Cardinals 20 Packers 13: Notes and Observations

[Walter Mitchell]

In the final anlaysis, could the Cardinals have written and performed the script any better?

Masterful ball control on offense. Timely defense. And improved special teams.

Even though, as most of saw, there were moments of almost comic confusion and questionable coaching decisions, the Cardinals stayed committed to their game plan and were steadfast in their resolve to win this ballgame.

They persevered...under all kinds of adverse circumstances...the heat, thousands of spectators cheering and urging on the other team in their own home...and worst of all, the seemingly perpetual stigma of losing.

How they persevered is a testament to their character. It was brutal out there. Quitters would have "packed it in" (pun intended). Yet, to a man this Cardinal team had no quit in them.

So, how and why did this happen?

EMMITT'S SPEECH: Following last Sunday's embarrassment, Emmitt could not have spoken up at a more important time. Obviously, his words did not fall on deaf ears.

BLAKE'S PROMISE: Right in line with Emmitt's speech, Jeff Blake took his share of the ownership and vowed to not let something like last Sunday happen again. He backed it up with a nearly flawless performance...from start to finish, this time around...which included a leaping TD run a la John Elway's Super Bowl inspirational hurdle.

FREE AGENTS EMERGE: All six of the key additions put their fingerprints on this win. Emmitt, Blake, Jackson, Hodgins, Spikes and Darling.

BIG RED LINE RESURGENCE: Tough as nails, all of them. Just to show how intense and focused they were...how about the way they reacted when the Cardinals again blew a formation at the end of the first half and had to waste their last timeout? I don't know about you, but I loved the way Spikes and Kendall reacted. Talk about having their heads and hearts into the game and knowing the situation! I said last week, as the Big Red Line goes, the Cardinals go. Harry and I have debated their abilities...but this time around, the Big Red Line was BIG...and RED...and MEAN...and damn GOOD. Some of the running plays didn't go for many yards, but they all served a point...like a prizefighter landing a hard jab each time...they eventually wore the opponent out.

THE Q FACTOR: As much as Emmitt and Blake and the other leaders of this team rallied...the team has started to take on the personality of perhaps its toughest player, sensational rookie, Anquan Boldin. When Boldin was drafted and Jerry Sullivan drew comparisions of Boldin to Hines Ward, I said to myself, if this kid is half as tough mentally and physically as Ward, we've got ourselves a player. Well, this kid exemplifies the notion of "takes a licking and keeps on ticking!" Every player on the team has sat up and taken notice...veterans and rookies alike. And, make no mistake about it, this kid is every bit as tough as Hines Ward. This kid comes to play. He is flat-out dynamic.

THE JERRY SULLIVAN SHOW: Not Ed, Jerry! This guy is a master planner...master teacher...mastermind. To think that he called a near perfect game in just his third game of calling plays in an NFL contest, is unbelievable. If one person deserves the game ball (and many deserve it), Sullivan does. He totally understands not only what it takes to win in the NFL on Sunday...he completely understands the strengths of his personnel and caters his plan to his players' strengths...thus giving them the best chance possible to win. Someone wrote so fittingly on another post (please remind me if you were the one...you deserve credit), how refreshing it is to see 12 yard plays designed for third and 11. And then to see Blake fire a flat-out strike from a well defined pocket, with Emmitt blasting a blitzer. Sully also understands the opponents weaknesses...which is something Cardinal coordinators have seemingly struggled with the past several years.

TACKLING WITH POP AND AUTHORITY: Barron Tanner had the stick of the day and others began to follow suit. Looks like the defense was finally having a little fun out there. Raynoch Thompson is a man amongst boys on this team right now. Others will follow suit.

KICKING THE BALL WITH POP AND AUTHORITY: What a difference this week.

YOUNG CONTRIBUTIONS: The following players made their presence felt on occasion this week: Bryant Johnson (solid game throughout), Jason McAddley (great catch up the seam), Dennis Johnson (was a factor, no question), Marcus Bell (a real diamond in the rough when healthy), Calvin Pace (ooh, so close), Renaldo Hill (like Pace, ooh so close), Emmanuel McDaniel (not a youngster, but new to Cardinals, nice 4th quarter pop) and Adrian Wilson (starting to make some plays).

