most areas, but the run game has been their Achilles’ heel. The numbers tell the story.
Including a 323-yard meltdown against the Colts in Week 10, the Falcons rank 25th in rushing defense, allowing 127.9 yards per game. Remove that outlier, and they move up to 16th - still beatable, but more middle-of-the-pack.
Either way, the ground game remains the one crack in an otherwise tough defense. And for Arizona, exploiting that weakness could be the clearest path to keeping their offense on schedule and their quarterback upright.
Carter has only faced the Falcons once in his career - back in his rookie season - and while it wasn’t a headline performance, he did manage 38 rushing yards on 10 carries and added 20 more through the air. Now in his fifth year, he’s got more experience, more poise, and perhaps most importantly, more opportunity than he’s had in a while.
With the Cardinals elevating two players ahead of Week 16, the roster shuffling continues. But if last week was any indication, Carter is trending up at just the right time.
Arizona doesn’t need a superstar outing - they need efficiency, ball security, and someone who can keep the chains moving. Carter showed flashes of being that guy.
If he can string together another solid performance against a vulnerable run defense, it could not only give the Cardinals a fighting chance on Sunday - it might also solidify Carter’s role down the stretch.