1 – Very satisfying game. The team showed toughness and resistance (I expected them to be destroyed), and still they came out with a higher draft pick. I don’t buy the “it’s a culture win”-narrative. That part is all about approach and mindset. Gannon tried his best to win the game, and the players showed up. That is important in terms of culture, and in that regard, a close loss is as effective as a win.
2 – Great that Christian Jones got those nine snaps, but come on, it wasn’t more important to get him playing time than Jackson Barton? Really?
3 – The Cards d-line played above expectations in this game, but that is still not good enough. I will write a column about my initial draft thoughts later, but I will say that at #11 or #12 they might be in striking distance of trading up for DT Mason Graham. I think he is the best player in the draft, and a true foundational player. I would be stunned if he fell to the Cards, but he is the only one I would consider trading up for in the first round. And that possibility, no matter how small it might be, is the main reason why I wish for a couple of spots higher draft position instead of meaningless victories.
4 – Garrett Williams is an emerging star, and this might have been his best game.
5 – Baron Browning is a keeper.
6 – I like when Murray is running a lot. He is obviously highly explosive and dangerous in those situations, and it automatically limits the risk of him making boneheaded decisions.
7 – The huge increase in penalties since the bye week has contributed a lot to the loss-fest.
8 – Shut down Connor and Benson for the season and go with Carter for the last game. I like him a lot. Have since last season, and especially since this year’s preseason games.
9 – You see the potential of Marvin Harrison. His big breakthrough is looming.
10 – Draft-implications:
After the loss, Cardinals are now drafting as #14. Dallas and Indy are the two teams with the same record, but Cardinals have a tougher strength of schedule (which is the first tiebreaker).
Last round information:
Indy screwed up against the Giants but get a new chance to win at home against the Jaguars. Both teams are eliminated, but you would assume that Indy has something to revenge from this week.
Dallas has Washingon at home in the last round, and even though Dallas is clearly the inferior team, Washington have locked up a playoff berth, so they might rest some starters.
San Francisco is one game behind the Cardinals (but play tonight, so could get even record, with a higher strength of schedule) but obviously have the chance to beat Cards.
If the Cardinals beat 49ers, they could draft as low as #17, depending on other results.
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Happy New Year, everyone!
2 – Great that Christian Jones got those nine snaps, but come on, it wasn’t more important to get him playing time than Jackson Barton? Really?
3 – The Cards d-line played above expectations in this game, but that is still not good enough. I will write a column about my initial draft thoughts later, but I will say that at #11 or #12 they might be in striking distance of trading up for DT Mason Graham. I think he is the best player in the draft, and a true foundational player. I would be stunned if he fell to the Cards, but he is the only one I would consider trading up for in the first round. And that possibility, no matter how small it might be, is the main reason why I wish for a couple of spots higher draft position instead of meaningless victories.
4 – Garrett Williams is an emerging star, and this might have been his best game.
5 – Baron Browning is a keeper.
6 – I like when Murray is running a lot. He is obviously highly explosive and dangerous in those situations, and it automatically limits the risk of him making boneheaded decisions.
7 – The huge increase in penalties since the bye week has contributed a lot to the loss-fest.
8 – Shut down Connor and Benson for the season and go with Carter for the last game. I like him a lot. Have since last season, and especially since this year’s preseason games.
9 – You see the potential of Marvin Harrison. His big breakthrough is looming.
10 – Draft-implications:
After the loss, Cardinals are now drafting as #14. Dallas and Indy are the two teams with the same record, but Cardinals have a tougher strength of schedule (which is the first tiebreaker).
Last round information:
Indy screwed up against the Giants but get a new chance to win at home against the Jaguars. Both teams are eliminated, but you would assume that Indy has something to revenge from this week.
Dallas has Washingon at home in the last round, and even though Dallas is clearly the inferior team, Washington have locked up a playoff berth, so they might rest some starters.
San Francisco is one game behind the Cardinals (but play tonight, so could get even record, with a higher strength of schedule) but obviously have the chance to beat Cards.
If the Cardinals beat 49ers, they could draft as low as #17, depending on other results.
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Happy New Year, everyone!