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED: Offense: (1) Blake needs to lay the ball out longer for the WRs on the deep passes; (2) The WRs have to trust their speed and not let up on the go routes; (3) Occasional carries for Hodgins...quick traps and dives, especially against the soft middle of the Rams' defense; (4) Can't wait to see that "trips in a line" formation; made to confuse the defense, not the Cardinals themselves! We can laugh at it now, can't we?

Defense: (1) Blitz Thompson more and more, he's the best speed rusher on the team; (2) Stop being so vanilla...got away with it this week because the offense kept the defense off the field; (3) Penetration? Have we seen a tackle behind the l.o.s. this year? The def. linemen are still just getting stood up and chasing the plays laterally...they HAVE TO GET UPFIELD to give the Cardinals a chance to win; (4) Has Ronald McKinnon lost a step or two? Is he hurt and not telling anyone? Darling looked much quicker to the ball; (5) Stop playing so much zone in the red zone; the coverage has to be much more aggressive...and when they do play zone: COVER THE MAN IN YOUR ZONE. Dexter Jackson was fuming after the Packers' lone TD (yes, can you belive it? Lone TD?!!!)...but, really, Dexter shouldn't have been caught in no man's land when he had David Martin behind him in his zone. He was probably worried Favre would scramble...but the rule of thumb as a DB is...you always play the pass first.

Anyway, congratulations to the players and coaches for a stellar effort and performance. Now get after them Rams!

To my friend, Arthurraccoon...the Cardinal is smiling in Arizona today! Yes, Arthur! Yes!

 

[WizardOfAz]

Thanks Walter......I enjoy reading your posts!

 

[jf-08]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
he completely understands the strengths of his personnel and caters his plan to his players' strengths...thus giving them the best chance possible to win. Someone wrote so fittingly on another post (please remind me if you were the one...you deserve credit), how refreshing it is to see 12 yard plays designed for third and 11.

that was me

Thank you ! Thank you !

I'd really like to thank my brother, Maddogkf. He missed yesterday's game and made the Iowa trip to watch ASU play. ASU got creamed - & The Cards pulled it out. I really think this shows that he truly is a jinx. So I'm gonna share the credit where the credit is due!

 

[red desert]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
In the final anlaysis, could the Cardinals have written and performed the script any better?

Masterful ball control on offense. Timely defense. And improved special teams.

Even though, as most of saw, there were moments of almost comic confusion and questionable coaching decisions, the Cardinals stayed committed to their game plan and were steadfast in their resolve to win this ballgame.

They persevered...under all kinds of adverse circumstances...the heat, thousands of spectators cheering and urging on the other team in their own home...and worst of all, the seemingly perpetual stigma of losing.

How they persevered is a testament to their character. It was brutal out there. Quitters would have "packed it in" (pun intended). Yet, to a man this Cardinal team had no quit in them.

So, how and why did this happen?

EMMITT'S SPEECH: Following last Sunday's embarrassment, Emmitt could not have spoken up at a more important time. Obviously, his words did not fall on deaf ears.

BLAKE'S PROMISE: Right in line with Emmitt's speech, Jeff Blake took his share of the ownership and vowed to not let something like last Sunday happen again. He backed it up with a nearly flawless performance...from start to finish, this time around...which included a leaping TD run a la John Elway's Super Bowl inspirational hurdle.

FREE AGENTS EMERGE: All six of the key additions put their fingerprints on this win. Emmitt, Blake, Jackson, Hodgins, Spikes and Darling.

BIG RED LINE RESURGENCE: Tough as nails, all of them. Just to show how intense and focused they were...how about the way they reacted when the Cardinals again blew a formation at the end of the first half and had to waste their last timeout? I don't know about you, but I loved the way Spikes and Kendall reacted. Talk about having their heads and hearts into the game and knowing the situation! I said last week, as the Big Red Line goes, the Cardinals go. Harry and I have debated their abilities...but this time around, the Big Red Line was BIG...and RED...and MEAN...and damn GOOD. Some of the running plays didn't go for many yards, but they all served a point...like a prizefighter landing a hard jab each time...they eventually wore the opponent out.

