Cardinals Face-Plant.

[Redheart]

The whole world is half-expecting the Cardinal to face-plant this season and there may be some sound reasoning behind it.

Some things to consider:

1. New OC.

2. New DC.

3. Probably no Q; if Larry goes down...

4. Warner another year older.

5. Niners play us like manaics, always tough.

6. Post-Superbowl; NFC Champ target.

No swaggering by me...our opening day game at home looks like a must-win to me; if we lose that "win" to the 'niners, we will be looking at Singletary's butt all season long, record-wise I mean.

 

[Pariah]

It's going to be tough, but I think we also have some things going in our favor:

1) ended the season a lot stronger than they started it

2) gained confidence; something that the team has NEVER had in the past 3 decades

3) Cemented a true home-field advantage

4) another year of the same OL playing together

 

[WildBB]

It's going to be tough, but I think we also have some things going in our favor:

1) ended the season a lot stronger than they started it

2) gained confidence; something that the team has NEVER had in the past 3 decades

3) Cemented a true home-field advantage

4) another year of the same OL playing together

And some of the younger players only getting better. Along with some new ones at key spots.

It's always tough playing rivals.

 

[Buckybird]

If we stay healthy we will be ok, thats the key factor.

 

[TJ]

Health is key. If we stay healthy, I dont see anybody in the NFC West supplanting us this season. All of the other teams, IMO, are in some sort of rebuilding mode. None of the players we have lost yet are irreplaceable. If the team decides to trade Q, it is going to sting our offense more than people comprehend.

 

[perivolaki]

And some of the younger players only getting better. Along with some new ones at key spots.

It's always tough playing rivals.

I agree. The Niners never got to see DRC after he really got rolling. IMHO this, along with McFadden and Hood at nickle, gives us a huge advantage we didn't have when facing them last year.

 

[lauraw]

Redheart, if you are negative think of this... Whizz is in control of the situation. that makes me happy. If i see him panic or lose control, I'll worry. To answer your questions.
1-2] in house continuity.
3]we still have Q what we'll get for him if he does leave. Fitz is dead solid healthy, I see him May 2 at a clinic.
4]Warner IS another year older and that is a concern, but he is also a year wiser. he and whisenhunt have a great understanding.
5]Niners are twice a year, once at home. we know them as well as they know us.
6]Targets- The most exciting part of this year!!! Can be play up to the competition every week?

 

[Mitch]

Redheart, if you are negative think of this... Whizz is in control of the situation. that makes me happy. If i see him panick or lose control, Ill worry.

I totally agree. In Whiz we trust.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

The Niners will always play us tough, that's the way division games usually are.

Singletary is in way over his head, he got some fight from a team that wanted him to keep his job, I'll be completely shocked if they improve this year.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Would anyone be shocked if we went 7 & 9?? I wouldn't...

I'd like to believe that Whiz can do this. That thru the massive amounts of change already dished out to this team, that he can somehow navigate it all and lead this team to a second straight division championship. However, I will be antsy at minimum until that occurs...

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I can't believe all the Niners love going around this board. And the thing that is making me LMAO is that I like Shaun Hill better then anybody.

They have ANOTHER new OC. No weapons at WR. An injury prone back. Bad Oline. A non descript DL and no safeties.

Plus they are relying on a coach that relys on emotion. Won't hold up over a 16 game schedule and I would go as far as to say it gets old sooner rather then later.....

As for us -

New OC - Um have you met Coach Wiz? Haley is good but he aint the brains. Thats like thinking the University of Florida offense is going to trash because Dan Mullens left to coach MSU.

New DC - I think that we won't generate as man turnovers but I am confident we will be more consistent and maintain gap control.

Def worried about trading Q and then the Fitz "Madden" curse taking effect. But what are you going to do?

I think the gunning thing is silly. I think Wiz will have the team MORE motivated this regular season as we saw what home field advantage does in the playoffs. I think the team is embarassed STILL about what happened in the regular season last year.

Decline in QB play only really happens overnight in the cold weather. I feel good about Kurt in the dome. And I like Matt if he doesn't bring it.

And Im not concerned about the 9er at at all. Im more worried about a healthy Seattle.

JMHO

 

[Pariah]

Plus they are relying on a coach that relys on emotion.

I don't think you're giving singletary enough credit. He's a really smart guy and knows his football. He may be emotional, but that's not what he's "relying" on; it's a tool in his bag.

I agree with you though --even though they always play us tough and I respect that -- the niners are a little overrated in general on this board.

 

[Redheart]

Thanks for the responses.

Note for the record; I do not think I am a negative guy, I still have the Kool-Aide stains on my lips from last season.

I think there are some good reasons to temper expectations for this season.

To that point, considering all the big changes from last years team, I think just making the play-offs this year (as a wildcard) would be considered a successful season.

Win the division? Not a lock; but we may be a slight favorite.

A lot will occur between now and the first game of the season, but for now, I don't think we are as good a team on paper as were at the start of last season.

 

[ARZCardinals]

don't worry about the new oC and DC coordinators. Why? TEams struggle with new coordinators because they have to learn an entire new playbook learn new calls and the whole gamma.

It's going to be the same terms...same playbook...just someone else calling the set.