Anybody Feeling Like Me Out There????

[Catfish]

I couldn't sleep at all Sunday night. Monday and today have been spent going from the computer to the TV, and back to the computer again. It is like something is wrong-----or is missing-------or is terribly amiss.

Other than the Beanie TD highlight, there is ot much on TV to register the Cards win in NY. I have had an underlying feeling that we have taken something that doesn't belong to us. I almost feel guilty.

I want to feel like Mitch----------to feel giddy about this win, to shout it out to the world, to unload the years of bad taste in my mouth. Somewhere inside me though something is holding me back. It is like my conscience is telling me, ("Don't go there"). ("Keep your head down"). ("Stay out of the light").

I checked on the link that Doug gave us to read about what is going on in Carolina. There I see that the Panthers are 2-4. Seems easy enough----------. Then I see that they had 500 yards of total offense on Sunday against the Bills. Wow, that's a load. (I recall how they put it to us during the regular season last year). But out of all that movement, they only scored 9 points against Buffalo, (2 on a safety early), (7 on a TD late in the game).

How can that be?? I discover that Delhomme threw several more picks again. I remember how he did that in the playoff game against us.

I look at their schedule, and 3 of their 4 losses were to Atlanta, Philly, and Dallas. All decent teams there, no slouches. I look at some more stuff in the Carolina paper that Doug has lnked up for us. It hits me right in the face.

One of their local writers is complaining about the Panthers offense against the Bills. Too much passing, because they fell behind early. Only 116 rushing yards on 25 carries with a long of 17 yards. HE IS UPSET BECAUSE HE WANTS TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 40 YARD BURSTS THEY NORMALLY HAVE IN A GAME. (I recall how pleased I was with our 70 plus yards of rushing against the Giants, because it helped balance our offensive attack).

I am beginning to understand why I don't feel real good about where we are right now. Then I see where Jim Fox, their HC is seriously considering benching Jake Delhomme for the game against us. HE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY LOYAL TO JAKE UNTIL NOW.

I begin to wonder, what if we face a QB Sunday, who doesn't throw the game away? What if they have 500 yards of offense against us, and their QB doesn't do something to lose the game for them? What if we are complascent when we come out onto the field, and find ourselves down 14 points quickly on Sunday? Will we be able to bounce back.?

Now I know why I don't have that good feeling that I crave. I remember too many times where we were all set to turn the corner, and we flat out forgot how to prepare for, and play a game. The feeling sinks into the inner reaches of my brain, then down into my gut, and I KNOW that the Panthers game is VERY loseable, even without them having any score to settle with us from having eliminated them from the playoffs.

Now------I am not here saying that we are toast for Sunday. I am here saying that we had better do everything within our power to excell in this upcoming game though, because the stage is certainly set for us to take one of our famous prat-falls when the curtain goes up Sunday at the Nest.

 

[ajcardfan]

Yes. And, you'll have similar fears before just about every game left on the schedule.

 

[CtCardinals78]

I slept like a baby on Sunday, it's when they lose that I can't sleep!

 

[Cardiac]

I couldn't sleep at all Sunday night. Monday and today have been spent going from the computer to the TV, and back to the computer again. It is like something is wrong-----or is missing-------or is terribly amiss.

Stayed up until 3 in the morning, most of that because I was so Giddy and on ASFN. Good news is O hooked me up with 100 billion dollars

Other than the Beanie TD highlight, there is ot much on TV to register the Cards win in NY. I have had an underlying feeling that we have taken something that doesn't belong to us. I almost feel guilty.

Truly amazing to me there wasn't more highlights etc. Saints Saints Vikings/Steelers Saints coverage

I want to feel like Mitch----------to feel giddy about this win, to shout it out to the world, to unload the years of bad taste in my mouth. Somewhere inside me though something is holding me back. It is like my conscience is telling me, ("Don't go there"). ("Keep your head down"). ("Stay out of the light").

Battered spouse syndrome. Many Cards fans may never truly or fully lose that feeling.

I checked on the link that Doug gave us to read about what is going on in Carolina. There I see that the Panthers are 2-4. Seems easy enough----------. Then I see that they had 500 yards of total offense on Sunday against the Bills. Wow, that's a load. (I recall how they put it to us during the regular season last year). But out of all that movement, they only scored 9 points against Buffalo, (2 on a safety early), (7 on a TD late in the game).

