Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
If the Cards take this Washington game lightly, this could be a challenging game. Clearly the Cards have more talent. The problem is Washington’s strengths hit some of the areas where the Cards have been weak.
On defense Washington’s top skill is rushing the passer. Sadly the Cards’ O-line leaves much to be desired. The Eagles’ line, despite injuries, is still regarded as far superior to what the Cards possess. Last week the Team spent virtually the entire game in the Eagles’ backfield, sometimes with 3 players simultaneously. It’s correct that Murray is elusive and the Cards did relentlessly throw short last week. Still, the risk of injury to Murray will be high. Couple that with the resulting route limitations it produces and it sounds like another dink & dump week. Last week the Cards’s passes averaged only 5.6 yards per completion. This was sadly reminiscent of last season. If the Cards don’t keep someone in to protect Murray, they won’t be throwing deep in this game either. Especially if they fail to move Murray out of the pocket. They once touted Murray’s ability to throw on the run, including throwing deep. Now they seemed determined to make him a pocket passer who can break and run. However, they lack a line that can create and maintain a pocket. If you watch a game, typically Murray can’t step up into a pocket as it’s already collapsed. This has created a tendency for Murray to bail out too quickly and run. Murray has shown little ability to pull up and complete passes when rolling out. I’m not certain he sees the field well enough to find open receivers. Perhaps that explains the stay in the pocket mentality. Sometimes that skill does develop.
On offense the Teams’ QB, Haskins, showed significant improvement last week. They have a special fast release package of plays consisting of several simultaneous slants and misdirection routes. This package plays to Haskins’ best skills as he tends to be sloppy on his mechanics, so longer throws are less accurate. He’s especially vulnerable because he often fails to step into his passes often causing them to sail or veer. He’d be a prime target for interceptions but that’s not an area of expertise for the Cards’ defense. I expect the game plan to rely heavily on these quick release passes and also some no/quick huddle sequences.
The Cards need to be especially alert for quick strike pass plays after turnovers. This team has an old school philosophy and tries to catch defenses flat footed after changes of possession. They rarely throw deep but will extend to mid-range throws on those occasions.
On offense I expect the Cards to do what Philly did, be aggressive early. Unfortunately for Philly they got overly aggressive, perhaps reckless, even when up 17-0. I’m not saying they should have shut down the offense, but maybe it was time to call a few plays designed to slow down the rush. The Cards can try to do that by doing a better job of establishing the run. Last year the Cards did a good job of concealing run patterns hitting small holes quickly. Against the Niners Drake ran hard but got very little space. Edmonds looked like a plus in the short passing game, but didn’t get rushing opportunities. The line has to play better. On the whole the line play was disappointing. Towards the end of last year they were improving. The Niners game was a step backwards.
As to the passing attack, the Cards have got to find a way to diversify. They can win some games with this short passing game but mostly I think they’ll end up with a bunch of close games, which can often turn on one mistake. That’s not a formula for winning the West, let alone the NFC. This is a team that’s capable of being dominant offensively but not with this level of game plans or play calling.
I also think Murray will also have to spread the ball around more. He still locks on his primary. I know Hopkins isn’t your typical primary, but sooner or later teams will double-team him, leaving major opportunities elsewhere. Also pump faking (requires time) to Hopkins should open other receivers. Finally I know Fitz wants to win, but only 4-5 targets may leave him feeling it’s time to go.
On defense things were greatly improved. It is important, however, to note Garoppolo played poorly. He was constantly late on his pass attempts. Both Murphy and Peterson benefitted immensely on the last drive. Secondary coverage overall was decent but they certainly weren’t forced to cover any big time receivers. The linebacker group was much weaker in coverage except for Campbell. Hicks committed a costly penalty. I have no idea what scheme would result in his being that deep in the secondary. He’s historically been weak in coverage. Reddick showed a little improvement but was wildly inconsistent. Simmons looked like a typical rookie. Jones was rarely in coverage but did appear to at least know his role.
I had expected a better pass rush. They were sometimes disruptive but missed a few chances to close the deal on a QB not known for his elusiveness. Washington’s line should provide numerous opportunities to at least pressure Haskins. They were sound against the run especially on that goal line stand. If they can continue to control their opponent’s ground game they figure to have a strong year defensively. I think the Cards are going to be rewarded for their patience with Joseph.
I’m not worried about early field goal misses, especially with no preseason. On the whole the special teams’ play was solid. That block was a major accomplishment based on clever play design. Good-bye Mr. Jones.
