Monday Evening Thoughts: Game 13

[Mitch]

1. Team Unity.

Not even when the Cardinals were making their march to the Super Bowl have the Cardinals been this unified and closely-knit. As a result this team has become imminently lovable. Everyone is invested. Everyone. Credit, therefore, goes to everyone.

2. Tenacity.

It always starts up front, and yesterday both the offensive and defensive lines imposed their will on the Rams. And it wasn't like the Rams weren't trying. Credit the Rams. They ball. They play physical. But, the collective will on the Cardinals' part, combined with superior preparation this time around, paved the way for what was a truly enjoyable game to watch from beginning (opening drive TD) to end (Johnson's timely interception).

3. Carson City.

The man was en fuego. Decisive, determined and on the money. He was Warner good. And he played with emotion this week. Hungry for more, if you heard him after the game. Biggest road test of the season coming up. Will the Cardinals carry this momentum over versus a vastly talented and under-rated Titans team?

4. TEX Message.

Last week it was Shaughnessy and Bernard to perfection. This week it was Campbell and Abraham---and this one was about as explosive and technically perfect as you can draw it up. (TEX = T & E X ). This defensive line is being coached up big-time. Credit Coaches Tom Pratt and Brentson Buckner. Look at how the defensive line stoned the Rams' running game. It was fierce.

5. Leave it to Badger.

Just watching him compete out there is a great game to watch unto itself. What a baller this kid is. Got taken out fighting like a mad dog versus half the Ram ST unit. It's heartbreaking. But, you know what? BA said, "he can handle this." TM is in a great place right now---he is surrounded by the best support system he could have ever possibly imagined. It gives me goosebumps to be able to say this about our Cardinals. The Cardinals are truly a family now and the Badger has earned his stripes and he will be given all the motivation and the inspiration to get back to Badgering WRs and QBs the way that only he can.

6. Massie Changes.

This strategy of bringing Massie in as a blocking TE has been brilliant. It wore out and slowed down Chris Long. And allowed BA to chip Robert Quinn repeatedly on the left side. Even BA conceded in his presser that this time around the coaching was a difference.

7. Zasty, Bethel and McCann.

Talk about brilliant. These guys belong in Barnum & Bailey---they are master illusionists---but in real time! If you order up downing the ball inside the two yard line---this high wire and trapeze act is made to order.

8. Mr. Roberts.

C'mon, man! Get you head out of your arse and start doing your part. You make a nice catch and then mope your way to the sideline? So now you drop the next one on the third down conversion and a perfectly thrown ball? Tell you what---there's a rookie named Juron Brown who is getting the job done with focus and attitude.

9. Duke's Juke.

How about the draw play to Duke. Did you see the body control he had going full speed to stop for a split second in the hole to juke Alec Ogletree and then burst right past him? This kid has that uncanny sense. You can't teach stuff like that. He does make a big difference, as we saw again yesterday. How about the body control he showed on the TD?

10. Touchy Feely.

Let's just pray he got those kick out of his system the way he did in the pre-season, because he's had another fine year and is going to have to step up big-time this week and down the stretch.

 

[EndZone]

Great stuff! Thanks!

 

[Chris_Sanders]

The moment I saw Massie was going to be the blocking TE I thought "Somewhere Mitch just jumped up and said "FINALLY!!!""

 

[Mitch]

Honorable Mention:

Jim "Dandy" Dray:

While you hate to see a fumble at the goal-line, Jim Dray's effort on that play was outstanding---and honestly for anyone who knows what it's like to spin off a tackle only to spin right into another player's helmet that happens to hit directly on the football, it's virtually impossible to hold onto the ball because the force of the impact is too strong.

To see Dray playing like this is another indication of the progress the Cardinals are making. Housler played tough too---and for all the talk about the Rams' TEs, and they are dang good, our TEs were just as good, if not better yesterday.

 

[DemsMyBoys]

11. Swagger

The good kind. The kind that says, "We got this."

 

[seesred]

I must reach out to the great one Larry! He had a great game yesterday. Short tough catches for 5-10 yards. WOW! The hall of fame awaits number 11.

Palmer is the real deal when he throwing like he did yesterday. Quick out of his hands and spot on to receivers.

You got to give love to Ellington took advantage of his touches. When he gets the ball it's like he might score at any time! Most impressive rookie RB as there has been in awhile out here!!

Hats off to our D especially Abraham who has rising from the desert. Dansby without him we are not fighting for a spot.

GBR
40

 

[NeverSayDieFan]

Hey, Mitch...Always appreciate your insights...

I would agree. This team is starting to "gell" and that translates onto the field. I think it's even more than the quality coaching with the players themselves taking ownership of the team and going all-in. That's NOT an easy trick. It's like trying to get people to care about something...either they will or they won't. You can't teach it.

There was a great line attributed to Joe Gibbs when he was with the 'skins. HATED the 'skins but had to respect Gibbs. It read...Somehow Gibbs was able to get the hell-raisers and the bible-thumpers all on the SAME page.
UNITED! 1 purpose! 1 goal! 1 heart.

I think many on here, especially those with a military background (THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!) will attest to what happens when a unit becomes ONE!

