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Home sweat home: Arizona Cardinals haven't had much success lately at home

Home has definitely not been sweet for the Cardinals in recent years. It’s been more like home sweat home in games at State Farm Stadium.

The Cardinals have lost 13 of their last 14 games at home dating back to the 2021 season and have just four wins in Glendale over the past two years.

Sunday’s home opener against the visiting New York Giants gives Arizona a shot at some much-needed redemption. Budda Baker, the team’s star safety, is hoping a full house is on hand to cheer on the home team.

“Yeah, man, it means so much for us fans to have the fans there cheering us on and on defense to have the stadium as loud as possible because it’s going to be hard for the other team to hear their calls and the things they call in the huddle or pre-snap,” Baker said Thursday. “It means a lot for us, especially me, to see those fans out there yelling, screaming and having a good time.

“Our goal is, of course, to win. We know we haven’t really done that these past few years. We’re not trying to lose, we’re trying to win. It’s a matter of us just continuing to take it one day at a time, one week at a time.”

Baker also offered fans a blanket invitation to show up and help support the team.

“If you guys have a job on Sunday, just let me know. Message me, fans. I’ll try to get you an off day and let’s have a good time. And most importantly, let’s get a W.”

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Can the Arizona Cardinals get a win at home in Week 2 against the New York Giants?
Can the Arizona Cardinals get a win at home in Week 2 against the New York Giants?

Injury report

There was no change in the Cardinals’ injury report on Thursday. For a second straight day, defensive end L.J. Collier (biceps) and linebacker Josh Woods (ankle) did not practice. Running back James Conner (calf), tackle Kelvin Beachum (hand) and nose tackle Leki Fotu (shoulder) were once again limited.

For the Giants, left tackle Andrew Thomas and tight end Darren Waller were limited in practice Thursday with hamstring issues after each did not practice on Wednesday. Also listed as limited were defensive backs Deonte Banks (calf), Cor’Dale Flott (hamstring) and Gervarrius Owens (hamstring), kicker Graham Gano (ankle), linebackers Azeez Ojulari (hamstring) and Cam Brown (ankle), offensive lineman Matt Peart (elbow) and receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee).

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Giants expecting aggression

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said after watching film from the Cardinals’ defense during Arizona’s 20-16 loss at Washington that he expects New York will face the same type of pressure it felt in last Sunday night’s 40-0 loss to the Cowboys.

“I’m sure they’ll come out ready to go and come out aggressive,” Jones told reporters. “They’re a fast defense, they play really hard and fly to the ball. So, I would certainly expect them to do that, and we intend on coming out the same way.”

Clark held his own

Rookie cornerback Kei’Trel Clark allowed just 23 receiving yards on four targets during his NFL debut as a starter for the Cardinals in Week 1.

“I thought when it was time to get on a guy and cover, he did fairly well,” defensive coordinator Nick Rallis said. “He was connected with people and so I was impressed with that. When it was time to be one-on-one, he was there to be able to make plays on the ball. He’ll just keep building from his performance on Sunday.”

More: Cardinals held back by negative plays. Here's how they plan to change it.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals look for elusive Week 2 home win vs. New York Giants