Is there any other way to a victory on Sunday?

[82CardsGrad]

Been thinking about the myriad ways in which this game could unfold, and what offers the Cards the best chance at victory...
After weighing all scenarios, I just can't see us winning in any other fashion than the way we have won all year... Relying on Kurt's arm...

We will not run the ball against the Giants and it's fruitless to expect anything different...
We will need to somehow keep Kurt upright and let him work his magic. Go all out, NO max-protect packages... Send 5 out as much as possible and work the clock as he has all season.

It goes without sayingt that we'll have to somehow find the way to keep the STUPID penalties to a bare-bones minimum... 8 penalties again and we'll be toast...
Same goes for turnovers... Though, I firmly believe that if Kurt is protected reasonably well, he will protect the rock...

 

[Chris_Sanders]

What beat the Cowboys was big plays at the right time. That's all we need. It doesn't matter if it is a run, pass, turnover, whatever...

Just make the most of your opportunities and we can beat the Giants. Our teams aren't that far apart in talent.

 

[gusmahler]

Been thinking about the myriad ways in which this game could unfold, and what offers the Cards the best chance at victory...
After weighing all scenarios, I just can't see us winning in any other fashion than the way we have won all year... Relying on Kurt's arm...

You can make this post every week the rest of this season. We aren't a running team. We weren't a running team last season either, but Wisenhunt tried to make us one. That obviously didn't work.

 

[JC_AZ]

Just implement the no huddle and let it go... the Giants D will tee off all day if we give them time to set up and regroup... KW can handle the play-calling and the quick outs and screens are going to be the most effective... maybe one or two to Breaston DEEP would be effective as well, but we never seem to take that shot... (not enough anyway as I picked up Breaston on my fantasy team 4 weeks ago)

 

[MrYeahBut]

One of my best friends is a huge Texas homer as he played for the Longhorns back in the day....we have a steak dinner bet on how many times his boy Aaron Ross gets toasted by Fitz/Boldin

Over/ under 2...I took the over

 

[mjb21aztd]

Eli Manning misses the plane ride to arizona that should guarntee us a vicotry.

 

[Redrage]

If we can limit the big play and get pressure on Eli with a four man rush. two big "ifs" but that sums it up.

Also, Eli will make the bone headed play. If our D takes away the easy throws and challenges him then things could be intersting.

 

[lobo]

Giants will keep our beloved offense on the bench by running running running....we don't have nor does anyone have the ability to stop that three headed monster. We can only hope one of them is available as FA next year.

They run over the top defenses in the league.

 

[SouthEndZoner]

I seriously think the Giants are going to be coming here slightly over-confident. If anything, this is where the Cards can take advantage.
If the Card's can score first, I'd be willing to bet that we win. Another thing for us is that we are at home and things seem to go well for us at home. Even the referees who normally seem to have something against us, seem to have pity on us at the UofP Stadium!
Also, mathematically speaking, the Giants are due for a loss sometime real soon. They're great but not perfect.
I don't see this game as an impossible victory. It's very winnable and I believe our red birds will squeak by with a W.

 

[az240zz]

I think it will be a close game and who ever has the ball at the end wins. Both teams will have a ball control offense that will eat up the clock. I see maybe 6 to 7 possesions for each team. We control thru short passes and they control with the run.

If we win the coin toss I say we keep the ball and score 1st. That makes the giants play catch up the whole game as each team will score on each possesion.

My prediction is Cards 27 Giants 24.

 

[TJ]

If we can limit the big play and get pressure on Eli with a four man rush. two big "ifs" but that sums it up.

Also, Eli will make the bone headed play. If our D takes away the easy throws and challenges him then things could be intersting.

Eli is the least of the worries for the Cards. He is one of the most overrated QBs in the game. His o-line gives him time to find Plaxico and a group of #3 and #4 receivers.

This game will be won in the trenches.

 

[BradMannTX]

We almost always win when we score the first touchdown. I bet some of the stat-hounds could confirm this.

 

[azsportsfan01]

We almost always win when we score the first touchdown. I bet some of the stat-hounds could confirm this.

Here you go:
Week 1- Cards @ 49ers
1st score- Rackers 25 field goal.
1st TD- Frank Gore 41 yard run.
Cards win 23-13

Week 2- Dolphins @ Cardinals
1st score- Boldin 79 yard reception
Cards win 31-10

Week 3- Cards @ Redskins
1st score- Portis 3 yard run
Cards lose 24-17

Week 4- Cards @ Jets
1st score- Coles 12 yard reception
Cards lose 56-35

Week 5- Bills @ Cards
1st score- Fitzgerald 2 yard reception
Cards win 41-17

Week 6- Cowboys @ Cards
1st score- Arrington 93 yard kick return
Cards win 30-24

Week 7- BYE

Week 8- Cards @ Panthers
1st score- Rackers 21 yard field goal
1st TD- Boldin 5 yard reception
Cards lose 27-23

Week 9- Cards @ Rams
1st score- Stanley 80 yard reception
Cards win 34-13

Week 10- 49ers @ Cards
1st score- Rossum 104 yard kick return
Cards win 29-24

Week 11- Cards @ Seahawks
1st score- Rackers 38 yard field goal
1st TD- Arrington 4 yard rush
Cards win 26-20

4-1 when Cards score the 1st TD
5-1 when the Cards score the first point
2-2 when the opponents score first

I know the first team to score has a much higher chance of winning, but I don’t have the time to look up exactly what that percentage would be.

