Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
1. Preparation.
What's so great to see in these recent games is how the coaches have been preparing the players in particular facts of the game. This week, it was clear from the opening snap that the coaches were intent on bringing the running game back up to speed. You could see how much harder the o-linemen were getting after their blocks and for the first time this year Rashard Mendenhall was sporting some serious wheels---very reminiscent of his style of play when he was at his best in Pittsburgh. BA threw high praise at all 4 RBs and deservedly so. Clearly, the RBs were a real focus of attention in practice and in the game this week.
2. Ball Distribution.
Back when Warner was at his best he was involving every player in the offense and this is now the case with Carson Palmer. It was great to see Fitz have such a productive day and to see him set the 11,000 yard record at home. In addition, Michael Floyd was like velcro out there, and is fighting for RAC yards stronger than ever. Rob Housler had possibly his best game, focus-wise, as evidence by the seam route he caught and held onto after he got popped. He too is fighting for every RAC yard. Andre Roberts played tough, and Jaron Brown made a fantastic third down conversion catch on a low sinker. All 4 RBs were actively involved in the game and in helping the passing game.
3. Defensive Domination.
What's most impressive in this game was that despite having a rare sizable lead, there was no letup at all in the second half. For those of you who saw the Pats come back from being down 24-0---you know that when you give a good offense with a very good QB something to get excited about, strange things can happen. But, on this day, for Andrew Luck, the Cardinals' defense never allowed him to get in rhythm, and that was the key to the game.
4. Sticky Coverage.
No real blown assignments this week---and it feels so good to see the Cardinals playing so hard and sticky in the secondary---the lack of which has really plagued the team's success in recent years and in the games they lost this year. Peterson is now getting away with the hand checking that he was being flagged for his first two years, for he seems to know his limits. Funny that he tackled T.Y. Hilton on that unnecessary PI, but Peterson is not going to let a WR show him up and he is so confident in the defense that he feels he can take a PI and still get the ball back or at least hold the opponents to a field goal. But, what's so special is watching the Honey Badger switching over to tall WRs (corner of the endzone) and TEs (on Fleener on key third downs) and badgering them so doggedly---man he nearly has a pick six on the out pass to Fleener. Jeraud Powers is now playing smart and tough---is showing much stronger technique and leverage---and Rashad Johnson is making good hits in the hole, as he did to break up the TE seam pass.
5. Working the Sidelines.
BA is getting it done. He was hoarse again after the game---but he's getting the officials' attention and their respect (which is a difficult combo to pull off---if any of you has ever coached, you know how hard that is, especially when so many coaches act like crybabies). BA's secret? He knows how and when to pick his spots---like on the PI call over the middle on Powers on a ball that was thrown opposite of where the WR turned. Later on there was a ball thrown near the goal line to Fitz where the Cardinals got the PI call and that pass was easily as uncatchable at the pass Powers was defending.
6. Player Accountability.
As with all wise teachers, BA and his staff understand how important it is for the students to take ownership of the classroom. When you listen to the Cardinals players, they are embracing the preparation and the team dynamic.
7. Directory Assistance.
Have you noticed how on FOX and NBC how often they capture what's going on along the Cardinals' sidelines?---especially with the venerable Tom Moore. In Indy's heyday, they always showed Peyton huddling on the bench with TM and you just wondered what they were dialing up next. Same is true with Carson Palmer and TM. It's also so great to see the hands-on coaching that Harold Carmichael, Daryl Drake (who has clearly won the trust and affinity of Larry Fitzgerald), Todd Bowles and the ageless wonder, Tom Pratt. It's so great to have the DC back on the sidelines---for this staff is quite possibly the best team of communicators and teachers we have ever seen. These guys work their tails off. They are tough and they are so impressively loyal to the players and their fellow coaches.
8. Needs Improvement.
Daryn Colledge, who has been playing very well in recent week, had a rough night---and Yeremiah Bell was a step late on his reads. Not all was perfect obviously. But, look what Dansby did last week---he stayed and caught 100 balls a practice---this is what this team does and guys from the other side of the ball are there urging their teammates on. It will be interesting to see what Colledge and Bell do to up their games this week.
9. Swag Humble.
This team has a nice little swag going for them right now---but it's swag humble. This is a lovable team---they play hard and they love getting excited, but they don't get too full of themselves. As the old slogan goes: "keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars."
10. Happy Thanksgiving.
I wish all of the Arizona Cardinals' family (which ASFN is a huge part of) a very happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. I salute everyone who has stayed with this organization through the tough times. Hope truly is a good thing. Bless you and your families! Carpe T-Diem!
