Beware of “Dead” Snakes

[Harry]

You all know the old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Well this Sunday it would be good to keep that in mind. Four weeks ago many were picking the Rams as a playoff team. They likely weren’t that good. Now many are writing them off as DOA. That likely isn’t right either. It may be fair say that this Rams team has seen its role reduced to that of a spoiler, but to assume they aren’t dangerous would be a mistake. Sure Steven Jackson is out, along with Marc Bulger. It’s also fair to say their O-line looks like the Cards’ waiver list. Despite all this, if the Cards show up thinking this game is already won, that thought could prove correct but in the wrong direction.

While I would think the Cards should be able to contain the run, the Ram’s passing game may be a different story. Frerotte is dangerous. He has thrown for nearly 20,000 yards in his career, including 95 touchdowns against only 78 interceptions. He will be throwing to an outstanding receiver corps that includes a Pro Bowl player who has guaranteed a win. Frerotte has good feet and though not elusive, neither was Roethlisberger. It’s true the Cards had 4 sacks, but it’s also true they could have had 8. They too often failed to close the deal. Had they been better at closing the deal, the Cards wouldn’t have been sweating out an onsides kick.

This is not to say that I think the Cards will lose this weekend. Rather it’s to say that this will be another test of Whisenhunt’s coaching skills. The really good teams find a way to get up for these seemingly no brainer games. It’s been a long time since the Cards dominated a game to the extent that they won easily. This is yet another opportunity for the Cards to take a step forward by taking care of business. Still, as my grandfather once told me, “Beware of dead snakes; they can still bite.”

 

[mncardfan]

I once chopped the head off a rattlesnake in Colorado, and as the body slithered away, the head kept trying to bite my hand for a few minutes.

I was really hoping that Bulger would play again this week, Gus can play, and he throws a decent long ball. They have nothing to lose and will probably go long often, if their coach has any brain at all.

I pray for a solid win with no injuries!

GO CARDS!

mncardfan

 

[Second Deck]

As with most Cards fan I think we are always lookiing out for the snakes. All of the games we have played this year could have gone either way. I hope this is a game where we have better talent than the Rams and should come away with a W. Once again though we have a hard time winning on the road. We did win last year in St. Louis, lets expect a repeat.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Good Post, I love when you start threads here. I do disagree though that Big Ben isn't elusive. He is big and strong and tends to move a lot better than many foes expect him too. I am in the boat with the guys who would have prefered to face Bulger though.

 

[ajcardfan]

I agree with you Harry.

But, the player who guaranteed a win for the Rams is out. We don't have to worry about him.

 

[Duckjake]

It’s been a long time since the Cards dominated a game to the extent that they won easily.

Oddly enough the last time that happened was in St.Louis vs the Rams last season. The Cards were ahead 34-13 when the Rams scored with 58 seconds left to make the final 34-20.

I'm still concerned about the Cards pass defense. Today will be a good test for them even if one of the Rams top WRs is out.

 

[ReddBird]

When I think about this game, I remember the 2006 Cardinals/Raiders Week 7 game. That was supposed to be our "lock" win of the season. The Raiders -- which had lost their last ten or eleven games, dating back to '05 -- came in and dominated the Cards.

I felt sick.

And, now, probably because of THAT game, I feel worried.

 

[Redheart]

Bulger isn't out, he is on the bench. We had to prepare for him and Gus. At least, I hope we did...

 

[ajcardfan]

When I think about this game, I remember the 2006 Cardinals/Raiders Week 7 game. That was supposed to be our "lock" win of the season. The Raiders -- which had lost their last ten or eleven games, dating back to '05 -- came in and dominated the Cards.

I felt sick.

And, now, probably because of THAT game, I feel worried.

The circumstances are a bit different. We were coming off a crushing loss last year. We're going into this game after an exhilirating win. I'd compare it to the year we lost to the Niners, for the second time, at home when we still had playoff aspirations. The Niners played a backup QB and RB that day.

We've lost to so many bad teams over the years, it's a legitimate worry. I don't know when I'll feel 100% confident about the Cards winning game, but it sure isn't today.

 

[English on tour]

agree 100%

 

[RedViper]

This game is going to be trouble. No doubt about it. Just the fact that we are trying to make this team go 0 and five is a bad fact. Even a god awful NFL team will usually win at least once every five tries or so. This team is better than god-awful. Its going to be a hard job. We won't get much credit for winning and they'll roast us alive if we blow it.