Some Thoughts on the Cardinals

Discussion in 'NFC West' started by TucsonClip, Sep 11, 2007.

  1. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="gameHeader" align="center"><tbody><tr><td class="score" valign="top"><div>[​IMG]</div><div id="awayRuns"><font color="#ff0000">17</font></div></td><td align="center"><div class="tablelrg bi" style="height: 22px">Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers</div><div id="ls"><table border="0" class="linescore" align="center"><tbody><tr class="innings bi"><td class="teams" style="width: 90px"></td><td style="width: 30px"> 1st</td><td style="width: 30px"> 2nd</td><td style="width: 30px"> 3rd</td><td style="width: 30px"> 4th</td><td style="width: 1px"></td><td style="width: 30px"></td><td colspan="4"></td></tr><tr><td class="teams"><span class="bi"> ARI</span> <span>(0-1) </span></td><td id="bsAwayFirst"> 0</td><td id="bsAwaySecond"> 10</td><td id="bsAwayThird"> 0</td><td id="bsAwayFourth"> 7</td><td id="bsAwayOT" class="inn"></td><td id="bsAwayRuns" class="bi"> 17</td><td class="inn" colspan="4" rowspan="2" style="width: 100px"> FINAL</td></tr><tr><td class="teams"><span class="bi"> SFO</span> <span>(1-0) </span></td><td id="bshomeFirst"> 7</td><td id="bshomeSecond"> 3</td><td id="bshomeThird"> 3</td><td id="bshomeFourth"> 7</td><td id="bsAwayOT" class="inn"></td><td id="bsHomeRuns" class="bi"> 20</td></tr><tr class="innings bi"><td id="pResult" colspan="11" style="padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 15px"> September 10, 2007 - Monster Park</td></tr></tbody></table></div></td><td class="score" valign="top"><div>[​IMG]</div><div id="homeRuns"><font color="#008000">20</font></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I dont know how many of you guys watched the game last night, but wow what a performance by both defenses. San Fran locked down every Cardinal WR that made it more than 5 yards downfield. Boldin was held for 4 for 22, but had a huge TD reception and Fitzgerald was limited to 3 for 20. </span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I dont think Matt looked that good last night but credit most of that to the 49er defense.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Arizona's running game looks like it might finally come through this season. Grimm has made the most out of some inexperience and or middle of the road talent and allowed Edge to run the ball pretty well, considering how great the 49ers looked on defense.</span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Edge finished with 92 yards and a TD, despite averaging 3.5 yards percarry.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Cardinals defense looked like the defense I have been expecting to see. Adrian Wilson and Karlos Dansby were monsters out there last night and Eric Green played a great game except for his muff of the fumble recovery to win the game with 32 seconds left. </span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I think Green is going to develop into a very good corner, something the Cardinals havent had in some time.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I think the game plan by Whiz was pretty good. I like the fact that he wanted to let Edge win the game and Matt manage it, instead of the other way around. Matt still has a long way to go, before he is capable of running this system the way he is capable of. </span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Whiz threw in a few trick plays and if Matt would have unloaded on that flea flicker to Fitzgerald instead of Boldin, the Cards might have came away with the win.</span></p>

    <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #3a3d42; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">So, how do you all think Leinart will do this season?
    Do you think the Cardinals can turn this loss around and compete for the division?
    Any thoughts on how the defense performed?</span> </p>

    </p>
     
  2. ASUFan22

    ASUFan22 BBW Global Mod Team

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    I watched...I credit the Niners' D, but Matt was wayyyy off on some passes. It was a pretty borin game. I wouldn't say Green is going to be very good, but he had a nice game and I think he'll be a good starter for us for a while if he learns to fall on fumbles. I was not happy with the coach's conservative play calling. It didn't work for Denny and it won't work with him. The Cards have nothing to lose...they need to get away from this losing tradition and not passing the ball and using that prevent offense will just lead to losses like this, last year's MNF game, last year's St.Louis game, etc.</p>

    I thought the defense did well, but seeing as how they aren't too different from last year's average D and were trash in the preseason, it'll take a little more to convince me. And about the Cardinals, I think if Whiz keeps learning as a coach he will lead this team to the playoffs soon, but not this season. I predicted 6-10 a month ago and I'm sticking to that.</p>

    </p>

    I have high hopes for Leinart. Last night surprised me... I'll be at the game next week so hopefully they will be able to use the best WR duo in the league.</p>