 

[jefftheshark]

Is there any other way to a victory on Sunday?

Bribe the scorekeeper?

JTS

 

[Skkorpion]

Thanks for looking that up, azsportsfan01. It's interesting but the sample size is small. My guess would be that scoring first translates to winning more often, league wide.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

How to win the game other than by relying on Warner's arm?

That is easy.

Our defense. Look our defense is been know to be a little tough to figure out. We have the peices needed with Wilson, and Dansby out on the field.

Take advantage of passing situation and see what kind of pressure LaBoy, Berry, Okeafor, Dockett, and Haggans can supply.

Eil is a still a relatively young QB, and like Tony Romo could find himself holding that ball a little too long.

Yeah, Yeah, I know the Giants are supposed to have this great Oline, but they said the same thing about Dallas' line before they came into town.

Personally, I am very excited. Win or lose I think this will be a great game.

 

[Avondale Red Rage]

I think this game will highlight one of the reasons we are keeping Edge. Edge/Hightower/Arrington get on the I-45 often tomorrow. Throw in the draw, a screen and then bam! there goes Breaston for a TD. Followed by BAM! POW! Boldin & Fitzgerald here there and everywhere, with Warner asking the Gnats Tom Cruises line in the Color of Money: It's like a nightmare isn't it?

We need to keep there D-Line honest and I have the utmost confidence that Wiz, Haley & Grimm are ready.

 

[82CardsGrad]

How to win the game other than by relying on Warner's arm?

That is easy.

"easy"??? C'mon man... The Giants are the #1 scoring offense in the NFL. They are coming off of big wins against the Cowboys, Eagles and Ravens...
This will be anything but easy...

Our defense. Look our defense is been know to be a little tough to figure out. We have the peices needed with Wilson, and Dansby out on the field.

Take advantage of passing situation and see what kind of pressure LaBoy, Berry, Okeafor, Dockett, and Haggans can supply.

Eil is a still a relatively young QB, and like Tony Romo could find himself holding that ball a little too long.

To take advantage of passing situations, we need to create passing situations... Which means we need to somehow create 2nd-3rd down and longs... Which means we need to stop the run.... Which means we need to do something no other team - including the top rated run-defense in the NFL (Ravens) couldn't do...
Not saying we can't do it. But odds are truly against us here...

Yeah, Yeah, I know the Giants are supposed to have this great Oline, but they said the same thing about Dallas' line before they came into town.

Personally, I am very excited. Win or lose I think this will be a great game.

The Dallas o-line has long been overrated... They are big... check that - they are huge. So what... We showed them that size means nothing...
The Giants are the #1 offense in the NFL, and the #1 rushing offense in the NFL... Those facts support the claims as to how great their o-line is - unlike the Dallas o-line who had no such facts to support the ridiculous claims of their greatness...

I believe the odds are much better that we win this game doing what we do best - by throwing the ball early and often. And using our passing game to control the clock and keep the Giants offense off the field.
Believing our defense will win this game for us spells disaster IMO...

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I believe the odds are much better that we win this game doing what we do best - by throwing the ball early and often. And using our passing game to control the clock and keep the Giants offense off the field.
Believing our defense will win this game for us spells disaster IMO...

You are 100% correct.

Yet, I believe the topic of the thread was "What do think could win the game, BESIDES Warner's arm?"

Just answering the question with my opinion.

But don't get me wrong, your points above are true and valid. How to stop the run is a big time question. I have no answer, but if Warner is having a bad day then the Cardinals got a figure out a way to force the Giants to pass.

 

[82CardsGrad]

... but if Warner is having a bad day then the Cardinals got a figure out a way to force the Giants to pass.

Totally agree... If we are ineffective - for whatever reason, in our passing game - this game is toast... Immense pressure on Warner and our o-line. The game truly rests in their hands. I know Kurt relishes these situations and I believe that he will shine IF our o-line can protect him. This is what you get with Kurt. He can't improvise and create success by alternative means - i.e., with his legs... The only way Kurt can be successful is by the o-line giving him time. A huge, huge, TALL order against the best front 7 in the NFL...

 

[azsportsfan01]

So I had some time before work today and was bored so I decided to look this up.

Here is how each team fared when scoring first and when scoring the first touchdown in the game.