THE Q FACTOR: As much as Emmitt and Blake and the other leaders of this team rallied...the team has started to take on the personality of perhaps its toughest player, sensational rookie, Anquan Boldin. When Boldin was drafted and Jerry Sullivan drew comparisions of Boldin to Hines Ward, I said to myself, if this kid is half as tough mentally and physically as Ward, we've got ourselves a player. Well, this kid exemplifies the notion of "takes a licking and keeps on ticking!" Every player on the team has sat up and taken notice...veterans and rookies alike. And, make no mistake about it, this kid is every bit as tough as Hines Ward. This kid comes to play. He is flat-out dynamic.

THE JERRY SULLIVAN SHOW: Not Ed, Jerry! This guy is a master planner...master teacher...mastermind. To think that he called a near perfect game in just his third game of calling plays in an NFL contest, is unbelievable. If one person deserves the game ball (and many deserve it), Sullivan does. He totally understands not only what it takes to win in the NFL on Sunday...he completely understands the strengths of his personnel and caters his plan to his players' strengths...thus giving them the best chance possible to win. Someone wrote so fittingly on another post (please remind me if you were the one...you deserve credit), how refreshing it is to see 12 yard plays designed for third and 11. And then to see Blake fire a flat-out strike from a well defined pocket, with Emmitt blasting a blitzer. Sully also understands the opponents weaknesses...which is something Cardinal coordinators have seemingly struggled with the past several years.

TACKLING WITH POP AND AUTHORITY: Barron Tanner had the stick of the day and others began to follow suit. Looks like the defense was finally having a little fun out there. Raynoch Thompson is a man amongst boys on this team right now. Others will follow suit.

KICKING THE BALL WITH POP AND AUTHORITY: What a difference this week.

YOUNG CONTRIBUTIONS: The following players made their presence felt on occasion this week: Bryant Johnson (solid game throughout), Jason McAddley (great catch up the seam), Dennis Johnson (was a factor, no question), Marcus Bell (a real diamond in the rough when healthy), Calvin Pace (ooh, so close), Renaldo Hill (like Pace, ooh so close), Emmanuel McDaniel (not a youngster, but new to Cardinals, nice 4th quarter pop) and Adrian Wilson (starting to make some plays).

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED: Offense: (1) Blake needs to lay the ball out longer for the WRs on the deep passes; (2) The WRs have to trust their speed and not let up on the go routes; (3) Occasional carries for Hodgins...quick traps and dives, especially against the soft middle of the Rams' defense; (4) Can't wait to see that "trips in a line" formation; made to confuse the defense, not the Cardinals themselves! We can laugh at it now, can't we?

Defense: (1) Blitz Thompson more and more, he's the best speed rusher on the team; (2) Stop being so vanilla...got away with it this week because the offense kept the defense off the field; (3) Penetration? Have we seen a tackle behind the l.o.s. this year? The def. linemen are still just getting stood up and chasing the plays laterally...they HAVE TO GET UPFIELD to give the Cardinals a chance to win; (4) Has Ronald McKinnon lost a step or two? Is he hurt and not telling anyone? Darling looked much quicker to the ball; (5) Stop playing so much zone in the red zone; the coverage has to be much more aggressive...and when they do play zone: COVER THE MAN IN YOUR ZONE. Dexter Jackson was fuming after the Packers' lone TD (yes, can you belive it? Lone TD?!!!)...but, really, Dexter shouldn't have been caught in no man's land when he had David Martin behind him in his zone. He was probably worried Favre would scramble...but the rule of thumb as a DB is...you always play the pass first.

Anyway, congratulations to the players and coaches for a stellar effort and performance. Now get after them Rams!

To my friend, Arthurraccoon...the Cardinal is smiling in Arizona today! Yes, Arthur! Yes!

Great post as always. Check this out: I have HInes Ward and Anquan as my wide recievers on my fantasy football league and getting trade offers for both just about every hour. Cool huh?