Panthers have weapons and if taken lightly they will pounce. If the Cards have truly turned a corner then none of that matters and we win.

How can that be?? I discover that Delhomme threw several more picks again. I remember how he did that in the playoff game against us.

Does anyone feel guilty that the Cards may have begun the ending of Jakes career. I know I don't.

I look at their schedule, and 3 of their 4 losses were to Atlanta, Philly, and Dallas. All decent teams there, no slouches. I look at some more stuff in the Carolina paper that Doug has lnked up for us. It hits me right in the face.

At some point good teams win one of those games.

One of their local writers is complaining about the Panthers offense against the Bills. Too much passing, because they fell behind early. Only 116 rushing yards on 25 carries with a long of 17 yards. HE IS UPSET BECAUSE HE WANTS TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 40 YARD BURSTS THEY NORMALLY HAVE IN A GAME. (I recall how pleased I was with our 70 plus yards of rushing against the Giants, because it helped balance our offensive attack).

Every team has their strengths and weaknesses. Cards rushing for 70 yds is like most teams rushing for 150 yds because our Passing game is so good. Well it will be that good very soon.

I am beginning to understand why I don't feel real good about where we are right now. Then I see where Jim Fox, their HC is seriously considering benching Jake Delhomme for the game against us. HE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY LOYAL TO JAKE UNTIL NOW.

Not sure what this means. Jake had like one or two very good years, a couple of servicable years and now stinks on ice.

I begin to wonder, what if we face a QB Sunday, who doesn't throw the game away? What if they have 500 yards of offense against us, and their QB doesn't do something to lose the game for them? What if we are complascent when we come out onto the field, and find ourselves down 14 points quickly on Sunday? Will we be able to bounce back.?

Your fathers Cardinals have often allowed huge games to back ups and has beens and never will be's etc. 2009 Cards will not let some 2nd string QB light us up (he says while knocking on wood).

Now I know why I don't have that good feeling that I crave. I remember too many times where we were all set to turn the corner, and we flat out forgot how to prepare for, and play a game. The feeling sinks into the inner reaches of my brain, then down into my gut, and I KNOW that the Panthers game is VERY loseable, even without them having any score to settle with us from having eliminated them from the playoffs.

See battered spouse syndrome. Of course "Any Given Sunday".


Now------I am not here saying that we are toast for Sunday. I am here saying that we had better do everything within our power to excell in this upcoming game though, because the stage is certainly set for us to take one of our famous prat-falls when the curtain goes up Sunday at the Nest.

As Donald has stated this is the next and possibly final test. Win this game and we have turned the corner. I believe CardDan wrote that we are at the end of the beginning, sounds right to me.

 

[MrYeahBut]

Catfish....breathe in slowly, breathe out slowly

lather, rinse, repeat

 

[Catfish]

Your father's Cardinals have often allowed huge games to back-ups etc,etc,etc. Quote: Cardiac

Damn Man,-----I am 67 years old, ----- MY FATHER'S CARDINALS ARE MY CARDINALS !!!!!!!

 

[Cardiac]

Your father's Cardinals have often allowed huge games to back-ups etc,etc,etc. Quote: Cardiac

Damn Man,-----I am 67 years old, ----- MY FATHER'S CARDINALS ARE MY CARDINALS !!!!!!!

Fair enough. Would I be more accurate by stating these aren't YOUR Cardinals anymore?

I'm only 49 years old so not as much angst etc as yourself but still a knowledge of the pain.

 

[DieHardCardFan]

I think the battered wife syndrom is the most accurate description ever!!!!

This team is balling right now and still not firing on all cylinders. This game will be a real good game. The Cards have been embarassed at home all year and that is something they will work all week thinking about. We always hear the saying "if you cant win on the road you can win it all" but I think the same applies at home. This team has enjoyed a good run at home and I fully expect this game to be the game where they really want to show the home crowd that they are back to January 09 form!

Relax, have a beer and enjoy the ride. This is turning out to be a good year!

 

[NeverSayDieFan]

MY heart-felt ADVICE, CATFISH...