    </p>

    Oh and did the loss surprise you at all? I saw that coming... [​IMG]</p>
     
  3. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    I think Matt is adjusting to this new system. Green's offense was more of a lets go out there spead them out and gun. Whiz is going to work the running game and develop the passing game through playaction and limited spread until Matt shows he is comfortbale in the offense. I think this is good, because it will turn into the system matt ran at SC. He is good in playaction, but his accuracy was way off, like you said. It seemed to me like he was trying not to turn the ball over and looked a little dazed out there with all the blitzing and great coverage.</p>

    I thought we would win this game and I still think we finish with 7-9 wins, but it all depends on how the offense develops. Last year was a down year for our defense, but the year before that we were top top in offense and defense. We had a ton of injuries last season, especially on defense and that was a major reason for us finishing 29th in yards given up.</p>
     
  4. TheBeef

    TheBeef Commish of FUN!

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    I noticed a few things....Patrick Willis is a pro bowl LB waiting to happen....its a disappointing start for the Cards offense, but they will be fine....
     
  5. Dark Hero

    Dark Hero Can't Tell Me Nothing

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    I think its going to be a while intil you have Matt playing like he played at USC and he is still youg ans has many things to learn to become a succesful QB his on the right track but has a long way to becoming a decent.
     
  6. ASUFan22

    ASUFan22 BBW Global Mod Team

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    Tucson, two years ago we were 12th in yards given up which is okay, but they still gave up a good amount of points. The Cards have never been close to a "top" defensive team, although Dockett is looking better and our run D should at least be decent.
     
  7. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    Hopefully Matt Leinart goes back and listens to the advice Mike Ditka was clamoring about during the broadcast. Leinart missed several opportunities to go down the field and didn's have the confidence in hitting his receivers in deep routes. The play where he missed Larry Fitzgerald wide open down the leftside of the field cost them the game.</p>

    Hard to figure out if the 49ers defense was that good, or the Cardinals offense is that bad. </p>

    Agree with The Beef, P Will was amazing last night. I'm glad the 49ers pulled off the victory!</p>
     
  8. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ASUFan22)</div><div class='quotemain'>Tucson, two years ago we were 12th in yards given up which is okay, but they still gave up a good amount of points. The Cards have never been close to a "top" defensive team, although Dockett is looking better and our run D should at least be decent.</div></p>

    Two years ago Arizona was top 10 in total defense and total offense. They were the only team to be top 10 in both.</p>

    </p>
     
  9. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'>

    Hopefully Matt Leinart goes back and listens to the advice Mike Ditka was clamoring about during the broadcast. Leinart missed several opportunities to go down the field and didn's have the confidence in hitting his receivers in deep routes. The play where he missed Larry Fitzgerald wide open down the leftside of the field cost them the game.</p>

    Hard to figure out if the 49ers defense was that good, or the Cardinals offense is that bad. </p>

    Agree with The Beef, P Will was amazing last night. I'm glad the 49ers pulled off the victory! </p>

    </div></p>

    Agreed, I think Matt was trying to manage the game, but you have to wonder why he isnt throwing the deep ball. If he hits Fitz on the fleaflicker the Cards win, but he didnt want to pull the trigger. I am sure Whiz let him know he wanted him to manage the game better, but there is a difference between managing a game and not taking ANY chances.</p>

    I think the 49er defense played well and the secondary did a great job. Willis is a stud, now they just need to put it together week after week.</p>

    </p>
     
  10. huevonkiller

    huevonkiller Change (Deftones)

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ASUFan22)</div><div class='quotemain'>Tucson, two years ago we were 12th in yards given up which is okay, but they still gave up a good amount of points. The Cards have never been close to a "top" defensive team, although Dockett is looking better and our run D should at least be decent.</div></p>

    Two years ago Arizona was top 10 in total defense and total offense. They were the only team to be top 10 in both.</p>

    </p> </div>

    Classic case of garbage yards, the Cardinals were dead last in rushing the ball.</p>

    The Cardinals gave up a ton of points. They might have been 7-9 with some breaks but they still sucked. It is dubious to measure an offense/defense with yards alone. </p>
     
  11. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ASUFan22)</div><div class='quotemain'>Tucson, two years ago we were 12th in yards given up which is okay, but they still gave up a good amount of points. The Cards have never been close to a "top" defensive team, although Dockett is looking better and our run D should at least be decent.</div></p>

