Arizona vs. Cincinnati: 5 Halftime Changes the Cardinals Must Make

With their playoffs fate riding on this game and others, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a must-win situation today against the Cincinnati Bengals. It won't be easy for the Cardinals, as the Bengals are sitting at 8-6 and playing for a final spot in the AFC playoff picture.

The Cardinals have been trying to figure out their quarterback situation all season, as their offseason acquired "star" quarterback Kevin Kolb has been sidelined by a concussion and foot injuries this year.

They have since gone with quarterback John Skelton, who has taken the Cardinals on a four-game winning streak. In their four wins, the Cardinals have won each game by no more then six points, so look for them to keep the game close.

The Cardinals will need Skelton to carry this offense once again, but they will also need their defense to stop this Bengals offense that is led by rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and rookie wide receiver A.J. Green, who is dealing with a shoulder injury.

Making the playoffs will not be an easy task since the Cardinals need to win this game on the road and their next game against the Seattle Seahawks. The only problem is they also need the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions to drop their next two games, while also hoping that the Chicago Bears and the Seahawks don't win out.

To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Cardinals will need to adjust in these five areas at the half.

1. Get the ball into Larry Fitzgerald's hands.

The Cardinals can cause a lot of damage by finding Fitzgerald. The star wide receiver is being covered hard by the Bengals' secondary, but Skelton must find a way to connect with the star wideout. 

2. Protect the quarterback.

I didn't know you were allowed to play without an offensive line.

Well, that is at least what it looks like for the Cardinals because the Bengals are penetrating at will. If the Cardinals are not going to protect the guy with the ball, then the ball isn't going to go anywhere.

Well, except for off the the punter's foot.

3. Stop the pass.

Dalton and the Bengals are having no problem moving the ball through the air.

The Cardinals need guys like Patrick Peterson to stop Green and the pass attack. Gresham is also having a cake walk over the Cardinals' pass-defense.

4. They need a game-changer.

Peterson needs to make a huge kick return for the Cardinals because nothing seems to be working on the offensive side of the ball. Peterson is the one guy who can make a huge play and turn this game around for the Cardinals.

5. Get Beanie Wells the rock.

The Cardinals have a beast in Wells, so it is time to release the monster and let him tear up the Bengals on the ground. Cincinnati has a good rush-defense, but the passing attack isn't working. Wells has been effective all season, so there is no reason for why the Cardinals should continue relying on the pass.