Monday's Thought: Calling Out BA and Palmer

[Mitch]

Ultimately BA is responsible for how this offense is under-performing. I personally am very surprised at what I am seeing. A coach who preaches and devotes so much time to situational football is running out an offense that continually looks lethargic, disoriented, confused and disheveled.

Getting plays in and out of the huddle is a problem---epitomized yesterday by the look on Carson Palmer's face in the midst of a momentum building third quarter drive after he tried to read the play off his wristband only to realize that either no one understood the play or he just couldn't get the words out---and, alas, yet another timeout had to be called.

This was week 6. Not week 1.

Compounding the matter is that Carson Palmer is a mess. His start to this all-important NFC West conference road game was pitiful---or should one stick with BA's own word: "putrid."

And all of his errors were unforced.

The offensive line played quite possibly its best game of the season.

What's most repugnant to me about Palmer is his listless demeanor. There is nothing about him that suggests he is a leader of men, let alone of a football team. Nothing.

I do not see a true competitor in the guy. Do you?

I see stupid, careless decision making---like standing unpressured on three straight occasions on thirds and 5's and throwing 3 yard passes each time that killed any chance for a drive.

I see mind-numbing delay of game penalties---one of which led to a safety, when once again in a situation that behooves a QB to step up into the pocket, and yet he stands there like an immovable statue.

The good news is that at least Tom Moore is there on the sidelines combing through game photos of the 49ers defense.

Better yet---the right things are being adjusted and communicated a half-time---because the Cardinals' offense was finally imposing its will on the 49ers' defense in that 3rd quarter in a manner that we have not seen for many years.

But---why did it take that long?

And---how in the world does the unit's best player cough the ball up at the worst imaginable time?

Fitzgerald presents a problem because even last week after a nice win he was disgruntled at his lack of touches.

Kurt Warner used to keep Fitz in his place. And in some ways, Warner had it worse because he also had pressure to feed Anquan Boldin the ball.

But, can Palmer keep Fitz in his place?

The answer is clearly no---based on the numerous times Palmer has tried to force the ball into Fitz, when Fitz was being doubled. It seems as if almost half of Palmer's interceptions are a result of that.

Back to BA---you cannot tell me or anyone else who watches the Cardinals that Rob Housler is a better football player than the now totally forgotten Andre Roberts.

Housler may be fast on a track---but he plays slow and soft.

I spend a lot of time watching Jim Dray as well---because I really haven't seen what other people see in him. And you know what? He's not a good blocker. And he sure as heck isn't a good receiver.

In the Carolina game on a play where BA kept Dray in as a FB to protect the passer, he totally whiffs on the one man rushing up the middle who was right in his tracks. Yesterday, he hardly got his jersey dirty. Watch him play after play standing by as the RB is getting tackled.

Dray's a thud blocker with poor legs and upper body strength who cannot sustain a block. And BA does nothing but praise this guy. For what, standing for two seconds in someone's way? Or drifting on a route that makes it easy for the FS to jump?

Then there's the question as to why in the world Alfonso Smith was in the game at such a critical juncture. He's your best option in that "situation"?

So what now?

In Drew Stanton at least you get a QB who actually knows and understands the offense---and is mobile and athletic enough to step up into the pocket and take off when needed...which in today's NFL is so often needed.

But---he lacks experience and in the PS games he threw nothing but fastballs on virtually every pass. Could he, for example, throw the corner fade pass we saw to Floyd yesterday with similar touch?

Yet---Stanton seems to have the toughness that is a pre-requisite for BA style QBs...a la Big Ben and Andrew Luck. Does Palmer? Does he look tough to you?

How about featuring Andre Roberts, Juron Brown and Brittan Golden more and the less than mediocre TEs less?

How about trying Kory Sperry more. He seems like the best receiver at TE.

How about having RB Ryan Williams in the backfield when Andre Ellington is playing the slot? Williams is a very good receiver---a guy who can catch it and make people miss. Now you have a dual home run threat.

How about not waiting until the second half to play hard?

The defense has been forced to play the majority of the 60 minutes---how about the offense caring enough to share the load?

It's a short week so the coaches may be loathe to make changes.

But this combination of coaching and QB isn't getting the job done and the sooner everyone realizes that, the better.

The patterns are clear and distinctive.

And check those third down statistics---about the worst in the NFL.

If the offense isn't throwing away the ball or fumbling it on first and second down (unforced errors), it's coming up way too short or way too incomplete on third downs...because the QB is playing hot potato, he's staring down receivers like a rookie, and he refuses to step up in the pocket. The one time he did, he converted a deep in pass to Floyd. But, one time ain't gonna get anything done. It has to be ingrained in the player---and that player ain't Carson Palmer.

