Looking ahead to Seattle

[GimmedaBall]

He’s washed, lazy, & overweight.

That covers about 90% of the forum members.

 

[GimmedaBall]

Hopefully we can have a game plan like last year. Run, run and run some more. The more time the offense has the ball, that's less time for Russ and our D to do damage

RW is looking shaky after starting the season with lots of talk about being MVP. If we can get on the scoreboard early and create a turnover or two, look for Seattle to self-destruct. Their D has gone downhill since we beat them first time around and we can use our run game to keep RW stewing on the bench.

 

[Red on White]

Not enjoying all the scrutiny and criticism heading Russell Wilson's way this week

Champions have a way of responding

 

[Krangodnzr]

HA. Keep your head in the game. Nothing gets easier. The Jags gave the Packers everything they wanted. The Patriots put the Ravens in their place. Every game here on out will be a battle.

The Jags gave the Packers a game....because outside of Rodgers the Packers aren't that good at all.

Same with the Ravens...that team is real light on playmakers.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Not enjoying all the scrutiny and criticism heading Russell Wilson's way this week

Champions have a way of responding

My thoughts exactly.

I could see one of those 30-36, 360 yards, 3 TD type of games coming from Russ.

 

[CardNots]

Can we see just two punts before the Seahawks puts points on the board.

 

[SissyBoyFloyd]

To me Cards need to win this game to look like a legit playoff team. IF we should lose to a Seahorse team, that by the way is the worst it has been in years, except for Hopkins miracle catch, we would have lost 3 in a row to teams we would think we should beat being a playoff type team.

NFL show on ESPN an hour ago, showed in detail the defensive strategy the Seahorses can't seem to deal with. It pretty much exemplified how we beat them on the last series or two a few weeks ago. KK has to simply open up our offense fully, while finding a way to nullify that dang WR that kills us every time we play them. Locket's over/under TD odds vs us must be 3.5.

That being said, it is going to be a really fun game.

 

[GimmedaBall]

The SeaTurkeys are on track for having a historically awful defense. They rank near the bottom of every defensive category (scroll down, way down to find their stats):

https://www.lineups.com/nfl-team-rankings/defense

RW will put up a fight against our D but he can't outplay his own D as well. We need to score on every single possession---and get a few stops against RW.

The SeaTurkeys are not the Legion of Doom---more like the Legion of Gloom. The 12th man is not going to be fully allowed into the facility. Besides, we have owned them in their building for the past few years. Time for the Cards to play with the Eye of the Tiger---and put the SeaTurkeys in line for a high draft pick.

If we blow this game . . . I'll follow Bart Simpson's directive and eat my shorts and suffer a horrible death as a result.

 

[CFLredzoned]

Any word on if we're getting anyone back on the DL? Fotu, Lawrence, Allen?

 

[PJ1]

I worry about Jamal Adams impact on the game. He can get a sack and is all over the field. Didn't play last time we met.

 

[PACardsFan]

I worry about Jamal Adams impact on the game. He can get a sack and is all over the field. Didn't play last time we met.

Yep. He's the critical cog to their D. I'm sure he'll blitz often. Although not great still, their D looked much better last week with him in the lineup. Do we all remember how pathetic our D looked like without Budda vs Carolina? Luckily, he only missed the one game. I shudder to think just how bad our D would be without him for a longer stretch of time.

 

[Harry]

This is an outstanding thread containing some excellent analysis. For what it’s worth I think Seattle is like a wounded wolf. You can put them down but it will take a fierce mentality to do so.

It starts with KK having this team ready to go at kickoff. In some games this season the Cards sleep walked through the first couple of series. Do that against Seattle and they’ll have to play catch up all night.

The Cards need to start with their short passing game with numerous runs. Use Edmonds who excels at the short game and the possession skills of Fitz & Hopkins. They need to have sustained, clean drives. Don’t let Seattle build momentum and get the defense of skates. In my mind if the Cards can keep the early going calm and methodical doubt make creep into the Seahawks’ mentality. That’s when the Cards can strike deep.

Another key element is Adams vs. Hopkins. I’m not certain Adams will single cover him but I expect Adams to be very physical. I’m concerned about how the officials will respond. If they let Adams get away with assault, this could be a long night. If they call it straight Hopkins will still get his share of receptions.

The Cards need to establish the run in the person of Drake. I expect Seattle to put a dedicated spy on Murray to reduce his impact. They can’t stop him but they will slow him somewhat. So Drake has to run tough. Using short passes to Edmonds can be just like runs especially if Seattle jams up the line.

I’m hoping last week was the last pass behind the line to anyone but Edmonds.