AFC EAST Record- scoring 1st Record- 1st TD Overall
Jets 6-2 5-1 7-3
Dolphins 6-2 5-1 6-4
Pats 4-0 4-0 6-4
Bills 4-0 3-0 5-5

AFC NORTH
Steelers 4-2 4-1 7-3
Ravens 4-1 4-2 6-4
Browns 3-2 3-1 4-6
Bengals 1-2-1 1-1-1 1-8-1

AFC SOUTH
Titans 8-0 4-0 10-0
Colts 3-2 4-3 6-4
Jags 3-0 2-2 4-6
Texans 3-1 2-0 3-7

AFC WEST
Broncos 5-1 6-1 6-4
Chargers 1-2 1-3 4-6
Raiders 1-3 2-1 2-8
Chiefs 1-3 0-3 1-9

NFC EAST
Giants 6-0 7-1 9-1
Redskins 4-3 2-2 6-4
Cowboys 2-2 3-2 6-4
Eagles 1-3 3-2 5-4-1

NFC NORTH
Bears 3-3 4-3 5-5
Packers 4-1 3-2 5-5
Vikings 3-4 2-2 5-5
Lions 0-1 0-4 0-10

NFC SOUTH
Panthers 5-1 3-1 8-2
Buccaneers 3-2 4-0 7-3
Falcons 6-1 5-1 6-4
Saints 2-1 4-3 5-5

NFC WEST
Cards 5-1 4-1 7-3
49ers 2-4 2-3 3-7
Rams 0-2 0-2 2-8
Seahawks 2-2 2-3 2-8

 

[StompUOut]

Hey Cards Fans, big Giant fan here. Just been looking over the posts on here to get a pulse on the Cardinals faithful and what the perception of the upcoming game will be. Sounds like everyone is expecting a great game and I certainly think it will be!

I definitely think the Cards have a great chance of winning this game. Neither team winning would shock me. Boldin/Fitz are amazing and the Cards OLine has improved greatly over last season.

The Giants have a great defense but they are pron to giving up big plays (see Browns game) from time to time. The real question is whether or not Tuck et al can get to Warner. He's obviously a huge key to the Cards success in this game.

Eli has been turning the ball over much to often lately and that has to stop. If the Giants are going to win they cannot give the ball to an offense that is capable of taking it for 6 + 1 every down.

All that said, I think it will be a shoot-out. 30-27 or something like that. Either way, should be a great game!

 

[82CardsGrad]

Hey Cards Fans, big Giant fan here. Just been looking over the posts on here to get a pulse on the Cardinals faithful and what the perception of the upcoming game will be. Sounds like everyone is expecting a great game and I certainly think it will be!

I definitely think the Cards have a great chance of winning this game. Neither team winning would shock me. Boldin/Fitz are amazing and the Cards OLine has improved greatly over last season.

The Giants have a great defense but they are pron to giving up big plays (see Browns game) from time to time. The real question is whether or not Tuck et al can get to Warner. He's obviously a huge key to the Cards success in this game.

Eli has been turning the ball over much to often lately and that has to stop. If the Giants are going to win they cannot give the ball to an offense that is capable of taking it for 6 + 1 every down.

All that said, I think it will be a shoot-out. 30-27 or something like that. Either way, should be a great game!

Welcome. Yes, this is a huge game... Probably the biggest game the Cards have ever played in the new stadium.
Correction - the Cards are not capable of taking for "6 + 1 on every down"... Wish that were the case...
That actually are a ball control offense and eat up the clock via the passing game. Aside from Breaston - the #3 receiver, they really do not possess a true, "take it the house from anywhere on the field" threat...
Their running game is among the worst in the NFL, so you guys really only need to pin your ears back and get to Warner... You do that and this game is yours...If not, it could be a very long day for the G-men...

 

[blindseyed]

Hey Cards Fans, big Giant fan here. Just been looking over the posts on here to get a pulse on the Cardinals faithful and what the perception of the upcoming game will be. Sounds like everyone is expecting a great game and I certainly think it will be!

I definitely think the Cards have a great chance of winning this game. Neither team winning would shock me. Boldin/Fitz are amazing and the Cards OLine has improved greatly over last season.

The Giants have a great defense but they are pron to giving up big plays (see Browns game) from time to time. The real question is whether or not Tuck et al can get to Warner. He's obviously a huge key to the Cards success in this game.

Eli has been turning the ball over much to often lately and that has to stop. If the Giants are going to win they cannot give the ball to an offense that is capable of taking it for 6 + 1 every down.

All that said, I think it will be a shoot-out. 30-27 or something like that. Either way, should be a great game!

Good post!
Our Defenses sound the same, prone to give up the big play at times.
I think, besides Kurts arm we MUST keep the penalties down...MUST! Especially the stupid false starts in critical 3rd and short situations...ugghhh that kills me.

 

[Redsz]

Their running game is among the worst in the NFL, so you guys really only need to pin your ears back and get to Warner... You do that and this game is yours...

If that was true then this team wouldn't be 7-3. Warner usually gets rid that ball too quickly.

I do agree with you, though. We have to pass, pass and pass some more.