It's unreal to think that still today after all these years of failure---we still can't get decent QB play, we still can't get any production whatsoever out of a TE, we still turn the ball over in gift wrapping, we still can't cover a TE (I'm sorry but playing Powers and bell on Davis with no one over the top was going to get it done? You have got to be kidding me. And Bell did his gut level best all afternoon---but with no deep help, he didn't stand a chance. Bell played a great ballgame, imo.), we still can't get sacks off the edge and we still have the dangdest time protecting the edge (compounded further like it was with Kolb by a QB who refuses to step up into the pocket). Unreal.

Don't tell me that Palmer had no room to step up---on the safety there was room to his right. On the last play where Smith hit his arm, there was room left and right. The offensive line did its job yesterday. No more excuses.

 

[Mulli]

Thanks, Mitch.

I just don't see how Ryan Williams is a "home run threat."

 

[Russ Smith]

Right now I feel like I imagined Notre Dame fans did a few years ago when they realized Charlie Weis was simply not as good as he said he was and that they didn't really have a strategic advantage going into each game because their coach was so smart. I think Arians can coach, but I think he thinks he's better than he really is and it continues to harm us.

The safety is ultimately on Palmer for not stepping up and throwing the ball but in reality it's on Arians. First off if Harbaugh can sprint down the sideline to call a timeout to avoid a delay, why can't Arians call TO himself? And then to have Palmer throw out of the end zone? The game thread everyone was predicting a safety the minute we got the ball. That was bad coaching plain and simple.

Palmer was terrible, off the backfoot all game.

It started wtih the first drive of the game, 3rd down, Roberts on his left is wide open for the first, but Palmer throws short, left to Ellington and we punt. They were in the same area of the field so Palmer had to be looking in Roberts' area but he didn't see him or chose not to throw it. Can't win like that against the 49ers.

All day back foot high throws. Finally has a chance to make a big play downfield on a broken play and he throws the wrong direction to Housler. Even the biggest play of the game was somewhat a fluke that was damn near a picksix on the TD to Fitz.

I'm really disappointed in both Arians and Palmer, I expected much more from both of them. This game was there, we had Mendenhall running hard, we had Ellington playing well, Taylor had a couple of tough runs, and what does Arians do get cute and give the ball to Smith and he fumbles ending the game.

 

[iLLmatiC]

Mitch, I always enjoy reading your post game comments. I woke up this morning and my first thought was about the game yesterday; that loss still hurts because we were so close.

 

[Mitch]

Thanks, Mitch.

I just don't see how Ryan Williams is a "home run threat."

What I meant is that he's got the wheels and shiftiness to make people miss and to turn a swing pass into a chunk yard play. There's a suddenness to hit his cuts that of the 5 RBs only Ellington has.

 

[Mulli]

What I meant is that he's got the wheels and shiftiness to make people miss and to turn a swing pass into a chunk yard play. There's a suddenness to hit his cuts that of the 5 RBs only Ellington has.

Good point. I get it.

 

[Mitch]

Right now I feel like I imagined Notre Dame fans did a few years ago when they realized Charlie Weis was simply not as good as he said he was and that they didn't really have a strategic advantage going into each game because their coach was so smart. I think Arians can coach, but I think he thinks he's better than he really is and it continues to harm us.

The safety is ultimately on Palmer for not stepping up and throwing the ball but in reality it's on Arians. First off if Harbaugh can sprint down the sideline to call a timeout to avoid a delay, why can't Arians call TO himself? And then to have Palmer throw out of the end zone? The game thread everyone was predicting a safety the minute we got the ball. That was bad coaching plain and simple.

Palmer was terrible, off the backfoot all game.

It started wtih the first drive of the game, 3rd down, Roberts on his left is wide open for the first, but Palmer throws short, left to Ellington and we punt. They were in the same area of the field so Palmer had to be looking in Roberts' area but he didn't see him or chose not to throw it. Can't win like that against the 49ers.

All day back foot high throws. Finally has a chance to make a big play downfield on a broken play and he throws the wrong direction to Housler. Even the biggest play of the game was somewhat a fluke that was damn near a picksix on the TD to Fitz.

I'm really disappointed in both Arians and Palmer, I expected much more from both of them. This game was there, we had Mendenhall running hard, we had Ellington playing well, Taylor had a couple of tough runs, and what does Arians do get cute and give the ball to Smith and he fumbles ending the game.

Well said, Russ.

I would just add that QB play makes a coach look like a genius or a dunce. I will bet you that BA is getting fed up with Palmer. Palmer is dragging the whole team down.

 

[Mulli]

Well said, Russ.