WHAT I tell ALL my friends & family...ENJOY THE MOMENT!!! Isn't THIS "moment" GREAT?? We're 4-2, starting to play GOOD ball, reasons for optimism are abounding. I've been reading "posts" about play-off opponents, and schedule predictions, and Super Bowl, etc. AND I APPRECIATE ALL that EXCITEMENT...I REALLY DO...BUT then I think............WHOA!!! DON'T MISS out on EVERYTHING along the way! We are in such a "give-it-to-me-NOW mind-set now-a-days that we can't keep still. We have to race ahead. It'll be what it'll be, my friend. I like our chances. This MUCH I KNOW for certain...GOD IS GOOD! Sunday is NOT that far away. (For me, Sat. too cuz' I'm ENJOYING IOWA's season.) ...And for NOW, I'm PERFECTLY CONTENT to SAVOR this WIN over a HATED foe! Hope this HELPS some. Age-wise we're NOT that far apart as I turn (53) come July. ...And I've been thru waaaay too much Cardinal-Hell ove the years to NOT SLOW DOWN AND APPRECIATE the SWEET moments of the past year and a half. GO CARDS! Mark

 

[Catfish]

Damn ----- I'm turning into a darksider right here if front of everybody. Believe me when I say that I am trying to enjoy the moment, BUT I just can't seem to shake that gut feeling that says "I KNOW, I KNOW, I SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL", -------its just that it is REALLY hard for me to believe that this time it isn't another train.

 

[BigRedArk]

I do have a slight fear that we will relax against Carolina especially after such an emotional win against the Giants. That win was a lonnnnngggg time coming!!!
However I am sensing that maybe just maybe that win Sun night is actually going to give them confidence and maybe they all now know that they have set the bar high for themselves and have use this new momentum to go over it each week!!!
Also they are all pros and I am hoping that the leadership on the team will remind everyone that in the NFL you cannot take any team for granted regardless of their record.
Plus unlike our losing streak last year we haven't clinched the division title yet either and they all know that now is certainly not the time to relax. Especially the way the 9ers came back against Houston Sunday.

 

[Doug]

WOW One of the GREATEST THREADS I've ever read on this board.REAL TRUE FEELINGS from men my age.Who would've thunk it.I love what NEVER SAY DIE said the most besides CATFISH being SO honest about his.

Lets enjoy the MOMENT.We need to kind of slow things down a little anyway.This awesome team of men that is assembled that fought to within 2 minutes of the LOMBARDI last season need this time this year to integrate the new co-ordinators who are ON THE JOB TRAINING and also we have some very YOUNG talent that needs these games and more importantly every day of practice that goes by that we really don't think about.

Everyday that we add more plays on Offense for each running back to have his own special package of plays and the same for the defense and its rotation of players that have new twists and blitzes that they are gonna use to confuse the next quarterback out of the gate.

I think that SUNDAY night game with the COLTS is what set everything into motion.IT was the begining and we still had a tough test with the texans but the fact we pulled it out in such dramatic fashion even helped our defense believe in itself more.

Then the second year at Qwest.Would we fail? Hell no we came and played the best game since the Miami game in week 2 of last season.Warner did'nt have a perfect game like the Miami game but we accomplished everything we could have set our goals on.

Then in true BELIEF we stepped out together and beat back MANY YEARS of demons and CLOSED DOWN THE OLD MEADOWLANDS without much praise from the talking heads who picked against us anyway.Nothing new about that.We like being under the radar and NONE of us are here to enjoy the press clippings along the way.They only slow you down.Thats why the defense huddled before the game ended to get everyones mind on the same page.

I don't think with as much LEADERSHIP FROM THE TOP in WHIZ&GRIMM & DAVIS & AIKIN THE D LINE COACH WE WILL FALTER to the panthers who we will treat like playoff game #2 come Sunday afternoon.I know Kurt wants to get the passing game back on track and it would be nice to get Jerame Urban and Stevie Breaston back involved in this game.Of course they can't stop Fitz and I know he wants to get his hands game back better also after the giants game.

I don't think this team see's itself as the best team in the league right now.We have room to grow with our players and we must match the intensity of the saints and vikings and packers and bears next week.If only we could have a few less injuries.But everyone is really nicked up at the end of the season so to STRIVE for one of the two spots to get a BYE week in the playoffs could be a goal to shoot for.Even if its the second spot.

That means ONE WEEK AT A TIME.Cliche' as it is One week at a time and learn everything you can about that opponent.No one is even thinking about the giant game anymore on this team.

