As the smarter, less-yelly national sports talk shows explained why Mel Kiper Jr.’s complaints about the trendy use of cover-2 defenses was off the mark, some pointed directly at the Arizona Cardinals for evidence about how to force a defense’s hands.

Run. The. Ball.

If you do, opponents will be forced to move their safeties into the box, closer to the line of scrimmage. And if they do that, then offenses can start taking deep shots — the ones Kiper claims he misses in the pro game so much.

Arizona’s run game and offensive line continuing to hammer opponents will likely force defenses out of constant deep safety coverages. That theory will again be tested Sunday against a physical Detroit Lions defensive front at State Farm Stadium.

But so far, the Cardinals have liked what they’ve seen through a 1-1 start. They’re either baiting teams out of cover-2 or taking advantage of opponents who refuse to load the box.

“I think the offensive line is doing a good job to open up holes in the run game and the backs are doing a good job of gaining positive yards and staying out of long down and distances,” Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Friday.

“Kyler (Murray) has made plays from the pocket and made off-schedule plays. … That always helps when you can have those explosives and those chunk plays and not forced to have those long, drawn-out drives because those are tough to do, to finish off.”

To that point: The Cardinals are averaging 6.83 yards to go on third downs this season — a positive sign with the ranges by team usually spanning 6.0 to 8.0 yards for a full season.

Arizona’s early down efficiency has led to the team pacing the NFL in third-down conversion rate (58.3% or 14 of 24).

The Cardinals also lead the NFL in average drive length (42.1 yards).

Perhaps that efficiency comes down to earth with more games played, but the strong start is undeniable. Arizona ranks fourth in rushing yards per game (177.5) and is fifth in yards per rush (5.5).

The Cardinals’ run game has gotten props this week from ESPN’s Mina Kimes to Yahoo! Sports’ Nate Tice.

It’s especially impressive after Arizona lost starting right tackle Jonah Williams in Week 1 and was already switching last year’s right tackle, Paris Johnson Jr., to left tackle. Johnson is playing alongside newcomer left guard Evan Brown.

“Paris has done a great job with that transition,” Ossenfort said. “He worked on that in the offseason and really went into overdrive on it here in the spring and then training camp and early on in the season here. Paris had experience playing on the left side there at Ohio State, so it wasn’t anything new to him. There are certainly plays he feels that he can get better on and I know that he will. The one thing about Paris that I know, is he is going to constantly work on his craft.

“I think he’s going to have a good measuring stick this week in Aidan Hutchinson lining up with him on the other side. If Paris wants a measuring stick, he’s got a good one coming in this week.”

And the Arizona Cardinals have run with that strong offensive line play …

The running game led by back James Conner and Murray has set up everything else, including the chunk plays.

Murray hit on all five deep balls last week in a win against the Los Angeles Rams.

Ossenfort has liked how it’s been doses of different contributors at different positions, too.

“Whenever offensively you can be multiple it really presents problems for the defense,” the general manager said. “When Kyler is doing the things Kyler can do … it really brings a dilemma to the defense.

“I think the more we can continue to do that and put our offensive skill players in positions to make the plays and our offensive line continues to get moving in the run game, I think that’s where we want to be.”

Follow @kzimmermanaz

Ready for snow yet? Like it or not, winter is fast approaching, and with it, plenty of snowfall and cold temperatures in Arizona’s coldest regions.

This fall, statewide temperatures are expected to be near- to above-normal, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

But in areas that normally receive snowfall, such as Flagstaff, Pinetop, Bisbee and Grand Canyon Village, this winter is expected to bring a sizable dose of snow and cold weather.

Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the weather will be like, including snow, rain and temperatures, to expect across the Grand Canyon State during the winter of 2024.

When is the first day of winter 2024?

This year, the first day of winter is Saturday, Dec. 21.

Cooler weather: Here’s when fall starts in Arizona and what the weather will be like

What will winter weather be like in Arizona?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted statewide temperatures will be colder than normal throughout the winter.

It predicts that the coldest periods will be in mid-November, mid- to late December and early February. 

How much snow will northern Arizona see this winter? 

While the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts drier-than-average winter conditions for the rest of the country, it predicts northern Arizona will have a snowy winter.

The area known as the “​​Intermountain” region, which includes Flagstaff, Pinetop and Grand Canyon Village, is predicted to receive average and above-average precipitation and snowfall.

When do leaves change color? Your guide to fall colors across Arizona

How cold will winter be in northern Arizona? 

Though the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts above-average snowfall for northern Arizona, temperatures are not expected to be too frigid.

In fact, the Almanac predicts temperatures will be above normal.

This is when it will snow the most in northern Arizona

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the snowiest periods for northern Arizona will be in mid-November, early and late January and mid-March.

How does the Old Farmer’s Almanac make predictions? 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its predictions on a comparison of solar activity and weather patterns, according to its website. 

The almanac explains that its forecasts draw on various academic fields, including solar science, climatology and meteorology. 

It also notes that its current weather forecasting method is a modern adaptation of a formula developed by the almanac’s founder, Robert B. Thomas, in 1792. 

How accurate are the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s predictions? 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, distinct from the Farmers’ Almanac, claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions. 

However, in a report evaluating last winter’s forecasts, the almanac reported an overall accuracy rate of 64% for the season. The publication attributed the lower accuracy to “abnormal recent weather patterns.”

Have a question you need answered? Reach the reporter atzbradshaw@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @zachbradshaw14.

The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Arizona offers Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5 and Pick 3 as well as Scratchers, Quick Draw and Fast Play.

Lottery players have seen enormous jackpots recently, with previous winners of both the Powerball and Mega Millions breaking into the top 10 largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. Money raised from Arizona lottery games goes toward funding higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation and economic and business development in the state.

Pick 3

9-8-2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Fantasy 5

12-17-18-29-39

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Triple Twist

02-10-14-19-21-38

Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations:

Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://www.arizonalottery.com/.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy Arizona lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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