Game Thoughts: Cardinals 27 Seahawks 3

[Mitch]

Total domination in the loudest stadium in the NFL.

The first drive---against a defense that had tossed two shutouts this year---was a work of art and it shows what the offense is capable of when they are focussed.

The pooch kickoff---wow! Neil Rackers is extraordinary.

Hightower was a MAN today. Wells is overanxious and most rookies are.

Warner, Fitz, Q, Stevie and JerU: awesome.

The defense was incredible...they clamped down play after play...when was the last time a Cardinal defense help the opponents to 20 some odd yards rushing, 100 some odd yards passing and 0/11 on third downs?

Had ST Coach Kevin Spencer smelled out the fake punt, which at 4th and 3 after a 3rd and 18, he should have...how many of you guessed it was coming? It seemed almost a given they would do that down 17-0 and hardly ever having the ball....so, had they defensed the fake punt, the Cardinal defense would have pitched their own shutout. And every player on the defense, from CC (awesome game) to even Ralph Brown, played well and very disciplined.

And yet there were some really funky aspects of this game...

Why the Cardinal coaches continue to think Levi Brown can handle Karney is beyond mind-boggling. They block him in this game and the halftime score is probably 28-0 or 31-0.

Why the Cardinals pass the ball with 38 seconds left in the half to midfield, and do not call a timeout, with three to use??? What???

This game was very muck like the Texans game...only this time the defense remained resolute while the offense stumbled and bumbled after looking invincible.

For the first time in three years I am very much questioning Russ Grimm's ability to coach at the top level. His line has regressed in the three years...and their effort with the lead on running plays was unacceptable. How about the counter play left where Beanie Wells was tackled because LG Reggie Wells had fan blocked (stepped backward two yards---with no one on him---and was sitting in the hole???)

The run calls were pitiful...why not just go right after the defense??? Instead it's all late developing misdirection, with incompetent guards pulling and slowing down the plays.

Sorry...love the win...but the o-line did what they did last week: they played a half and then checked out mentally and physically.

It's a testament to the Cardinals' talent that they continue to make so many mistakes and still are 3-2.

And get this...when was the last time the Cardinals started the season 2-0 on the road???

And both games have been blowouts!

If the Cardinals go into NY and don't chip those DEs...they have NO chance. Will the coaches finally adjust?

Also, the Cardinals need to make a trade to get a pass rusher...the Bears just did. Will the Cardinals? They have 2 days to get it done.

 

[joeshmo]

I only have one negative thing to say all week.

Levi Brown still sucks. Another 1.5 sacks given up and 2 penalties. He has now given up a sack and a penalty in every game played so far. 5 sacks and 5 penalties.

He is easily on pace to break his worst season yet, and even I thought that would be hard to do considering the bad seasons he has had.

 

[Brewster10]

We need to get Wells on track. Right now whenever he's in the game, the other teams sticks 8 or 9 guys in the box because they know he's getting the ball. He doesn't even have a chance. He's usually hit in the backfield or has linemen driven into him.

We need to get him more involved out of our shotgun sets and we need to throw more out of the under center looks when he's in the game. Right now teams are just playing the run full out when he enters the game

 

[D-Dogg]

Had ST Coach Kevin Spencer smelled out the fake punt, which at 4th and 3 after a 3rd and 18, he should have...how many of you guessed it was coming?

I started to voice it, then superstitiously shut my mouth. I wasn't fooled by it, but I was shocked at how open it was. We promptly shut them down right after though, so that was very nice.

Why the Cardinals pass the ball with 38 seconds left in the half to midfield, and do not call a timeout, with three to use??? What???

I was fuming about that. Three timeouts, and we try to hurry up the play, wasting at least 12 seconds, then toss a ball up the middle on a safety valve throw to the HB that uses a good 8-10 seconds to run? Wild. I would have been more in favor of letting Rackers try the 65 yarder than the hail mary. We surely could have gotten rackers to around a 50 yarder with better playcalling and use of timeouts. Slight hiccup, but we make some very odd game management decisions from time to time.

The run calls were pitiful...why not just go right after the defense??? Instead it's all late developing misdirection, with incompetent guards pulling and slowing down the plays.

Hey, I'm just glad we did run the ball. That's a step in the right direction. Seeing drives of 5 minutes and a punt in the 4th quarter sure beats last week's 1 minute and a punt (twice). Next week, maybe we can keep running the ball, only with better plays. Then, we'll work on good execution and holding onto the ball (beanie!).

And get this...when was the last time the Cardinals started the season 2-0 on the road???