I'm thinking DRC is gonna be alright.It was'nt a high ankle and he can bounce back being so young and agile.NOT fragile.Boldin is Boldin.Hightower will set his own pace as to how many carries he gets per game by how many big plays he gets.I don't care what coach speak you here.Coach Whiz wants to keep Hightowers head into the game all season.Its key.

We are learning to help our pass blockers and also we are adding a pass rush if the refs will just learn to call all the holding on Calais' Campbell & Dockett.Branch knows his role and Hayes and Dansby just have to stay solid.Same with Okeafors back at his age and,we've gotten more from Haggans than we got all of last season already.Berry has'nt turned up the playoff heat yet and we have many young faces that are yet to contribute in the Howler and Doucet.Coach really likes what he sees in practice and he's gonna make us all proud.

We have depth for the o-line and are one of the deepest teams in the league bar none.If not THE deepest.

So I think focus is in the right spot and this game will be taken as serious as the giants game was with A-DUB,Warner,Robinson,Haggans,McFadden (who has brought a lot from the steelers),Rolle,Dansby,Hayes,Dockett,Okeafor and I could name a few more that just won't let this team get off track mentally when we have leaders like Fitzgerald who get mad at themselves and will stay after practice to catch more balls after a bad game for them like the giants game.They then inspire others.

The coaching and training aspects of this team could'nt be better with Coach Lott & team.Its a short week but its also a late game at home.Back to the RED SEA with the crowd screaming for us again.That will be GREAT!

For us old guys we do need to enjoy everyday we have of this.We're not promised tomorrow.I know I'm not.Still postponing brain surgery.I want to see the CARDINALS do it this season,one step at a time and turn all the darksiders into the BRIGHT LIGHT THEY'VE ALL DREAMT ABOUT.

 

[Catfish]

Doug------I REALLY love you man. When someone like me comes along, complaining about our fears, YOU or CardDan, or Mitch, or Cardiac, or NeverSayDie, or SOMEONE comes along with sound advice.

Here you are holding me above water, when YOU are the one who needs the prayers and the comforting right now. How can I EVER thank you for being so unselfish. I will do what I can to keep a positive attitude about this, I promise.

You guys are absolutely right about enjoying the moment. Really, ---- what's not to enjoy about where we have come from this year so far.

Doug, my whole family is keeping you in our prayers. Stay strong and happy and I will do my best to do the same. Thanks to all my friends on this board !!!!!!

 

[Doug]

Doug------I REALLY love you man. When someone like me comes along, complaining about our fears, YOU or CardDan, or Mitch, or Cardiac, or NeverSayDie, or SOMEONE comes along with sound advice.

Here you are holding me above water, when YOU are the one who needs the prayers and the comforting right now. How can I EVER thank you for being so unselfish. I will do what I can to keep a positive attitude about this, I promise.

You guys are absolutely right about enjoying the moment. Really, ---- what's not to enjoy about where we have come from this year so far.

Doug, my whole family is keeping you in our prayers. Stay strong and happy and I will do my best to do the same. Thanks to all my friends on this board !!!!!!

Hey Catfish I Love you too brother.I'm glad you can put your feelings into words that can make a teams message board a more REAL place to come to than to talk stats.Lots of us are older men that don't know what to think when the CARDINALS are breaking down every barrier they ever stumbled against in the past 100 years.Its all coming down.No more curses.

Were breaking every record one game at a time.I believe we're gonna pad some stats this season too before the playoffs.Every other team has had a shot at it.We'll get our turn soon.Things are falling our way a lot too this season.We needed the colts game to get everyone back on track to beat this SO CALLED SB jinx.I'd say we're halfway to breaking that said jinx as it is.

Coach Whiz is a players coach.He does'nt baby anyone but he is'nt a screamer like Haley and Singletary.

I'm gonna enjoy everyday with you guys on this message board till we have even more to celebrate.How can we beat that?This place is a special place unlike all other message boards I've ever been too and I thank Skorp for that.I think this thread symbolyizes just what he wanted to be here.

Peace to you and your family Catfish and lets keep enjoying this as it unfolds.I think we're gonna enjoy quite a few weeks here.We'll get super focused before the Bears game.That will be our next touchstone game.

Of course no one is looking ahead to any game.The vikes game is gonna be a mini Superbowl. So many times the team that loses during the season comes back and wins during the playoffs IE: the panthers last season.

