Cardinals’ #5 in NFL in 3rd down and 3 or less conversion rate in 2023

Want further evidence of how good the Cardinals’ offense is, under OC Drew Petzing and OLC Klayton Adams, at becoming smashmouth?

Typically, when one looks at this stat one sees the league’s most physical offensive lines in the Top 10. For Petzing, Adams and the OL to accomplish this in year one is a fabulous achievement,

What’s surprising is to see the Lions at #19. Whoddathunkit? With their stellar OL and a “thunder and lightning” RB duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, they could only convert at 55.0%?

Dave Sears must be licking his chops!

There are no gimmes in this league, that’s for sure.

It’s also a tad surprising to see the other Super Bowl team, the Chiefs, sitting at #13.

Plus, the Rams and Seahawks at #16 and #20 respectively.

Can the Cardinals (#5 at 64.7%) inch ahead of the 49ers (#2 at 70.4%) this season?

2024 Improvements:

• NFC West overall 3rd down conversion rate in 2023

1. SF – #4 at 47.5%
2. LAR – #7 at 41.7%
3. ARI – #14 at 39.1%.
4. SEA – #23 at 36.2%

• NFC West’ 4th down conversion rate in 2023

1. LAR – #5 at 63.6%
2. SF – #7 at 53.3%
3. ARI – #28 at 44.1%
4. SEA – #30 at 37.5%

Now that we’re here—-

Defensive Opponents’ Conversions in 2023:

3rd Down:

1. LAR – #16 at 38.4%
2. SF – #27 at 42.7%
3. SEA – #31 at 46.7
4. ARI – #32 at 47.6 (Significant upgrade needed in 2024)

4th Down:

1. ARI — #8 at 46.7% (Hey, how about that! Encore!)
2. SF – #14 at 48.9%
3. SEA – #15 at 50.0%
4. LAR – #24 at 54.9%

These are the kinds of categories that GMs, coaches and players set their sights on improving or maintaining (if on top) from season to season.

What kind of chances do you give the Cardinals on 3rd and 4th down conversions in 2024?