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

excellent post walter. agree with 100% for a change!

 

[Northern Card]

Very enjoyable read....

 

[green machine]

Great post!

 

[Rats]

Originally posted by Northern Card
Very enjoyable read....

That was a fine analysis Walter...Only one thing that is missing and that is that we must also credit the Head Coach for not allowing this young group to go further South. Credit given where Credit is due....Lets Remember that Coach Mac is playing with a less than full deck and starting to acheive results. If he had those other two to three STAR quality players that 12.5 mil would by we would be seeing a playoff and division champion contender. What is most difficult...is that they have beefed up the under belly of the team by spending more on quality backup talent but havn't brought that extra that would really make this team something. Mac deserves some credit even if plays can't get in on time.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Even in our first two losses, I never felt that Jerry Sullivan's playcalling was bad. I don't necessarily like what I'm seeing when he calls a running play, but I love his passing plays.

Frankly, I think Sullivan rivals Fassell as the best offensive coordinator that this team has had since I've watched this team.

Thanks for the analysis Walter, I always enjoy your posts!

 

[RedRob]

I second your opinion on Sullivan Krang. The plays were there to be made against both the Lions and Seahawks; what we saw against the Packers was execution.

I was pissed a few months ago when Sully was rumored to be going to Dallas and exuberant when I found out he signed on for the OC job. Mark my words, head coach someday.

 

[Mel Gray TD]

I also think that Hodgins needs to get a few carries in the game. If we have Big for the St. Louis game, lets pound him a few times behind Davis and Kendall. Are we ever going to give the ball to a wide out on the reverse play that we run? Emmitt has picked up a lot of yards on that play but hopefully when we need a big play we will give to Boldin and let him role. I say run the ball against St. Louis and pound them in the ground. I don't like what I am seeing when Hodgins is moving in the backfield. It looks like the same stupid play we used to run with Mackovica last year. Hodgins should be still and then allow him to run over someone with Emmitt on his heels.

I have a tough time with this week because I live in Southeast Missouri and the Cardinals were just 100 miles up the road. I have followed them since they left and continue to do so. I will never be a Rams fan as long as I live. Cards, I need your help this week or all I do is get made fun of for still rooting for Arizona.
We played the Rams tough last year and I still get upset when I see us handing the ball off on third and six. That was a game we should have won. Hopefully this weeks game gets us back to 500 and we take off from there!

 

[Snakester]

Nice post Walter. Isn't it nice to post about a Cardinal win. Gotta love it.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Additional Thoughts

Thanks all of you for your kind words. I consider you all my friends...and the best Cardinal fans on the planet.

Coach Mac does deserve a great deal of credit for this win. I, nor anyone else, should begrudge him that. What's great for Mac is that he does not have to be the lone source and impetus for team motivation any more, now that Emmitt and Blake have asserted themselves. Mac's passion is being matched by key veterans...which is the absolute best scenario. The players genuinely like Mac...as do the majority of us fans...and rightly so.

I am even going to cut Mac some slack for kicking the field goal with eight seconds left in the first half. I was incredulous at the time...I think we all were. But, one has to feel for the guy. When he or the team makes an egregious mistake, Mac almost always tries to learn from it...perhaps at times to an absurd degree. Cases in point: (1) last year when Mac inexplicably allowed the Rams to run the clock down in the waning seconds while holding on to all three of the his timeouts as the Rams positioned themselves for the winning field goal (which resulted in a 28-30 loss)...the next week against the 49ers, Mac started using his timeouts way too early to try to get the ball back in an eventual 14-17 loss. Mac went to the opposite extreme, but at least it showed he wasn't going to go home with three timeouts in his pocket again. (2) When the Cardinals were unable to kick the field goal at the end of the first half against Detroit...that stuck in Mac's craw...and he was going to get three points this time, even if it meant passing up a legitimate opportunity to score a TD. Mac does over-react...but at least he is reacting. That to me is a good sign. Now, honestly, if the Cardinals had lost by three, Mac would be fending off a bombardment of questions this week about the decision to kick the field goal...no question. Next time, I think Mac will do the right thing...he'll take a shot at the end zone and go for the TD.