And both games have been blowouts!

Yeah, wild. And we are 1-2 at home.

Also, the Cardinals need to make a trade to get a pass rusher...the Bears just did. Will the Cardinals? They have 2 days to get it done.

They should, but they won't.

 

[dogpoo32]

Agree on the point about the timeouts. Also agree with Brewster about the obviousness of Beanie getting the ball when he's in the game.

 

[Buckybird]

Thanks for the write up Mitch.

Let me add a few:

1) Nice to see Davis mix up the blitz packages & not show the same old stuff. AW up the middle, AW & Rolle up the middle are examples.

2) Howling & Graham deserve Pro Bowl consideration. Howling has been a terror as a gunner on returns. Graham may be 1 of the best waiver acquitions the Cards have ever made, he's deadly at pinning offenses inside the twenty.

3) Rolle still is suspect at FS. WR blew right past him on 1 play for a TD & was overthrown, yet he later recovered and actually keep the guy in from of him for a pick.

4) Can Bridges, Big Herm or Keith be worse than Levi? Time to make a change Coach Wiz before your QB is sent to the sidelines.

IF I'm the Cards, the phone is ringing in SD (Merriman) or KC (Tomba Hali). Offer them a 2nd rounder & it could get done. Maybe even Quan, because Stevie B is proving his worth more & more each week. Eventually the Cards will have to make that choice, either this offseason or next. The Cards haven't really had much pass rush outside of the Jax or Sea games, 2 of the worst Olines in the league. I'm still very suspect of our pass rush despite 2day.

 

[Doug]

I'm so SHOCKED No One has mentioned Beanie caught his first pass today and got a few yards on it.

WE(THE CARDINALS)are a work in progress.We are not the CARDINALS of 2008.We are the REIGNING NFC CHAMPIONS but we are still a babe in starting over with new coordinators and new schemes on offense and defense and I personally think we DO HAVE THE TALENT (IF USED WISELY AS TODAY) we can get to the passer in a crushing speed.We can dominate.We already had a run stopping gap closing defensive game near the end of last season.

We started the season with stopping Gore and have'nt stopped since,but gotten better every week with the exception of a few runs outside of contain from the colts Brown.

The giants don't run that much outside.They come right at you.SO I'm anxious to see what our crew of run defenders can do against the big boy and Ahmad Bradshaw next Sunday night. Eli is going to two reciever mainly in smith and manningham.Not too much to Boss the tight end.

We are actually running the ball when we use our short passing game.Warner is fourth in completion percentage just back by a smidgeon.I think the attempt at running without all the pulling we are attempting like someone mentioned above is more effective. We need some quick hitters we don't use. I also did'nt see much use of the fullback today either as he has'nt been one of the best players on the field so get him off.We'd be better off bringing in Hermon Johnson and adding him to the end of the line.

Well coach Whiz listened to the OUTRAGE that the fans had for him and used the run so everyone could see it and watch it tick the clock down on a great road win and our second straight qwest victory party.You know this is gonna only make our guys play harder.They will want more.

I love all the TV pundits who picked against us today.Only Howie Long picked us to win in all the tv shows I watched.All 5 picked us to lose on ESPN. So stats are decieving when you really know who each team has played so far,like the giants who had'nt played anyone at all before today.They are no where near the team the saints are and I'm not sure about the vikings either.Favre has still been sacked more than Warner with the good O-line the vikes have.

We're just getting started.....Its gonna get better gang!!!

 

[slanidrac16]

How far we've come. A 24 point victory on the road....3 years ago we would have we would have called it a successful season.

 

[Buckybird]

Doug I hate to tell you this, but the Gmen have more weapons in their passing game than just Smith & Manningham. Hakeem Nicks is a big time threat that will be matched up with our extra DB or Rolle. That matchup scares the crap out of me. Throw in Kevin Boss at TE and they a full set of receivers that can get deep & excell thru the air. We haven't been tested deep this season very much, but I fully expected the Giants to stretch the field against us with play action. Remember the preseason game against the Pack? How we defend that may be the key to the game.

This will be our biggest test so far in my opinion, in enemy territory.

 

[Brewster10]

Doug I hate to tell you this, but the Gmen have more weapons in their passing game than just Smith & Manningham. Hakeem Nicks is a big time threat that will be matched up with our extra DB or Rolle. That matchup scares the crap out of me. Throw in Kevin Boss at TE and they a full set of receivers that can get deep & excell thru the air. We haven't been tested deep this season very much, but I fully expected the Giants to stretch the field against us with play action. Remember the preseason game against the Pack? How we defend that may be the key to the game.

This will be our biggest test so far in my opinion, in enemy territory.

This is a bonus game next week. 3-3 after the first six with what we have left is fine. It's what I expected and hoped for when the schedule came out.

 

[Perfectionist]

How far we've come. A 24 point victory on the road....3 years ago we would have we would have called it a successful season.

Truer words have never been written.

 

[OmeneX]

How far we've come. A 24 point victory on the road....3 years ago we would have we would have called it a successful season.

So true.

 

[Catfish]

For the first time in three years I am very much questioning Russ Grimm's ability to coach at the top level. His line has regressed in the three years...and their effort with the lead on running plays was unacceptable. How about the counter play left where Beanie Wells was tackled because LG Reggie Wells had fan blocked (stepped backward two yards---with no one on him---and was sitting in the hole???)

The run calls were pitiful...why not just go right after the defense??? Instead it's all late developing misdirection, with incompetent guards pulling and slowing down the plays.

Sorry...love the win...but the o-line did what they did last week: they played a half and then checked out mentally and physically.

It's a testament to the Cardinals' talent that they continue to make so many mistakes and still are 3-2.

And get this...when was the last time the Cardinals started the season 2-0 on the road???

And both games have been blowouts!

If the Cardinals go into NY and don't chip those DEs...they have NO chance. Will the coaches finally adjust?

Also, the Cardinals need to make a trade to get a pass rusher...the Bears just did. Will the Cardinals? They have 2 days to get it done.[/quote]

Mitch---like you I am concerned about the seeming lack of progress with our O-line. Several things bother me here.

1. Why no help for the tackles with either the Tight Ends, or with the backs chipping on the D-Ends as they come out of the backfield?

2, Why do we constantly try to run to the weaker, (pass blocking side of the line behind Gandy and Wells, when we have those two unused road-graders on the other side, Brown and Lutui?

3. Why all the gimmicky, (play announcing), things that we do when we run IE. motioning the FB to the point of the run then stopping him so that we may as well announce over the PA system the we are now going to run behind Gandy and Wells------AND the constant use of slow to developing plays like delays and draws to our backs, where we go backward first so that we can then go forward? Where are the quick hitters, especially with Beanie in the mix?

This seems to me to be a poor use of our talents in the run game.

I wish to say that I am very very happy about the lock-down win that we pulled off in Quest Field today. By the time Hasslegeck and the Hags got the ball for the first time on offense, this game was just about over for them. This should bode well for what we will surely face in New York next week. I WONDER IF THE REST OF THE LEAGUE KNOWS THAT THE 5 TEAMS THAT THE G-MEN HAVE FACED BEFORE TODAY HAVE ONLY 6 COMBINED WINS. That said, however, they will surely be ready for us, and be in a bad mood after the trip they took to the Saint's woodshed today.

 

[Duckjake]

This is a bonus game next week. 3-3 after the first six with what we have left is fine. It's what I expected and hoped for when the schedule came out.

Excellent point. Though I was expecting 4-1 going into NY.

 

[Gandhi]

Also, the Cardinals need to make a trade to get a pass rusher...the Bears just did. Will the Cardinals? They have 2 days to get it done.

I completely agree, Mitch. Without an effective pass rusher, this team will not reach any championship games this season. It is like Berry, Haggans and Okeafor has taking a step down from last season, at least from the playoffs.

If a trade is not made, and I do not think it will be, I would like to see more of Will Davis, and maybe even Chris Harrington. I cannot be that much worse anyway.

 

[conraddobler]

We need to majorly focus on pass rush somewhere, either FA or the draft, and I agree, let some young guns get at least some playing time, the oldsters are MIA.

BTW,

That game was fun, but odd to be the bully team, nice but odd.

I enjoyed watching my 2nd team the Chiefs yesterday, reminds me of the old Cards team, bumbling stumbling, but giving it all they have.

Had more fun watching that in some respects, like old times, praying for a win.

 

[DutchmanAZ]

Halarious - because me & a buddy were kind of looking at each other because we didn't know what to say. Usually we're screaming at someone, but this time, there wasn't anything to scream about (too much, anyway). Kind of anticlimatic actually. A complete jackstomping without even a hint of a comeback

BTW,

That game was fun, but odd to be the bully team, nice but odd.

I enjoyed watching my 2nd team the Chiefs yesterday, reminds me of the old Cards team, bumbling stumbling, but giving it all they have.