Over-all, I'm VERY PLEASED with this year and looking forward to continued improvement.

Mark in Sc

 

[oaken1]

this team is gritty for sure....somehow you can just feel it when they hit the field

 

[Mitch]

I must reach out to the great one Larry! He had a great game yesterday. Short tough catches for 5-10 yards. WOW! The hall of fame awaits number 11.

Palmer is the real deal when he throwing like he did yesterday. Quick out of his hands and spot on to receivers.

You got to give love to Ellington took advantage of his touches. When he gets the ball it's like he might score at any time! Most impressive rookie RB as there has been in awhile out here!!

Hats off to our D especially Abraham who has rising from the desert. Dansby without him we are not fighting for a spot.

GBR
40

Great point about Larry Fitzgerald. Was he velcro deluxe yesterday? Incredible.

 

[Mitch]

I would agree. This team is starting to "gell" and that translates onto the field. I think it's even more than the quality coaching with the players themselves taking ownership of the team and going all-in. That's NOT an easy trick. It's like trying to get people to care about something...either they will or they won't. You can't teach it.

There was a great line attributed to Joe Gibbs when he was with the 'skins. HATED the 'skins but had to respect Gibbs. It read...Somehow Gibbs was able to get the hell-raisers and the bible-thumpers all on the SAME page.
UNITED! 1 purpose! 1 goal! 1 heart.

I think many on here, especially those with a military background (THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!) will attest to what happens when a unit becomes ONE!

Over-all, I'm VERY PLEASED with this year and looking forward to continued improvement.

Mark in Sc

Hi Mark!

The test now is---can the Cardinals gel on the road in weather and in hostile environs?

It's still confusing as to how flat they were to start the Philly game. Hopefully it will motivate them more to play well right from the get-go at Tennessee.

The Cardinals just jumped the "win again in the division" hurdle (for one game thus far)---but the road hurdle awaits. Should be interesting.

Stay well, good pal! Like you say---Never Say Die!

 

[Mitch]

this team is gritty for sure....somehow you can just feel it when they hit the field

At home yes, oaken---now can they bring the grit on the road?

 

[82CardsGrad]

Hi Mark!

The test now is---can the Cardinals gel on the road in weather and in hostile environs?

It's still confusing as to how flat they were to start the Philly game. Hopefully it will motivate them more to play well right from the get-go at Tennessee.

The Cardinals just jumped the "win again in the division" hurdle (for one game thus far)---but the road hurdle awaits. Should be interesting.

Stay well, good pal! Like you say---Never Say Die!

We're also catching a break as the Titan game is an afternoon game!

 

[Mitch]

The moment I saw Massie was going to be the blocking TE I thought "Somewhere Mitch just jumped up and said "FINALLY!!!""

Right on, Chris!

Like the Crosby, Still and Nash song, "It's Been a Long Time Coming..."

 

[Cardiac]

11. Swagger

The good kind. The kind that says, "We got this."

Fully agree. I think it's rubbing off on me as well because I'm not stressed out to no end like I was the past ...........forever.

Good stuff Mitch.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I think Roberts time here is done. If Early Doucet was banished based on untimely drops, how can Roberts stick around? He's also not a great blocker either, nor is he great after the catch.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

Whoa! - number 9 was not a Duke Juke, Ellington knocked Olgetree's arms right out of the way - no juking necessary and a fantastic & aggressive move. You'll just have to rename it.

 

[Cheesebeef]

i really think we need to make Ellington's name a little more clever then Duke.

Juke Ellington is perfect.

 

[Cardiac]

i really think we need to make Ellington's name a little more clever then Duke.

Juke Ellington is perfect.

Now this I like.

Juke it is, for me at least.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Would've been nice had Cards been able to draft Kenny Stills. It be nice to see him in Roberts spot. At this point BA should be having him return punts.

 

[D-Dogg]

The Juke.

I like it.

It all goes back to the fact that he has excellent RB hips, and can change direction on the fly without downshifting, or throw a subtle juke at almost full speed. Dangerous.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

I think Roberts time here is done. If Early Doucet was banished based on untimely drops, how can Roberts stick around? He's also not a great blocker either, nor is he great after the catch.

Agree. With the way Brown has been playing I can see him step and take his job.

 

[Chopper0080]

Agree. With the way Brown has been playing I can see him step and take his job.

It is a good draft class and would not be shocked if we dafted a WR or two in the mid to late rounds. Getting players like Josh Huff and DeVante Parker in rounds 4, 5 or 6 present good value and are cheap roster spot fills. Sort of like we did with RB last year.

 

[AZ Native]

I too like the name Juke.

 

[Jim Otis]

I think Roberts time here is done. If Early Doucet was banished based on untimely drops, how can Roberts stick around? He's also not a great blocker either, nor is he great after the catch.

Yep , breaks the huddle , lines up out wide right , then when their about to snap the ball , he turns and stands there looking at the sidelines like what am I supposed to do , then they have to call time out .

 

[Catfish]

Good stuff Mitch. I also like that Palmer displayed good pocket presence against the Rams. This team is definitely together, and as Mark said, the players have taken responsibility for learning and preparing and helping each other to get better.