My feeling is that if Mac is going to make it in Arizona, and I sincerely hope he does, he has to bring in a defensive coordinator and delegate the defensive authority to whomever he brings in...the way the Bills hired Dick LeBeau this year. That would free Mac up to oversee the entire program and to focus his energies on keeping the players motivated...and making wise game and clock management decisions on the sidelines.

This current defensive system is either flawed and poorly conceived to begin with...or...it is being poorly taught...or...both. We the fans were sold a bag of good in the pre-season that there is a new, more aggressive philosophy on defense. There is nothing new about this defense...it's the same read and react, bend but don't break system that has been in place for years here...in fact, this defense looks more passive and conservative as ever through three games. And, sorry to say, it stinks. It flat-out stinks. And it's probably going to cost Mac his job, unless he can somehow slide by this year and bring in a difference maker as defensive coordinator next year.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Opening a familar can of worms...but

If I had my druthers and an input on what the Cardinals should do defensively, here is exactly what I would do with this current defensive personnel:

First of all, I want to say that there IS talent on the defensive side of the ball. There's enough talent and athleticism to win ballgames with. Some of you think this is crazy, but I think the overall defensive talent and athleticism is being wasted by the current defensive philosophy and poor manner in which these players are being taught.

Anyway, back to what I would do.

THE BASE DEFENSE:

(1) Rotate Barron Tanner and Marcus Bell at NT. With Tanner, he's our Ted Washington, occupy two blo blockers in the middle nose guard. In Bell, we try to take full advantage of his quickness. He's our Joe Klecko-type nose guard.

(2) Calvin Pace and Wendell Bryant are the 3-4 DEs. Both combine athleticism and strength. Pace played in the 3-4 at Wake Forest and would be right at home. Many of you have been suggesting the Cardinals switch Bryant to 4-3 DE. Well, the 3-4 DE is the perfect compromise. Behind Pace and Bryant are two players who, IMO, are ideally suited as 3-4 DEs...Fred Wakefield and Kenny King. Wakefield's size and stength are assets more suited for the interior than the edge. King is quick and strong and aggressive...the right combination for this role.

(3) Switch Raynoch Thompson to ROLB, where he can team with Pace to attack the blind side of the QB. Start McKinnon and Darling in the middle, fire one them frequently on run and pass blitzes through the B gaps...and I favor Gerald Hayes as the LOLB. This guy is a gamer...just wait and see. He will hold up well at the point of attack and he will rush the edge with authority...and keep good, solid contain on the likes of Jeff Garcia and Matt Hasselback...which, IMO, is an absolute key for beating the 49ers and Seahawks.

(4) Roll Renaldo Hill and David Barrett up frequently as press corners...and give them safety help from Jackson and Wilson respectively. Hill and Barrett are gritty comeptitors who would be far better off being aggressive in press coverage than playing the soft cushion they've been accustomed to playing. Jackson and Wilson are two atheltic safeties who have the range to offer excellent support in the deep halves and thirds of the field. Also, by rolling the corners up, they become blitzing threats...which in the NFL today is becoming more and more popular. Blitz a corner and have the safety pick up the WR.

 

[az240zz]

Thank you Walter for the critique of the defense. If we keep playing the way we have been we will lose alot more than we should. We have to become alot more aggresive on defense.


Az240

 

[Tangodnzr]

Aaahhh yessss, the wolf finally sheds his lamb's faux coat and the honeyed, politically correct, verbosity fades to the darker and more biting historical negativism.

So, you, Walter, as self-proclaimed spokesman for "we the fans" feel that "we" were all "sold a bill of goods" in regard to the defense huh??? I can only say....speak for yourself sir.

I certainly don't feel that way. Granted, so far, in the first 3 games I think an overall "fairly conservative" approach, is fairly accurate. But as someone posted earlier on another thread, Mac/Marmie seem to be adjusting their scheme to each individual opponent each week and to the personnel they have available, etc.