What's so great to see in these recent games is how the coaches have been preparing the players in particular facts of the game. This week, it was clear from the opening snap that the coaches were intent on bringing the running game back up to speed. You could see how much harder the o-linemen were getting after their blocks and for the first time this year Rashard Mendenhall was sporting some serious wheels---very reminiscent of his style of play when he was at his best in Pittsburgh. BA threw high praise at all 4 RBs and deservedly so. Clearly, the RBs were a real focus of attention in practice and in the game this week.
2. Ball Distribution.
Back when Warner was at his best he was involving every player in the offense and this is now the case with Carson Palmer. It was great to see Fitz have such a productive day and to see him set the 11,000 yard record at home. In addition, Michael Floyd was like velcro out there, and is fighting for RAC yards stronger than ever. Rob Housler had possibly his best game, focus-wise, as evidence by the seam route he caught and held onto after he got popped. He too is fighting for every RAC yard. Andre Roberts played tough, and Jaron Brown made a fantastic third down conversion catch on a low sinker. All 4 RBs were actively involved in the game and in helping the passing game.
3. Defensive Domination.
What's most impressive in this game was that despite having a rare sizable lead, there was no letup at all in the second half. For those of you who saw the Pats come back from being down 24-0---you know that when you give a good offense with a very good QB something to get excited about, strange things can happen. But, on this day, for Andrew Luck, the Cardinals' defense never allowed him to get in rhythm, and that was the key to the game.
4. Sticky Coverage.
No real blown assignments this week---and it feels so good to see the Cardinals playing so hard and sticky in the secondary---the lack of which has really plagued the team's success in recent years and in the games they lost this year. Peterson is now getting away with the hand checking that he was being flagged for his first two years, for he seems to know his limits. Funny that he tackled T.Y. Hilton on that unnecessary PI, but Peterson is not going to let a WR show him up and he is so confident in the defense that he feels he can take a PI and still get the ball back or at least hold the opponents to a field goal. But, what's so special is watching the Honey Badger switching over to tall WRs (corner of the endzone) and TEs (on Fleener on key third downs) and badgering them so doggedly---man he nearly has a pick six on the out pass to Fleener. Jeraud Powers is now playing smart and tough---is showing much stronger technique and leverage---and Rashad Johnson is making good hits in the hole, as he did to break up the TE seam pass.
5. Working the Sidelines.
BA is getting it done. He was hoarse again after the game---but he's getting the officials' attention and their respect (which is a difficult combo to pull off---if any of you has ever coached, you know how hard that is, especially when so many coaches act like crybabies). BA's secret? He knows how and when to pick his spots---like on the PI call over the middle on Powers on a ball that was thrown opposite of where the WR turned. Later on there was a ball thrown near the goal line to Fitz where the Cardinals got the PI call and that pass was easily as uncatchable at the pass Powers was defending.
6. Player Accountability.
As with all wise teachers, BA and his staff understand how important it is for the students to take ownership of the classroom. When you listen to the Cardinals players, they are embracing the preparation and the team dynamic.
7. Directory Assistance.
Have you noticed how on FOX and NBC how often they capture what's going on along the Cardinals' sidelines?---especially with the venerable Tom Moore. In Indy's heyday, they always showed Peyton huddling on the bench with TM and you just wondered what they were dialing up next. Same is true with Carson Palmer and TM. It's also so great to see the hands-on coaching that Harold Carmichael, Daryl Drake (who has clearly won the trust and affinity of Larry Fitzgerald), Todd Bowles and the ageless wonder, Tom Pratt. It's so great to have the DC back on the sidelines---for this staff is quite possibly the best team of communicators and teachers we have ever seen. These guys work their tails off. They are tough and they are so impressively loyal to the players and their fellow coaches.
8. Needs Improvement.
Daryn Colledge, who has been playing very well in recent week, had a rough night---and Yeremiah Bell was a step late on his reads. Not all was perfect obviously. But, look what Dansby did last week---he stayed and caught 100 balls a practice---this is what this team does and guys from the other side of the ball are there urging their teammates on. It will be interesting to see what Colledge and Bell do to up their games this week.
9. Swag Humble.
This team has a nice little swag going for them right now---but it's swag humble. This is a lovable team---they play hard and they love getting excited, but they don't get too full of themselves. As the old slogan goes: "keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars."
10. Happy Thanksgiving.
I wish all of the Arizona Cardinals' family (which ASFN is a huge part of) a very happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. I salute everyone who has stayed with this organization through the tough times. Hope truly is a good thing. Bless you and your families! Carpe T-Diem!
Last edited:
