Is it just me or-----

[Catfish]

Has this season simply flown by? I was just checking the schedule for next up, and realized that we only have three games left, (barring any post-season appearances). It seems like just yesterday we were all bickering over the guys we got in free agency, and yearning for the draft.

I suppose that it IS true that time flies when you are having fun, and FUN is just what this season has been for me. Someday, we will all be yearning for the days when Abraham came to the desert and shocked us all with his youthful play ----- when Karlos Dansby returned and set the football world on fire here in the desert ----- when an apparently over-the-hill Carson Palmer put his head into a new playbook and sorted out the details until he became the second coming of Kurt Warner.

And then there were the rookies; Johnathon Cooper who played like a polished pro-bowler until he got hurt ----- the Honey Badger who's tenacity led him to became the favorite little brother to a whole Red Nation ----- and to the 'Juke' Ellington who flashed and dashed and made us all gasp as he ripped off run after run.

As much as I loved our Jake Plummer led Cardinals, and Jim Hart's 'arial' attack, this team has captured my heart like no other ever has. No sooner had Michael Bidwill changed up his front office, putting it under the visage of Steve Keim, did Keim then join Michael in rounding out the management team with Bruce Arians, the unlikely, (at the time), yet perfect fit to complete the brain trust. His selections for position coaches and coordinators became a very formidable staff who matched their vast learning with the respect and patience needed to pass on their collective knowledge. Together, they passed this on to a very special roster full of self starting gym rats who said, "we got this", and 'DID'. Watching it all come together was so very, very special-----seeing the bonding and genuine love of each part for the other. We have witnessed a new 'birth' within the franchise, and this baby is not likely to be discarded with the bath water.

And now, here we are, steadily climbing to heights not dreamed of a few scant months ago, and left wondering where the time went. What a wonderful, satisfying, and exhilarating ride this has been. So much has been accomplished, yet so much remains to be done. As each game grows in importance now as the playoffs are near, the possibilities soar to new heights. One more win guarantees a winning season. Two would go far toward a slot in the playoff pool. Three would bring such a roar from here in the desert, that the rest of the football world would never again dare to forget or ignore the team that we Cardinal's fans have had, (pretty much to ourselves), for all these years. God, I do love this team.

 

[Cardiac]

Very well written Catfish.

I'm not at the same level as you for head over heals in love but I this has been one of my favorite Cards seasons ever so far.

 

[TruColor]

One of the big things for me is that this one of the few seasons where once the Cards have a lead, I don't really see the wheels coming off. Nor do I expect complete collapses like the New England or Philly games from 2008.

They seem more sound and stable than most other seasons.

 

[crisper57]

Tale of 2 seasons, maybe? The first 5-6 games weren't all that fun to sit through. Then this team started clicking and the weeks have flown by! Perhaps even too fast, as it feels like we are running out of time.

 

[Duckjake]

Tale of 2 seasons, maybe? The first 5-6 games weren't all that fun to sit through. Then this team started clicking and the weeks have flown by! Perhaps even too fast, as it feels like we are running out of time.

I'm with you. Getting beat 31-10, 32-20 and 34-22 over a 5 game stretch wasn't a lot of fun or very encouraging especially since the Panthers weren't considered very good at the time.

Surprising turnaround for the Cards. 70-21 last two games at home. Who would have ever thought the Cards could do something like that?

 

[GimmedaBall]

Agree with Catfish. Amazing job by both the players and the coaching staff to come together and provide us with some good football. Too bad we're are running out of season now that the O is in sync and implementing Arians playbook. That was an amazing job and game plan vs the Rams D-line that kept an injured Palmer safe in the pocket. Our undrafted LT held his own against a #1 DE sack machine!

One game at a time. Our final two games against our division rivals will show how far we have come and how far we need to go to compete for the Division crown. Very happy with our performance and look forward to even more success.

 

[PJ1]

Agree with Catfish. Amazing job by both the players and the coaching staff to come together and provide us with some good football. Too bad we're are running out of season now that the O is in sync and implementing Arians playbook. That was an amazing job and game plan vs the Rams D-line that kept an injured Palmer safe in the pocket. Our undrafted LT held his own against a #1 DE sack machine!

One game at a time. Our final two games against our division rivals will show how far we have come and how far we need to go to compete for the Division crown. Very happy with our performance and look forward to even more success.

Forget the last two games of the season. This week against the Titans is the next test and it will not be an easy one.

 

[john h]

Has this season simply flown by? I was just checking the schedule for next up, and realized that we only have three games left, (barring any post-season appearances). It seems like just yesterday we were all bickering over the guys we got in free agency, and yearning for the draft.

I suppose that it IS true that time flies when you are having fun, and FUN is just what this season has been for me. Someday, we will all be yearning for the days when Abraham came to the desert and shocked us all with his youthful play ----- when Karlos Dansby returned and set the football world on fire here in the desert ----- when an apparently over-the-hill Carson Palmer put his head into a new playbook and sorted out the details until he became the second coming of Kurt Warner.

And then there were the rookies; Johnathon Cooper who played like a polished pro-bowler until he got hurt ----- the Honey Badger who's tenacity led him to became the favorite little brother to a whole Red Nation ----- and to the 'Juke' Ellington who flashed and dashed and made us all gasp as he ripped off run after run.

As much as I loved our Jake Plummer led Cardinals, and Jim Hart's 'arial' attack, this team has captured my heart like no other ever has. No sooner had Michael Bidwill changed up his front office, putting it under the visage of Steve Keim, did Keim then join Michael in rounding out the management team with Bruce Arians, the unlikely, (at the time), yet perfect fit to complete the brain trust. His selections for position coaches and coordinators became a very formidable staff who matched their vast learning with the respect and patience needed to pass on their collective knowledge. Together, they passed this on to a very special roster full of self starting gym rats who said, "we got this", and 'DID'. Watching it all come together was so very, very special-----seeing the bonding and genuine love of each part for the other. We have witnessed a new 'birth' within the franchise, and this baby is not likely to be discarded with the bath water.

And now, here we are, steadily climbing to heights not dreamed of a few scant months ago, and left wondering where the time went. What a wonderful, satisfying, and exhilarating ride this has been. So much has been accomplished, yet so much remains to be done. As each game grows in importance now as the playoffs are near, the possibilities soar to new heights. One more win guarantees a winning season. Two would go far toward a slot in the playoff pool. Three would bring such a roar from here in the desert, that the rest of the football world would never again dare to forget or ignore the team that we Cardinal's fans have had, (pretty much to ourselves), for all these years. God, I do love this team.

Good post. Winning cures a lot of ills and makes for happy fans. The guy responsible for signing the FA's and draft gets a lot of KUDOS. Also picking our new Head Coach.

 

[cardpa]

Kind of have to agree with Catfish. One of the nicest things about this team is it has gotten better as the season wore on. Too many times before even in the Warner years there were times when the team was just decimated in games (the Minn game 35-14 and NE game in 47-7 in 2008) late in the season.

In 2008-09 those teams seem to stagnate or hit a ceiling and you just knew they would make enough mistakes to let a team back into a game. Even in the NFC championship game the 2008 team led 24-6 at half and then relinquished the lead 25-24 before scoring the winner) I don't think this team would have allowed the Eagles back into the game.

For me the biggest difference is the coaching staff. They have taken the roster and have been able to successfully placed players into situations and positions to be successful at their highest level. The mindset is also one that has the players taking ownership of games and instilling a air of confidence that I am not sure has ever existed with this team since their move to Arizona.

I think this staff has also influenced the revival of Dansby and Abraham. These two grey beards have risen from the ashes to have an outstanding year. This staff and front office apparently saw something in these two guys that 31 other NFL teams did not or they would have been signed away sooner than when they signed on with the Cardinals.

I told myself something Sunday I have never told myself before in all the years I have followed this team. When the Rams scored first I said okay just a hiccup, the Rams are probably not going to see another scoring opportunity for awhile. Adjustments will be made and the defense will impose its will on the Rams. Prior years would have me saying Oh crap this may end up being a long afternoon.

This team has a belief that they will win every game they play and I am not sure that belief has ever existed before. The players believe in the system and the coaches with out any degree of doubt. They also believe in each other.

 

[MrYeahBut]

Even though we've all seen improvement and the team seems to be on the upswing.... I still start hyperventilating as soon as I get out of bed on game day.








.

 

[BigRedFan]

It sure makes things easier when you play good defense, something we haven't had in ages (Yeah, last years was good, but not as good or consistent, no 58-0's this year, (not yet anyway) which tarnishes last year's supposedly good defense).

We are 5th overall defense, 3rd rushing, and 7th points allowed.

 

[Catfish]

Tale of 2 seasons, maybe? The first 5-6 games weren't all that fun to sit through. Then this team started clicking and the weeks have flown by! Perhaps even too fast, as it feels like we are running out of time.

The neat thing about the first few games is that even though there were many things that didn't work properly, there was some progress made each week. That is the thing that I noticed most about this team from the very beginning. Unlike Whiz complaining about something after a game, only to complain about it next week again, this staff really addresses problems and finds answers for them. Granted, some took longer than others, like the O-line, and the QB and receivers assymillating into the playbook, but you could see progress being made.

 

[Catfish]

For me the biggest difference is the coaching staff. They have taken the roster and have been able to successfully placed players into situations and positions to be successful at their highest level. The mindset is also one that has the players taking ownership of games and instilling a air of confidence that I am not sure has ever existed with this team since their move to Arizona.

I love that part too. This staff treats players with dignity and respect. They do not throw players under the bus, and they don't berate them. They are patient with those who need longer to learn than others. Their efforts have been rewarded with the mindset that you spoke of by having players take responsibility and ownership of their actions both on and off the field. That confidence is the key ingredient in being the difference between those who succeed in the NFL and those who don't. This staff is making rookies into veteran pros who are very confident in what they do. This staff is past the point of where they need to massage their own egos.

 

[Brak]

The year has flown by for me too, and I think your theory is right - time flies when you're having fun. What a difference a year makes. Here I am entering the stadium on 12/16/12, for the Lions game...

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Once inside, this guy and I found each other. My "clean house" sign was provided by my GF. His was spot-on as well...

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We'd lost 9 straight. We managed to beat the Detroit Kitties that day, but then lost the final 2 games, to finish the year with 11 losses in 12 games. And now, look at where we are today. If we just win 1 of the final 3 games, and finish 9-7, I'll be ecstatic. If we can somehow win 2 of 3, closing with a home victory against SF (very doable IMHO!), I'll really be happy, even if we miss the playoffs.

Here I am this year, with a much different piece o' head gear...

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Proud fan once again!

 

[Duckjake]

It sure makes things easier when you play good defense, something we haven't had in ages (Yeah, last years was good, but not as good or consistent, no 58-0's this year, (not yet anyway) which tarnishes last year's supposedly good defense).

We are 5th overall defense, 3rd rushing, and 7th points allowed.

The Cards lost 31-7 to the Saints this year allowing NO over 400 total yards. They blew an 11 point 4th quarter lead vs the Rams. Let the Seahawks get up 31-16 and SF score 10 4th quarter points to blow open a 20-22 game.

That Seattle game last year was the team sending a message to CKW in my opinion and shouldn't be used as an example of anything else. Sandwiched around that game were games holding the Jets to 7 and the Lions to 10. That says a lot to me.

This year's defense wasn't that great to start the season. However, they sure have come on in the second half. 4 of their last 6 games opponents have scored 14 points or less. That says something to me too.

 

[john h]

Even though we've all seen improvement and the team seems to be on the upswing.... I still start hyperventilating as soon as I get out of bed on game day.

It is hard to break old habits when you have been so bad so long. I still think back to that game with the Bears when Dennis Green was our coach and we blew it in the 4th quarter. Sort of like Alabama blew their game in the last 1 second.

 

[Catfish]

Even though we've all seen improvement and the team seems to be on the upswing.... I still start hyperventilating as soon as I get out of bed on game day.

It is hard to break old habits when you have been so bad so long. I still think back to that game with the Bears when Dennis Green was our coach and we blew it in the 4th quarter. Sort of like Alabama blew their game in the last 1 second.

Nothing wrong with being concerned about game day. Shows you really care. So far as not being able to break old habits, that is just due to our history. We all know how this team folded so very often on us in the past.

For me now, rather than speculate on wins, I simply go into game day believing that no matter who the team is that we are playing, we can compete, and that our guys and coaches will do all they can do to be there at the end of the game. To me that is so very comforting as opposed to our past, where we were out of games many times before the second quarter began. It is so nice to see the fear and anxiety on the faces of our opponent's fans now as games near the end. That is enjoyable for me.

 

[Mitch]

Nothing wrong with being concerned about game day. Shows you really care. So far as not being able to break old habits, that is just due to our history. We all know how this team folded so very often on us in the past.

For me now, rather than speculate on wins, I simply go into game day believing that no matter who the team is that we are playing, we can compete, and that our guys and coaches will do all they can do to be there at the end of the game. To me that is so very comforting as opposed to our past, where we were out of games many times before the second quarter began. It is so nice to see the fear and anxiety on the faces of our opponent's fans now as games near the end. That is enjoyable for me.

Game preparation...in-game adjustments...being far better versed in situational football...team unity (players taking ownership of their play and the responsibility they have to each other and the team as a whole)....are four of the main reasons why Catfish is right on the money.

 

[BillsCarnage]

The Cards lost 31-7 to the Saints this year allowing NO over 400 total yards. They blew an 11 point 4th quarter lead vs the Rams. Let the Seahawks get up 31-16 and SF score 10 4th quarter points to blow open a 20-22 game.

NO and SEA are the only two "bad" games, imo. Don't forget they took the opening possession and marched right down the field for a TD. then NO did the same. I thought that would be a great game and then the offense fell in the mud. And, wasn't it still 21-7 going to the 4th, or something like that?

SF they were marching down the field for a potential go ahead TD when the turnover happened. Then followed that up with a second straight TO. That's why i think they can beat SF here.

This Cards team reminds me a lot of SEA last year. They could be very, very good next year.

 

[Darkside]

Game preparation...in-game adjustments...being far better versed in situational football...team unity (players taking ownership of their play and the responsibility they have to each other and the team as a whole)....are four of the main reasons why Catfish is right on the money.

I really believe the in-game adjustments elevated the fans faith in our coaches. By a lot. When you see adjustments along the oline, on defense, in the running and passing game, each game, you know it's a collective effort. I've been impressed by that. And I really believe the chemistry is due to BA holding everyone accountable. It was still training camp when we started getting word about BA being up in Fitz's grill. Makes everyone accountable to each other. And I believe when they started seeing each other improve on BA's board over the year they couldn't help but respect one another.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

 

[Duckjake]

I really believe the in-game adjustments elevated the fans faith in our coaches. By a lot. When you see adjustments along the oline, on defense, in the running and passing game, each game, you know it's a collective effort. I've been impressed by that. And I really believe the chemistry is due to BA holding everyone accountable. It was still training camp when we started getting word about BA being up in Fitz's grill. Makes everyone accountable to each other. And I believe when they started seeing each other improve on BA's board over the year they couldn't help but respect one another.

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Those adjustments are easier to make when you have veteran players.

Dockett and Dansby 10th year in the NFL
Campbell 6th season
Ponce de la Abraham 14th year
DWash and Big Dan 4th season
PP21 3rd season
Shaughnessey 5th season
Powers 5th season
Yeremiah Bell 46 seasons.

And of course veteran coaches don't hurt either:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304579404579234420116752830

 

[Cardiac]

Those adjustments are easier to make when you have veteran players.

Dockett and Dansby 10th year in the NFL
Campbell 6th season
Ponce de la Abraham 14th year
DWash and Big Dan 4th season
PP21 3rd season
Shaughnessey 5th season
Powers 5th season
Yeremiah Bell 46 seasons.

And of course veteran coaches don't hurt either:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304579404579234420116752830

Good point, thanks for the link as that was a great read and