I don't know what games you've been watching the last couple of games, but I've been reviewing the tapes and I just don't see any substantiation to your claim that the DL is not generally being agressive. Quite the contrary. Do they need to improve?
Yes, I'd say so. But neither are they mostly sitting back and just "reading and reacting" as much as you infer.
You've made it quite plain that you apparently deem yourself much more wiser and competant than either Mac or Marmie when it comes to intellectual coaching abilities and planning.
I'll say one thing for you Walter, you never lack for confidence.
I've been criticised for my "condescending" attitude at times, but boy, my transgressions, in that respect, pale greatly compared to that of yours.

I see too, that hyperbole is still a loyal bedfellow of yours.
I'm still laughing over the comment: "(3) Penetration? Have we seen a tackle behind the l.o.s. this year? "
Have you even bothered to look at or review the game tapes, especially this last week? Or is that just a messy, useless little factoid that would interfere with your rendering of infallible judgement?

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Sorry about the we stuff. Northern Card has asked me to stop that...but, in reality, can't we all see...and don't we all see, that this defense is passive? What game tapes are you watching, Tang?

I challenge you to back your statments with concrete examples: Answer the following...

(1) When was the last time you saw a Cardinal defensive lineman make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage?

(2) When was the last time a Cardinal defensive lineman registered a sack? A linebacker? A safety? A cornerback?

(3) When was the last time the Cardinals wreaked havoc up front and busted up a play?

(4) When was the last time the Cardinals maintained good strong contain on the QB? Look at the Packers' drives...Brett Favre could drift to his right practically any time he wanted to. The only time I saw in the game that the Cardinals kept contain and got in Favre's face was the one time the Cardinals blitzed Raynoch Thompson...and Favre rushed his throw into the dirt.

(5) When was the last time you saw Ronald McKinnon make a tackle anywhere near the line of scrimmage?

How about the handful of times the Packer MLB stormed through the line and got to Emmitt early. When do we ever see linebacker play like that from the Cardinals?

We don't.

But, go ahead, Tang. You say you are studying the tapes. Provide examples.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Originally posted by Tangodnzr
Aaahhh yessss, the wolf finally sheds his lamb's faux coat and the honeyed, politically correct, verbosity fades to the darker and more biting historical negativism.

So, you, Walter, as self-proclaimed spokesman for "we the fans" feel that "we" were all "sold a bill of goods" in regard to the defense huh??? I can only say....speak for yourself sir.

I certainly don't feel that way. Granted, so far, in the first 3 games I think an overall "fairly conservative" approach, is fairly accurate. But as someone posted earlier on another thread, Mac/Marmie seem to be adjusting their scheme to each individual opponent each week and to the personnel they have available, etc.

I don't know what games you've been watching the last couple of games, but I've been reviewing the tapes and I just don't see any substantiation to your claim that the DL is not generally being agressive. Quite the contrary. Do they need to improve?
Yes, I'd say so. But neither are they mostly sitting back and just "reading and reacting" as much as you infer.
You've made it quite plain that you apparently deem yourself much more wiser and competant than either Mac or Marmie when it comes to intellectual coaching abilities and planning.
I'll say one thing for you Walter, you never lack for confidence.
I've been criticised for my "condescending" attitude at times, but boy, my transgressions, in that respect, pale greatly compared to that of yours.

I see too, that hyperbole is still a loyal bedfellow of yours.
I'm still laughing over the comment: "(3) Penetration? Have we seen a tackle behind the l.o.s. this year? "
Have you even bothered to look at or review the game tapes, especially this last week? Or is that just a messy, useless little factoid that would interfere with your rendering of infallible judgement?

amazing simply amazing.....

 

[Tangodnzr]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
Sorry about the we stuff. Northern Card has asked me to stop that...but, in reality, can't we all see...and don't we all see, that this defense is passive? What game tapes are you watching, Tang?

I challenge you to back your statments with concrete examples: Answer the following...