I would just add that QB play makes a coach look like a genius or a dunce. I will bet you that BA is getting fed up with Palmer. Palmer is dragging the whole team down.

 

[BigRedRage]

I think so far our game plans are well done, the play calling is mostly good and time management has been good except for a few gaffes in this game.

So far, the coaching is better than the past IMO.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, a nice job, but I'm a little more optimistic than you seem to be. We do need a SS, who's able to cover the TE. We need an elite LT, and an elite pass rusher. Won't get either this year but hopefully in the next off season.
We should see if Ryan Williams is an NFL RB. We have no reason to not have him active, since we know what Smith can do. Isn't there anyone else that can play ST's when RW is active?
As for BA, hopefully he's learning from his mistakes. Too many needless penalties. I remember last year and think that this year's team is much improved. Oh and b/t/w, I think that Fitz was playing hurt, yesterday so I'm giving him a pass on his killer fumble.
And one more thing. Golden had a long reception, but I think that Taylor and Hawkins are better receivers. Hopefully, the coaches know better. Is everyone on board with Golden? And is he a speed guy, the type that BA craves?

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, I always enjoy reading your post game comments. I woke up this morning and my first thought was about the game yesterday; that loss still hurts because we were so close.

This one does hurt because despite all the stupid errors in the first half that the defense responded to with exceptional tenacity and toughness, just when the offense decided to show up---boom---gift-wrapped, chump turnovers once again.

Like Darnell Dockett said about the 49er game last week---"this one is personal." I think we all relate to that---now the 49ers have won 9 of the last 10 games, and this one was about the closest we've come, easily the closest at Candlestick.

An image I won't forget about yesterday's game was RT Anthony Davis diving from the side at DE Frostee Rucker's legs, clearly trying to injure him.

And I am sick that Calais Campbell had to spend the bulk of the 60 minutes on the field yesterday. Clearly he was gassed but still fighting hard when he was injured trying to make a tackle.

And I am outraged that the 49ers fans went into a wave during the injury timeout.

This clearly is personal.

It's time for serious payback.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, a nice job, but I'm a little more optimistic than you seem to be. We do need a SS, who's able to cover the TE. We need an elite LT, and an elite pass rusher. Won't get either this year but hopefully in the next off season.
We should see if Ryan Williams is an NFL RB. We have no reason to not have him active, since we know what Smith can do. Isn't there anyone else that can play ST's when RW is active?
As for BA, hopefully he's learning from his mistakes. Too many needless penalties. I remember last year and think that this year's team is much improved. Oh and b/t/w, I think that Fitz was playing hurt, yesterday so I'm giving him a pass on his killer fumble.
And one more thing. Golden had a long reception, but I think that Taylor and Hawkins are better receivers. Hopefully, the coaches know better. Is everyone on board with Golden? And is he a speed guy, the type that BA craves?

I haven't lost optimism in BA and the future prospects of the team, Garth. I have, however, lost optimism with Carson Palmer. There's no real fire in his belly and that gets more apparent with each start.

 

[Mitch]

I think so far our game plans are well done, the play calling is mostly good and time management has been good except for a few gaffes in this game.

So far, the coaching is better than the past IMO.

If we get a QB in there who commands the responsibilities and the fundamentals of the position, this offense could surprise. I am with you BRR.

 

[Russ Smith]

I think so far our game plans are well done, the play calling is mostly good and time management has been good except for a few gaffes in this game.

So far, the coaching is better than the past IMO.

It is and it isn't the calls getting into the QB late are going far too often and it's game 6. Palmer has been bad but delay of game penalties are very rarely just a guy forgetting the clock it's usually the play getting in late which is why it's on the coach to call TO there.

And that 2 point conversion I said in the game thread that's something you draw in the dirt in 6th grade flag football. It was too early to go for and if Smith doesn't fumble and we go down and score that 2 point conversion might have lost us the game.

He's getting too caught up in this mad scientist mantra IMO, I like coaches who take risks, but he's just making bad mistakes.

 

[82CardsGrad]

"Keep Fitz in his place"... Sorry Mitch, the fact that you might merely momentarily think that Fitz needs to be "kept in his place" clearly illustrates your lack of connection to reality...

If there is one player that this type of comment would never, ever be associated with its Larry...

Perhaps one of the most unselfish all time greats to ever play the game - and the guy can't win with his own fan base... Pathetically sad statement on the fans of this team....


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[Russ Smith]

Well said, Russ.

I would just add that QB play makes a coach look like a genius or a dunce. I will bet you that BA is getting fed up with Palmer. Palmer is dragging the whole team down.

True, Palmer could have had 4 picks in the first half. Fitz broke up another one and the TD to Fitz was very close to a pick(six).