    Two years ago Arizona was top 10 in total defense and total offense. They were the only team to be top 10 in both.</p>

    </p> </div>

    Classic case of garbage yards, the Cardinals were dead last in rushing the ball.</p>

    The Cardinals gave up a ton of points. They might have been 7-9 with some breaks but they still sucked. It is dubious to measure an offense/defense with yards alone. </p> </div>

    They lost 5 games by 7 points or less, im not saying they were a great offensive or defensive team, but they werent too bad. As for the garbage time, I dont even think that applies, considering 4 games were lost by 9+ points.</p>

    What I am getting at is Arizona's defense is at least decent. Last year they were decimated by injuries and if they stay healthy this year they should be able to finish in the top 12 in pass defense and top 10 in rush defense, like they did in 05. The offense is going to rely on the offensive line and Leinart, which is a big question mark. </p>
     
  12. huevonkiller

    huevonkiller Change (Deftones)

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    [quote name='TucsonClip'][quote name='huevonkiller'][quote name='TucsonClip']

    [quote name='ASUFan22']Tucson, two years ago we were 12th in yards given up which is okay, but they still gave up a good amount of points. The Cards have never been close to a "top" defensive team, although Dockett is looking better and our run D should at least be decent.[/QUOTE]</p>

    Two years ago Arizona was top 10 in total defense and total offense. They were the only team to be top 10 in both.</p>

    </p> [/QUOTE]

    Classic case of garbage yards, the Cardinals were dead last in rushing the ball.</p>

    The Cardinals gave up a ton of points. They might have been 7-9 with some breaks but they still sucked. It is dubious to measure an offense/defense with yards alone. </p> [/QUOTE]

    They lost 5 games by 7 points or less, im not saying they were a great offensive or defensive team, but they werent too bad. As for the garbage time, I dont even think that applies, considering 4 games were lost by 9+ points.</p>

    What I am getting at is Arizona's defense is at least decent. Last year they were decimated by injuries and if they stay healthy this year they should be able to finish in the top 12 in pass defense and top 10 in rush defense, like they did in 05. The offense is going to rely on the offensive line and Leinart, which is a big question mark. </p>

    [/QUOTE]</p>

    The Cardinals averaged a QB rating of 81, which is just above the league average. They also lost five not four games very decisively. </p>

    To say they were a top ten offensive and defensive team would imply that they were a good team that year, with incredibly bad luck. The fact is that they were top ten yardage wise, but points are more important. Then we have to bring up the subject of garbage yards, which is reinforced by not having a running game. </p>

    Passing the ball more than one needs to (while trailing especially) is the number one way of accumulating garbage yards. The 2005 cardinals were the prime example of this.</p>
     
  13. ASUFan22

    ASUFan22 BBW Global Mod Team

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    Yes, I used that number to defend them many times, they must've been 12th LAST year. Still, huevonkiller is right about the yards not being that important. Their D has been pretty average, good against the run but one of the worst against the pass, and I don't think that they will look as good as they did in week 1, but the offense will also be better if some pass plays are called and Leinart goes back to being himself.
     
  14. TucsonClip

    TucsonClip Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ASUFan22)</div><div class='quotemain'>Yes, I used that number to defend them many times, they must've been 12th LAST year. Still, huevonkiller is right about the yards not being that important. Their D has been pretty average, good against the run but one of the worst against the pass, and I don't think that they will look as good as they did in week 1, but the offense will also be better if some pass plays are called and Leinart goes back to being himself.</div></p>

    True the yards arent really that important, because points win games. The Cardinals problem has been inconsistency and inability to finish games. I think the defense is going to be decent this year, at least middle of the road. The secondary is suspect and needs a lot of work. I am just hoping that Holt can turn into the type of safety we need playing next to Wilson. I almost feel that we would be better off if we moved Rolle to FS (even SS), but considering all the money we spent on that position it wont happen this year. Wilson is in the upper tier of strong safetys and he is pretty much unmovable. I think Green will be a good corner, but he still needs another good coverage corner across from him and someone he can rely on behind him.</p>

    Honestly, I really like the offense, we just didnt execute well and Matt didnt take any chances. The O line was decent, but penalties killed us. I think this playaction style offense best suits Matt's capabilities right now and I am sure Whiz will open up the playbooks as Matt comes around. </p>

    </p>
     

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