1. It's always great to win when the ball wasn't bouncing your way (save the brilliant first series sack/strip by John Abraham and TD scoop by Matt Shaughnessy)---the two missed interceptions by Dansby (the second which caromed ahead to DeAndre Hawkins for a first down---weird), the regrettable interception thrown up for grabs on a 2nd and 5 in a tie game, the regrettable strip fumble by Carson Palmer where once again he refused to step up to avoid outside pressure, and held on to the ball too long---the inexcusable and totally lame fumble by Mendenhall whose primary job in that situation is ball security---the incredible TD by Andre Johnson that Patrick Peterson had in his hands---Heck---even the refs weren't helping much---the flag on the PI on Roberts down near the end zone came flying in from the side judge just before the ball arrives and the refs called it holding before the pass (5 yards instead of 25)---
2. But---some unsung players stepped up very well in some very key situations: (a) Zastudil---what an amazing punter he is; (b) Bethel---what an amazing kick blocker he is, pure textbook; (c) Housler---what a nifty slip screen TD he had and amazing catch in double coverage; (d) Powers---best game as a Cardinal, capped off by perfectly breaking up the last pass to Hawkins.
3. Most of all---the game was won up front on both sides of the ball, especially in that second half. The defensive line led by Abraham, Campbell, Dockett, Williams, Shaughnessy, Rucker, Bernard, Ta'amu was hammering the Texans' line and getting to ball in a flash. The offensive line took over the game in the 4th quarter. It was a rush to see them play so hard and tough versus a very talented defensive line. Clearly, this is the most committed the Cardinals have been to the running game and being physical up front that we've seen in years. The only thing i don't get, is why on first and goal from the five yard line, you run power for 2 yards down to the 3 yard line and then go right into a shotgun and abandon the run the next play...for two errant passes under duress....the second of which Roberts' arm was being being held by the CB...a call that Roberts doesn't seem to get in key conversion situations. The goal-line RB should be Ellington (because he can bounce and beat people to the end zone via quickness) and Taylor (because he's the toughest inside RB on the roster). Did you see Mendenhall earlier in the game on 3rd and 1---both Paul Fanaika and Eric Winston got a good push on their men, all Mendenhall had to do was hammer forward, instead he danced laterally and was dropped for a 1 yard loss. Mendenhall finally hit the hole hard a couple of times later (guess he was motivated to do so by Ellington's runs)---but he doesn't finish off runs---in fact, now he's just turning his back instead of lowering his shoulder.
4. The Andre Cat is significant---because it shows that an old dog is learning new tricks...and it signifies an important change in how BA uses his personnel in order to maximize its strengths---and to give the team a competitive edge. The only problem is that clearly Peterson's lateral option was being defended aggressively by that back right side---BA should have seen that and never should have called that 3rd play because it wasn't even close to being there. What would be a more dynamic option is to have Ryan Williams in the backfield (off-set or in a needle) next to Ellington. Imagine having Ellington, Peterson and Williams all on the field at the same time---with some passing options included.
5. What may be in the works---if BA is showing such flexibility---is the prospect of drafting QB Tajh Boyd, Ellington's and Brown's teammate at Clemson. Boyd is having a good season, but not a stellar one---and in light of the plethora of QB options in this year's upcoming draft, Boyd might be on the board when the Cardinals pick. Boyd's mobility and impressive arm strength could be too attractive to pass up. Steve Keim went personally to see Boyd this year and it is quite possible that Boyd is being considered and discussed.
6. Patrick Peterson is playing like an All Pro CB because he has started to master his technique. He's no longer a flag waiting to happen because he now trusts in his ability to locate and adjust to the ball. The job he did on Andre Johnson yesterday was stellar. As for his punt returns---he remains very tentative and cautious. I think it would be wise for BA to save Peterson for when the team needs a big return most or for when it simply needs a fair catch. Javier Arenas is itching to make his mark on returns and Honey Badger would be a nice option a couple of times a game. Plus, one has to wonder what Ellington could do in that role as a spot return man.
7. Honey Badger is the best tackler on the team.
8. Carson Palmer played very very hard yesterday. On the rare occasions when he does step up---like the time he threw over the middle to Roberts, for a nifty 14 yard completion---he is dang good. The back foot habit is troubling. But, regardless, Palmer stood in there, took his licks and played hard.
9. Larry Fitzgerald threw some great blocks out there again. Sadly, he got eaten up by CB Johnathan Joseph, who had no fear of Fitz beating him deep. This was epitomized by the play where Fitz got flagged for PI for pushing off, because Joseph knew he didn't have to keep any cushion on Fitz. Funny too that Fitz didn't even act like it was he who got interfered with, because Joseph came to meet him 12 yards down the field where that contact is a penalty. Did you notice that on third downs now, the coaches have Fitz running 2 yard drag routes? Why? Especially on 3rd and 7's? Did you notice too that during a timeout on 3rd and goal from the 3, Fitz was over lobbying to BA and BA had to put his hand up to say not now. The NBC crew also pointed out that BA was emphatic in telling them that the QB has to stop trying to force the ball in to Fitz. The reality is, BA isn't getting from Fitz what he got from Reggie Wayne last year when BA started moving Wayne around for the first time in his career.
10. Daryn Colledge deserves serious props. As poor as he was last year---this year he is bringing it. He's still somewhat inconsistent, but his effort and his toughness have been on full display the past few games. Credit Harold Goodwin too. His boys are getting after it up front.