Just not playing well.

 

[BigRedRage]

It is and it isn't the calls getting into the QB late are going far too often and it's game 6. Palmer has been bad but delay of game penalties are very rarely just a guy forgetting the clock it's usually the play getting in late which is why it's on the coach to call TO there.

And that 2 point conversion I said in the game thread that's something you draw in the dirt in 6th grade flag football. It was too early to go for and if Smith doesn't fumble and we go down and score that 2 point conversion might have lost us the game.

He's getting too caught up in this mad scientist mantra IMO, I like coaches who take risks, but he's just making bad mistakes.

The 2 point play was ran a few games ago and went well. Its not the play I would have run in that scenario though.

As far as plays coming in late, we had two issues in this game but I hadnt seent hat happen often this year. It used to happen once or twice a game under whiz.

 

[Shane]

I think so far our game plans are well done, the play calling is mostly good and time management has been good except for a few gaffes in this game.

So far, the coaching is better than the past IMO.

I think you just want to be positive about what your seeing. These are all the same mistakes we had been seeing with Whiz. QB's not getting the plays in on time. Delay penalties. Players confused on where to line up and where the play is going etc... Hasn't just been this game either. Far from it.

 

[Mulli]

I think you just want to be positive about what your seeing. These are all the same mistakes we had been seeing with Whiz. QB's not getting the plays in on time. Delay penalties. Players confused on where to line up and where the play is going etc... Hasn't just been this game either. Far from it.

Your head is going to explode before the end of the season if this is how you are at 3-3, after one of the toughest road games all year.

Maybe you should be like me and skip watching the road games in SF and SEA.

 

[NotMattLeinart]

This one does hurt because despite all the stupid errors in the first half that the defense responded to with exceptional tenacity and toughness, just when the offense decided to show up---boom---gift-wrapped, chump turnovers once again.

Like Darnell Dockett said about the 49er game last week---"this one is personal." I think we all relate to that---now the 49ers have won 9 of the last 10 games, and this one was about the closest we've come, easily the closest at Candlestick.

An image I won't forget about yesterday's game was RT Anthony Davis diving from the side at DE Frostee Rucker's legs, clearly trying to injure him.

And I am sick that Calais Campbell had to spend the bulk of the 60 minutes on the field yesterday. Clearly he was gassed but still fighting hard when he was injured trying to make a tackle.

And I am outraged that the 49ers fans went into a wave during the injury timeout.

This clearly is personal.

It's time for serious payback.

Yes! Yes! Yes! When honey badger flipped that midget running back in the end zone I really hoped he dislocated his shoulder or at least hurt him in any way. Or when Ta’amu kicked that lineman in the face I was all for it. Show them we aren't playing games and we taking it to them!!!

 

[Shane]

Your head is going to explode before the end of the season if this is how you are at 3-3, after one of the toughest road games all year.

Maybe you should be like me and skip watching the road games in SF and SEA.

At least I watch

 

[Mulli]

At least I watch

I got home late, and I watched the Patriots game. Was totally going to watch if Cards had one.

I was even fastforwarding to possible Cards game bonus coverage when I saw the miraculous Tom Brady winning play right after I said he had been garbage all day.

 

[Buckybird]

This team is pretty much a mirror image of the 2012 team, other than the Oline is somewhat better. Bad QB play, questionable coaching & an outstanding defense...which spells a 5-6 win team.

I still don't understand what's happened to Roberts, other than Palmer can't complete passes to him & his PT is cut in half.

Mitch, I said the same thing yesterday about Housler...slow & unathletic! And you know where I've stood on Dray since his arrival.

 

[Russ Smith]

Yes! Yes! Yes! When honey badger flipped that midget running back in the end zone I really hoped he dislocated his shoulder or at least hurt him in any way. Or when Ta’amu kicked that lineman in the face I was all for it. Show them we aren't playing games and we taking it to them!!!

That was hilarious, the OL is telling Harbaugh "he kicked me in the bleeping face" meanwhile they're showing the replay where clear as day you can see the OL hit him in the face first, which is why Ta'Amu retaliated with the slight kick.

They're a tough team but some of that stuff was just plain dirty.

They have to be careful, he's not running as much this year but when you have a running QB and your team is playing dirty, you take the risk of some player on the opposing team retaliating and taking it out on your most exposed player.

Steve Young used to talk about that he'd tell his linemen not to piss off the defense because "I'm the one who gets the cheap shot when you do that."

 

[Shane]

This team is pretty much a mirror image of the 2012 team, other than the Oline is somewhat better. Bad QB play, questionable coaching & an outstanding defense...which spells a 5-6 win team.

Pretty much. The QB for stretches is at least average.