Playing defense figures to be a major obstacle. The Cards secondary will continue to be vulnerable. I expect Phillips to play. I believe Peters is not only out for this game but likely for the season. Stopping the run will be challenging. Hicks will need to play his best game. The can’t lose position when rushing and let Wilson run, especially up the middle. Whoever rushes needs to pursue relentlessly. I’m hearing Reddick is a game time decision. They badly need him.

I’m not certain what to say about the blitz package. I think it weakens the run defense. If the Cards don’t improve the design I think it’s a bad package. I’m also not crazy about blitzing Murphy. The Cards are weak enough at CB that forcing more man coverage by the other CBs seems like a weak strategy. PP needs to get his game together and be physical. DK will be out for revenge. The last game embarrassed him. He’ll be tougher to control.

This game works best if the Cards can hold the scoring down. They win if it’s something like 24-21. If they let it go 38-34 they probably lose a tough one.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

If it's any consolation we played all our division rivals better the second time around last year.

I suspect we will see a better showing in a lot of ways than we had against Seattle a few weeks ago.

Probably will still be a close game, but we probably won't fall into the hole that we did in the last meeting.

 

[BigRedRage]

That covers about 90% of the forum members.

I'm not washed though

 

[Jetstream Green]

This is an outstanding thread containing some excellent analysis. For what it’s worth I think Seattle is like a wounded wolf. You can put them down but it will take a fierce mentality to do so.

It starts with KK having this team ready to go at kickoff. In some games this season the Cards sleep walked through the first couple of series. Do that against Seattle and they’ll have to play catch up all night.

The Cards need to start with their short passing game with numerous runs. Use Edmonds who excels at the short game and the possession skills of Fitz & Hopkins. They need to have sustained, clean drives. Don’t let Seattle build momentum and get the defense of skates. In my mind if the Cards can keep the early going calm and methodical doubt make creep into the Seahawks’ mentality. That’s when the Cards can strike deep.

Another key element is Adams vs. Hopkins. I’m not certain Adams will single cover him but I expect Adams to be very physical. I’m concerned about how the officials will respond. If they let Adams get away with assault, this could be a long night. If they call it straight Hopkins will still get his share of receptions.

The Cards need to establish the run in the person of Drake. I expect Seattle to put a dedicated spy on Murray to reduce his impact. They can’t stop him but they will slow him somewhat. So Drake has to run tough. Using short passes to Edmonds can be just like runs especially if Seattle jams up the line.

I’m hoping last week was the last pass behind the line to anyone but Edmonds.

Playing defense figures to be a major obstacle. The Cards secondary will continue to be vulnerable. I expect Phillips to play. I believe Peters is not only out for this game but likely for the season. Stopping the run will be challenging. Hicks will need to play his best game. The can’t lose position when rushing and let Wilson run, especially up the middle. Whoever rushes needs to pursue relentlessly. I’m hearing Reddick is a game time decision. They badly need him.

I’m not certain what to say about the blitz package. I think it weakens the run defense. If the Cards don’t improve the design I think it’s a bad package. I’m also not crazy about blitzing Murphy. The Cards are weak enough at CB that forcing more man coverage by the other CBs seems like a weak strategy. PP needs to get his game together and be physical. DK will be out for revenge. The last game embarrassed him. He’ll be tougher to control.

This game works best if the Cards can hold the scoring down. They win if it’s something like 24-21. If they let it go 38-34 they probably lose a tough one.

Harry, I don't think this offense necessarily 'sleep walks' early on in a game. This offense is predicated on wearing out a defense and then naturally when the defense is exhausted in the second half, we 'magically' start having our way with teams

 

[GimmedaBall]

I'm not washed though

You're good to go if you are making reference to the slang definition of 'washed'

"Someone's who's washed (out) might be burnt out, exhausted, or, if they're a drug user, extremely high. More tragically, if they're washed (up), they might be over, i.e., canceled, passé, or not cool anymore."

Not so much if you're making reference to getting washed by taking your weekly shower (if you need it or not).

 

[BigRedRage]

You're good to go if you are making reference to the slang definition of 'washed'

"Someone's who's washed (out) might be burnt out, exhausted, or, if they're a drug user, extremely high. More tragically, if they're washed (up), they might be over, i.e., canceled, passé, or not cool anymore."

Not so much if you're making reference to getting washed by taking your weekly shower (if you need it or not).

yeah, I'm saying I'm dirty. You're ruining all my jokes, sir.