Feels good to put the giants in the rearview and to have that head to head matchup in our pockets.Don't know if the 9ers game is gonna matter or not.The 9ers just lost a starting OT for the season.We all are having injuries.So they will have trouble with Freeney and Mathis this week for sure in keeping the new qb upright.

I'm looking foreward to watching Peyton Vs the 9ers early game Sunday before we play the panthers in the RED SEA.Bob Sanders meet frank gore.

 

[Catfish]

Rest easy tonight my friend----------

 

[RedRob]

Battered Wife Syndrome

Cardiac - As mentioned before that description is so perfect for many old time Card fans (one in particular comes to my mind).

This is not to understate the seriousness of this syndrome either, it just goes to point out, whether right or wrong, how darn serious some of diehards are when it comes to pulling for our teams.

 

[LittleDavis]

Thanks Catfish...you explained my weekly ritual to a tee. From NFL network to ESPN, at the same time, combing every possible internet site. At Work, this and and the home page are at the top of my bookmarks(right above the thirty odd vendors pages that I deal with). I am glad you sparked this conversation. I was starting to think there was something wrong with me.

GOOOOOOOOO CARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[Catfish]

Thanks LD-----I think there are a lot of Cards fans that feel this way. Maybe if we all hang together we can WILL this team to another win on Sunday

 

[Cardiac]

Cardiac - As mentioned before that description is so perfect for many old time Card fans (one in particular comes to my mind).

This is not to understate the seriousness of this syndrome either, it just goes to point out, whether right or wrong, how darn serious some of diehards are when it comes to pulling for our teams.

Obviously there is the physical abuse most think of with this syndrome.

It can also be in the form of mental abuse which relates more closely to being a Cards fan.

Whis has taken this entire organization to a therapist and so we fans are not abused nearly as much as in the past.

 

[LVG]

Damn ----- I'm turning into a darksider right here if front of everybody.

This week only:

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[40yearfan]

Your father's Cardinals have often allowed huge games to back-ups etc,etc,etc. Quote: Cardiac

Damn Man,-----I am 67 years old, ----- MY FATHER'S CARDINALS ARE MY CARDINALS !!!!!!!

Youngster!!!!

 

[1DS]

I feel ya, Catfish. I think that feeling in the back of your mind is due to our bi-polar QB, Warner. He is due for a typical meltdown game where he is sacked 5 times, has 3 fumbles and 3 INT. When that game does hit, it's going to be real hard for us to pull out with a W. Its hard to go "all-in" (sorry, I'm playing poker right now) with your team with that terrible truth in the back of your dome.

That said, this team is for real. 11-5 for real. When Warner is hot, he's red-hot. He's been at least good enough for us to win almost every game this year. To his credit, Warner has done a much better job of keeping two hands on the ball this season and that is a big reason why. This offense will score enough points for us to win almost every week. The defense looks like they may finally be able to hold their weight this season. Although, I'd like to see them bring the type of energy and schemes they showed against a very impressive and balanced Giants attack for a few more weeks before I am a full believer. I do think the good defensive play will continue.

So I say go all-in. It's safe.

 

[Catfish]

I feel ya, Catfish. I think that feeling in the back of your mind is due to our bi-polar QB, Warner. He is due for a typical meltdown game where he is sacked 5 times, has 3 fumbles and 3 INT. When that game does hit, it's going to be real hard for us to pull out with a W. Its hard to go "all-in" (sorry, I'm playing poker right now) with your team with that terrible truth in the back of your dome.

That said, this team is for real. 11-5 for real. When Warner is hot, he's red-hot. He's been at least good enough for us to win almost every game this year. To his credit, Warner has done a much better job of keeping two hands on the ball this season and that is a big reason why. This offense will score enough points for us to win almost every week. The defense looks like they may finally be able to hold their weight this season. Although, I'd like to see them bring the type of energy and schemes they showed against a very impressive and balanced Giants attack for a few more weeks before I am a full believer. I do think the good defensive play will continue.

So I say go all-in. It's safe.

GOTCHA !!!!!!!!!

 

[JeffGollin]

Coming of Age...

The Cardinals will have "arrived" when one day it occurs to us that, whenever we face a team we ought to beat handily, we're no longer worried about whether or not we will.