Had more fun watching that in some respects, like old times, praying for a win.

 

[Carddan]

128 total yds of offense for the Seahawks, 42 of which were a fake punt, 0-11 on third down, 5 sacks, 2 turnovers, 14 yds rushing. Nothing more needs to be said.

 

[Mitch]

This may have been the best prepared the Cardinals have been for a game in all areas...and may be the most confident they've looked. It's quite remarkable.

Steve Breaston was sensational in this game...about as sensational as Kurt Warner's accuracy...and Fitz's ability to pluck the ball wherever it is thrown.

As for the offensive mistakes, sometimes when an offense comes out so hot they way they have the past two weeks, it's hard to sustain that level of concentration...yet, at least they mounted a TD drive in the second half unlike the week before...so that is progress.

As for the running game...if they don't change the plays to become faster hitting and far more straightforward in the blocking schemes, this team won't be able to run the ball when it has to.

 

[Totally_Red]

This may have been the best prepared the Cardinals have been for a game in all areas...and may be the most confident they've looked. It's quite remarkable.

Steve Breaston was sensational in this game...about as sensational as Kurt Warner's accuracy...and Fitz's ability to pluck the ball wherever it is thrown.

As for the offensive mistakes, sometimes when an offense comes out so hot they way they have the past two weeks, it's hard to sustain that level of concentration...yet, at least they mounted a TD drive in the second half unlike the week before...so that is progress.

As for the running game...if they don't change the plays to become faster hitting and far more straightforward in the blocking schemes, this team won't be able to run the ball when it has to.

Mitch, do you think the Cardinals have a chance Sunday vs. the Giants?

 

[ReddBird]

As fans, it seems that we always see the glass as half-empty. Maybe we need to lighten up and enjoy what this team has just done.

After a FIVE sack game, with Seattle's QB chased and hassled all game long, the concern is that we lack someone to rush the pass? We're better than last year -- and, last year, we made it to the Super Bowl.

Take a deep breath, people.

 

[Pariah]

i only was able to see about the last 20:00 minutes (clock time). One thing that really stood out to me is just how much Breaston is taking on the traits of Q and Fitz...but especially Q. He played tougher than I'd seen him play previously.

 

[Doug]

As fans, it seems that we always see the glass as half-empty. Maybe we need to lighten up and enjoy what this team has just done.

After a FIVE sack game, with Seattle's QB chased and hassled all game long, the concern is that we lack someone to rush the pass? We're better than last year -- and, last year, we made it to the Super Bowl.

Take a deep breath, people.

GOD BLESS YOU REDDBIRD!!! We got a new pass rusher and he got a sack too.His name is Kenny Iwebema.We don't need anyone to add to who we have.Its an exclusive club.Holding on to what we've got is gonna be the problem as it is in the very,very near future.Coach Whiz planned it just right bringing in Calais'Campbell and Kenny Iwebema when he pretty much knew we would lose Antonio Smith.

Now he probably thought we might lose Antrelle Rolle due to $$$ also and he brought in Rashad Johnson who needs a little more time and added a very talented Toler to the team too.

I think we have one of the best teams in the NFL with the depth we have right now.The injury bug has'nt bitten us that bad in almost 2 years and I can only thank GOD for that.Longtime CARDINALS fans need to chill just a little more.They are always expecting the worst thing in the world around the corner.I don't even think a lifetime shrink could help some.

There are some posters who won't even post on this board unless we lose and they can complain about the owners,coach or players.Now thats really sad.You all know of many of who I speak of.It's 1000 times worse on the main CARDINALS site though.Avoid at all costs.Bad for your health.

 

[Buckybird]

As fans, it seems that we always see the glass as half-empty. Maybe we need to lighten up and enjoy what this team has just done.

After a FIVE sack game, with Seattle's QB chased and hassled all game long, the concern is that we lack someone to rush the pass? We're better than last year -- and, last year, we made it to the Super Bowl.

Take a deep breath, people.

We still have a pass rush problem despite the game yesterday. The Hawks right now are just lucky to be fielding an Oline. Were was the rush the last 2games? Dont let the defensive assault performed on Hassellbeck mask a major deficiancy in your eyes. It's reality we have problems getting to the QB.

 

[Mulli]

As fans, it seems that we always see the glass as half-empty. Maybe we need to lighten up and enjoy what this team has just done.

After a FIVE sack game, with Seattle's QB chased and hassled all game long, the concern is that we lack someone to rush the pass? We're better than last year -- and, last year, we made it to the Super Bowl.

Take a deep breath, people.

Join.