On the whole the Cards should beat Washington. I think they are a contender, but I keep waiting for those creative plays KK was supposed to bring.
On defense Washington’s top skill is rushing the passer. Sadly the Cards’ O-line leaves much to be desired. The Eagles’ line, despite injuries, is still regarded as far superior to what the Cards possess. Last week the Team spent virtually the entire game in the Eagles’ backfield, sometimes with 3 players simultaneously. It’s correct that Murray is elusive and the Cards did relentlessly throw short last week. Still, the risk of injury to Murray will be high. Couple that with the resulting route limitations it produces and it sounds like another dink & dump week. Last week the Cards’s passes averaged only 5.6 yards per completion. This was sadly reminiscent of last season. If the Cards don’t keep someone in to protect Murray, they won’t be throwing deep in this game either. Especially if they fail to move Murray out of the pocket. They once touted Murray’s ability to throw on the run, including throwing deep. Now they seemed determined to make him a pocket passer who can break and run. However, they lack a line that can create and maintain a pocket. If you watch a game, typically Murray can’t step up into a pocket as it’s already collapsed. This has created a tendency for Murray to bail out too quickly and run. Murray has shown little ability to pull up and complete passes when rolling out. I’m not certain he sees the field well enough to find open receivers. Perhaps that explains the stay in the pocket mentality. Sometimes that skill does develop.
On offense the Teams’ QB, Haskins, showed significant improvement last week. They have a special fast release package of plays consisting of several simultaneous slants and misdirection routes. This package plays to Haskins’ best skills as he tends to be sloppy on his mechanics, so longer throws are less accurate. He’s especially vulnerable because he often fails to step into his passes often causing them to sail or veer. He’d be a prime target for interceptions but that’s not an area of expertise for the Cards’ defense. I expect the game plan to rely heavily on these quick release passes and also some no/quick huddle sequences.
The Cards need to be especially alert for quick strike pass plays after turnovers. This team has an old school philosophy and tries to catch defenses flat footed after changes of possession. They rarely throw deep but will extend to mid-range throws on those occasions.
On offense I expect the Cards to do what Philly did, be aggressive early. Unfortunately for Philly they got overly aggressive, perhaps reckless, even when up 17-0. I’m not saying they should have shut down the offense, but maybe it was time to call a few plays designed to slow down the rush. The Cards can try to do that by doing a better job of establishing the run. Last year the Cards did a good job of concealing run patterns hitting small holes quickly. Against the Niners Drake ran hard but got very little space. Edmonds looked like a plus in the short passing game, but didn’t get rushing opportunities. The line has to play better. On the whole the line play was disappointing. Towards the end of last year they were improving. The Niners game was a step backwards.
As to the passing attack, the Cards have got to find a way to diversify. They can win some games with this short passing game but mostly I think they’ll end up with a bunch of close games, which can often turn on one mistake. That’s not a formula for winning the West, let alone the NFC. This is a team that’s capable of being dominant offensively but not with this level of game plans or play calling.
I also think Murray will also have to spread the ball around more. He still locks on his primary. I know Hopkins isn’t your typical primary, but sooner or later teams will double-team him, leaving major opportunities elsewhere. Also pump faking (requires time) to Hopkins should open other receivers. Finally I know Fitz wants to win, but only 4-5 targets may leave him feeling it’s time to go.
On defense things were greatly improved. It is important, however, to note Garoppolo played poorly. He was constantly late on his pass attempts. Both Murphy and Peterson benefitted immensely on the last drive. Secondary coverage overall was decent but they certainly weren’t forced to cover any big time receivers. The linebacker group was much weaker in coverage except for Campbell. Hicks committed a costly penalty. I have no idea what scheme would result in his being that deep in the secondary. He’s historically been weak in coverage. Reddick showed a little improvement but was wildly inconsistent. Simmons looked like a typical rookie. Jones was rarely in coverage but did appear to at least know his role.
I had expected a better pass rush. They were sometimes disruptive but missed a few chances to close the deal on a QB not known for his elusiveness. Washington’s line should provide numerous opportunities to at least pressure Haskins. They were sound against the run especially on that goal line stand. If they can continue to control their opponent’s ground game they figure to have a strong year defensively. I think the Cards are going to be rewarded for their patience with Joseph.
I’m not worried about early field goal misses, especially with no preseason. On the whole the special teams’ play was solid. That block was a major accomplishment based on clever play design. Good-bye Mr. Jones.
On the whole the Cards should beat Washington. I think they are a contender, but I keep waiting for those creative plays KK was supposed to bring.