 

[football karma]

i listened to the Pete Carrol show on Seattle sports talk

talking about Russ and the offense, it sure sounds like Pete has concluded that "letting Russ cook" is now leading to bad turnovers and he wants to get back to the physical run game. I can easily see a commitment early to pounding the ball and passing on play action --- especially with the d-line issues the Cards have.

Think of it like the Carolina game where for most of the game, Bridgewater either handed off, or, threw 5 yard passes and totally controlled the clock. This is what i fear. Carlos Hyde regularly getting 5 yards a carry.

on defense, I thought Buff had success in getting free runs at Kyler in the pass rush in terms of blitzing a LB or a DB, and it always wasnt handled well. I suspect we see lots more of that.

 

[Dr. Jones]

i listened to the Pete Carrol show on Seattle sports talk

talking about Russ and the offense, it sure sounds like Pete has concluded that "letting Russ cook" is now leading to bad turnovers and he wants to get back to the physical run game. I can easily see a commitment early to pounding the ball and passing on play action --- especially with the d-line issues the Cards have.

Think of it like the Carolina game where for most of the game, Bridgewater either handed off, or, threw 5 yard passes and totally controlled the clock. This is what i fear. Carlos Hyde regularly getting 5 yards a carry.

on defense, I thought Buff had success in getting free runs at Kyler in the pass rush in terms of blitzing a LB or a DB, and it always wasnt handled well. I suspect we see lots more of that.

Some local articles are saying the same thing. A return to a more punishing run game will open up play action.

With Peters now out, Simmons getting more snaps, and Allen not ready yet...... It would make sense.

 

[SissyBoyFloyd]

I wish KK would call for that last play against the Bills on Sunday far more often. It seemed to work well. They need that play called at least 3 or 4 times per game.

 

[GimmedaBall]

yeah, I'm saying I'm dirty. You're ruining all my jokes, sir.

If that was a joke, I need to send you a joke book from my library. Guess we need to decide who is going to be the straight man and who is going to be the guy delivering the punchline.

Do you want to be Abbott or do you want to be Costello? Do you want to be Laurel or do you want to be Hardy? Do you want to be Cuff or do you want to be Link?

 

[PACardsFan]

i listened to the Pete Carrol show on Seattle sports talk

talking about Russ and the offense, it sure sounds like Pete has concluded that "letting Russ cook" is now leading to bad turnovers and he wants to get back to the physical run game. I can easily see a commitment early to pounding the ball and passing on play action --- especially with the d-line issues the Cards have.

Think of it like the Carolina game where for most of the game, Bridgewater either handed off, or, threw 5 yard passes and totally controlled the clock. This is what i fear. Carlos Hyde regularly getting 5 yards a carry.

on defense, I thought Buff had success in getting free runs at Kyler in the pass rush in terms of blitzing a LB or a DB, and it always wasnt handled well. I suspect we see lots more of that.

Yes, no doubt in my mind that Seattle will come out and pound the rock against us. We need Budda to come up and pop Hyde right out of the gate. You made mention of the Carolina game. Let’s not forget that we were without BB for that game. Without Budda, we’re probably one of the worst defenses in football. Budda has been knocking out Seattle RB’s the past couple seasons. I worry that they’ll cheap shot him tomorrow night. The Seahags are a desperate team, so I don’t like our chances at all. Hope I’m wrong, wrong, wrong!

 

[TaylorSwift]

https://www.azcardinals.com/news/after-long-wait-it-s-time-for-isaiah-simmons-role-to-expand

The confidence has come out," Joseph said. "You watch him play now and he knows what to do. He's sure. Now you see the speed, the length. You see why Steve Keim drafted this guy in the top-10. Before that, you saw a guy who was uncertain and wasn't sure that he knew what to do, so he couldn't play fast."

Outside linebacker Haason Reddick has been a mentor to Simmons, as they have the shared experience of being first-round picks who didn't burst onto the NFL scene. Reddick was elated when Simmons excitedly came over to him after a key play against the Bills on Sunday.

"He looked at me and said, 'Haas, I can do this,'" Reddick said. "Right then and there, I knew he was confident in himself. I knew he still believed in himself."

I am ecstatic for Simmons, just as a person and as a football player.

That feeling of seeing the game slow down in real time must be amazing

 

[TaylorSwift]

We are going to need turnovers, particularly fumbles. And offense will need to score a TD every drive.

No guarantee of a ton of possessions. Last thing you want to do is get in a shootout with the Cardinals...

For all of this teams issues, they are extremely explosive and hurt anyone anywhere on the field.

Carroll might run it 40 times. I would too lol


Great teams find a way to win this game.

I know its unfair to put that on them, but I think they can be great this year.

 

[AZ Native]

An offense never needs to score a TD every drive.