(1) When was the last time you saw a Cardinal defensive lineman make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage?
I watched the game and taped it as I did. So far I have only "reviewed" the first half, but just off of the top of my head, I can say...Barron Tanner shot a gap and tackled Green for a loss..(not the play that caused the fumbe...I missed that both live, and had the tape paused during the break just prior to that play.

(2) Whe was the last time a Cardinal defensive lineman registered a sack?
Obviosly none yet, but just in the first half alone...twice Favre was "in the grasp" and somehow, miraculously, managed to get rid of the ball.

(3) When was the last time the Cardinals wreaked havoc up front and busted up a play?
Lavar Fisher....first half...came up to the line of scrimmage and shot across the l.o.s. as Favre pitched on a sweep to Green ... and the awaiting arms of Fisher, who nailed him for a 4 yd loss.

(4) When was the last time the Cardinals maintained good strong contain on the QB? Look at the Packers' drives...Brett Favre could drift to his right practically any time he wanted to. The only time I saw in the game that the Cardinals kept contain and got in Favre's face was the one time the Cardinals blitzed Raynoch Thompson...and Favre rushed his throw into the dirt.
Favre didn't run wild on the Cards. I will look at the tapes more to verify it for sure, but "lack of containment" is not anything thing I would call a "big" problem.
That, and considering that DJ was making his first start at LE in place of Wakefield, who "containment", I maintain, is one of his normal strengths. DJ, to me, played a pretty good game...still certainly room for improvement, but the last two weeks showing that maybe, indeed, he is starting to display some of his "potential". I commented at length on that. prior to the game, last week.
(5) When was the last time you same Ronald McKinnon make a tackle anywhere near the line of scrimmage?
I will concede that, so far from what I have seen, this past game was not one of McKinnon's best. He did indeed look a step slow a couple of times. Last week, I thought he generally played a pretty solid game. If anything his "weakness" has seemed to be more in some coverage situations than run support.

How about the handful of times the Packer MLB stormed through the line and got to Emmitt early. When do we ever see linebacker play like that from the Cardinals?
So far, again off the top of my head, during the first half, I only remember one instance fitting that scenario, and that was due to Spikes totally missing his block after pulling to the right on a play run to Dishman and Clement's side, there was a huge hole there and the middle linebacker was able to read the play, and run up into the hole. If Spikes had even come close to executing his block, Emmitt would have been off to the races.
We don't.
Noooooo.....YOU don't ! ! !

But, go ahead, Tang. You say you are studying the tapes. Provide examples.
Done!!! And I will add any further germaine comments once I finish watching more.

 

[Russ Smith]

Re: Opening a familar can of worms...but

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
[(3) Switch Raynoch Thompson to ROLB, where he can team with Pace to attack the blind side of the QB. Start McKinnon and Darling in the middle, fire one them frequently on run and pass blitzes through the B gaps...and I favor Gerald Hayes as the LOLB. This guy is a gamer...just wait and see. He will hold up well at the point of attack and he will rush the edge with authority...and keep good, solid contain on the likes of Jeff Garcia and Matt Hasselback...which, IMO, is an absolute key for beating the 49ers and Seahawks.
/B]

I was with you until you had Fisher completely out of the defense!

Too gtalented a player to leave on the bench, he's gotta be out there somehwere.

With Bryant probably out we won't do anything like that this week anyways but I do think we'll see more 3-4 as the season goes on if the DT's don't start playing better.

 

[Stout]

Re: Opening a familar can of worms...but

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
THE BASE DEFENSE:

(1) Rotate Barron Tanner and Marcus Bell at NT. With Tanner, he's our Ted Washington, occupy two blo blockers in the middle nose guard. In Bell, we try to take full advantage of his quickness. He's our Joe Klecko-type nose guard.

(2) Calvin Pace and Wendell Bryant are the 3-4 DEs. Both combine athleticism and strength. Pace played in the 3-4 at Wake Forest and would be right at home. Many of you have been suggesting the Cardinals switch Bryant to 4-3 DE. Well, the 3-4 DE is the perfect compromise. Behind Pace and Bryant are two players who, IMO, are ideally suited as 3-4 DEs...Fred Wakefield and Kenny King. Wakefield's size and stength are assets more suited for the interior than the edge. King is quick and strong and aggressive...the right combination for this role.

