Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury is going to have a problem starting Sunday.

"If he doesn't know, maybe he'll read this," ESPN analyst Louis Riddick told The Republic on a conference call Thursday morning. "Defensive coordinators are coming for him. They're coming for his protection schemes to see if they're sound. Because right now, they aren't buying it."

Riddick, a former NFL player, scout and director of pro personnel, took questions to preview the 50th season of "Monday Night Football," and said the Cardinals are going to have interior line problems on both sides of the ball.

"On the defensive side, they struggle with the inside run game," Riddick said. "They struggle stopping the inside run game. ... They get gashed between the tackles. They'd better figure out a way to slow that down, because this is a team that, if they can get you to third down, then obviously, that's where T. Suggs lives. That's where he's made his name.

"Every player gets fired up to rush the passer. And obviously, Chandler Jones is one of the best we've had, period. But their issue is, can they slow you down? Are they tough enough and sound enough to slow you down? That's where it'll hinge with them on the defensive side."

The flip side presents every bit as big of a problem, Riddick said.

"Offensively, Kyler has a lot of skill. They've done a nice job of supplementing him with wide receivers that are a diverse group, and David Johnson is one of the best dual-treat, run-pass catch running backs in the NFL. That's all great.

"But this offensive line, man, and how they are coached up as far as protections are concerned from a philosophical standpoint, by Kliff, that’s where it’s all gonna be determined.

"That is where teams are going to test this football team on the offensive side. They are going to try and bludgeon this quarterback whenever he is back there throwing. And they're gonna attack the hell out of his protections and see just how sound Kliff's scheme is as far as keeping a quarterback from being hit, because I can tell you this from talking to defensive coordinators, they are very skeptical of Kliff's ability to protect Kyler.

"And they are going to push that button and push that button to try and poke and prod this offense to death, as far as, can you protect your quarterback? And you saw Oakland started it in the preseason already. That’s what they’re going to face a constant barrage of."

Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @WritingMoore.

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