(3) Switch Raynoch Thompson to ROLB, where he can team with Pace to attack the blind side of the QB. Start McKinnon and Darling in the middle, fire one them frequently on run and pass blitzes through the B gaps...and I favor Gerald Hayes as the LOLB. This guy is a gamer...just wait and see. He will hold up well at the point of attack and he will rush the edge with authority...and keep good, solid contain on the likes of Jeff Garcia and Matt Hasselback...which, IMO, is an absolute key for beating the 49ers and Seahawks.

(4) Roll Renaldo Hill and David Barrett up frequently as press corners...and give them safety help from Jackson and Wilson respectively. Hill and Barrett are gritty comeptitors who would be far better off being aggressive in press coverage than playing the soft cushion they've been accustomed to playing. Jackson and Wilson are two atheltic safeties who have the range to offer excellent support in the deep halves and thirds of the field. Also, by rolling the corners up, they become blitzing threats...which in the NFL today is becoming more and more popular. Blitz a corner and have the safety pick up the WR.

Walter...would you be our new DC? PLEASE?

 

[Tangodnzr]

Re: Re: Opening a familar can of worms...but

Originally posted by Stout
Walter...would you be our new DC? PLEASE?

Ohhh.....Puuleez indeed !!! :roll:

 

[Rats]

I think that in our analysis of the defense over the first three weeks we need to remember that we have played three straight teams that run the West Coast offense in some version. IT does not lend itself to allowing a defense to blitz and make many plays behind the line nor does it allow safteys to cheat they have to be in position or they get burned. As Walter said the Coaches have adjusted each week and this next week we should see a team that is as prepared as last. That said going into STL even with Marshall, Marshall, Marshall,....out our Defense will be tested especially at cornerback because again we will not get pressure. Maybe some tip balls for turnovers but not much pressure. We have to force a few turnovers...and play clock management again and we could be in this game and finally win on the road...

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Rats
I think that in our analysis of the defense over the first three weeks we need to remember that we have played three straight teams that run the West Coast offense in some version. IT does not lend itself to allowing a defense to blitz and make many plays behind the line nor does it allow safteys to cheat they have to be in position or they get burned. As Walter said the Coaches have adjusted each week and this next week we should see a team that is as prepared as last. That said going into STL even with Marshall, Marshall, Marshall,....out our Defense will be tested especially at cornerback because again we will not get pressure. Maybe some tip balls for turnovers but not much pressure. We have to force a few turnovers...and play clock management again and we could be in this game and finally win on the road...

Don't tell Holmgren that, like Shanahan he denies he plays the WCO although he admits his offense is based on what he ran in SF.

That's a very valid point though we should have more luck pressuring Bulger because they run deeper routes.

 

[Tangodnzr]

Originally posted by Rats
I think that in our analysis of the defense over the first three weeks we need to remember that we have played three straight teams that run the West Coast offense in some version. IT does not lend itself to allowing a defense to blitz and make many plays behind the line nor does it allow safteys to cheat they have to be in position or they get burned. As Walter said the Coaches have adjusted each week and this next week we should see a team that is as prepared as last. That said going into STL even with Marshall, Marshall, Marshall,....out our Defense will be tested especially at cornerback because again we will not get pressure. Maybe some tip balls for turnovers but not much pressure. We have to force a few turnovers...and play clock management again and we could be in this game and finally win on the road...

I agree with Russ, I think you bring up a very valid point in regard to the WC offenses.
However, I think you are mistaken on what Walter "said".
That was me and someone else even before me, on another thread, I can't remember who . . . that said that.
What Walter said was:
There is nothing new about this defense...it's the same read and react, bend but don't break system that has been in place for years here...in fact, this defense looks more passive and conservative as ever through three games. And, sorry to say, it stinks. It flat-out stinks. And it's probably going to cost Mac his job, unless he can somehow slide by this year and bring in a difference maker as defensive coordinator next year.

And as to saying now that the Cards won't get any pressure is a bit premature wouldn't you say?