Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
I was impressed that for the first time this year winning the coin toss and deferring actually worked to perfection to start the game. The defense bended a little but got a stop and Ryan Lindley came out crisp and led the team to what seems like its first opening series TD on offense since who knows when.
The one caveat here is that the opening TD drive was aided and abetted by a timely unnecessary roughing call on the Rams that nullified Adam Snyder's piling on gaffe.
Clearly, the coaches were doing what Kurt Warner had insisted---get the QB into a rhythm as soon as possible.
Lindley looked sharp as in one to three BAM, one two three BAM, one two three BAM.
All good---for then.
But you just knew Jeff Fisher and the Rams weren't going to allow that to continue, especially from a rookie.
You just knew that they were going to start jumping the short routes.
Problem is it didn't seem the Cardinal coaches did---because just when they had perfectly set the Rams up for double moves, the Cardinals went to the well one time too many as Janoris Jenkins jumped Hyphen's out route and took it to the house.
The issue with the one two three BAM plays as well is how predictable the play calling has been----so predictable in fact that the coaches and Lindley made it way too easy for the Rams to counter.
Neither the coaches, nor the rookie QB had a counter to their counter.
At halftime---it was very interesting to hear what the sideline reporter said about what the coaches told her---
Fisher was stating that he was impressed with Lindley's play and how he was "spreading the ball around"---and that now it was time to increase the pressure on him to see if he could handle it.
Whisenhunt offered praise for Lindley too, but was stressing with his young QB the plays he missed---
For right or for wrong---when I heard both of those statements I thought it was going to be a long second half because the Rams were going to come after Lindley and now, based on the locker room focus of the missed plays the young QB was likely to become tentative in fear of making another egregious mistake---or even worse, missing a wide open Fitzgerald which may have prompted Whisenhunt to try Early Doucet at QB.
Lord knows there was only one way in which John Skelton was ever going to get a chance again---that is if Lindley was to get hurt.
It doesn't matter that the one thing Skelton has shown a somewhat consistent propensity to do and that is lead 4th quarter comebacks out of the hurry-up---as was the case last week when it was clear that Lindley was in over his head as rookies who have never taken a snap in a game are---Skelton was not going to be called on under any circumstances other than injury.
Essentially John Skelton has been cut.
He is the latest Arizona Cardinal QB pariah.
And this raises a troubling pattern of sorts:
Matt Leinart spent three years in Whisenhunt's offense and even was the beneficiary of working along side a HOF QB---
Leinart was named the starter on numerous occasions---and yet when it clearly his time to start---he was cut before he even had a chance.
Now after three years it's Skelton's turn.
The only difference is that Whisenhunt drafted Skelton---and the Cardinals were so interested in him that they (including the Bidwills) dined with Skelton in NYC prior to the draft.
Going back to Leinart---the strange thing about his transition into Whisenhunt's offense, if you recall, was that Whisenhunt proclaimed at the start of his first season that Leinart was slow to pick up the system and therefore hadn't even been taught the hurry-up offense, which is why Warner was the designated hurry-up QB.
Now I ask you---with all the rookies that have started at QB over the past three years, and with a modicum of success no less---even in the strike-shortened season---why were those QBs well enough prepared to learn the offense and Matt Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner wasn't?
We saw what Leinart was capable of as a pro---under the big lights, no less. He played virtually a flawless game against the "they were what we thought they were" undefeated Bears. If you recall, even when the Cardinals somehow managed to squander the big lead due to Edge's fumble and Hester's punt return TD---Leinart led the offense right into decent FG position to win the game. Alas, Neil Rackers missed the 42 yarder.
We have seen Skelton at his best as he was at home last year in relief of an injured Kolb versus the then practically unbeatable 49ers, when he was throwing strikes downfield and leading the Cardinals to a stunning upset win.
Skelton actually beat the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks in the second half of last season.
We saw earlier this season what Kevin Kolb can do when he is focused and determined---as in win 4 games in a row, even when it wasn't always pretty.
Guess what?---in football it usually isn't pretty----
We have now seen what a focused Ryan Lindley can do for 30 minutes of football. He's got the arm for sure---and he has the spunk.
The question is---why do these young QBs look like they are more parts to the problem than the solution?
What's the common denominator?
What do they all do wrong?
1. They stare down the first option.
2. They throw repeatedly short of the sticks on third down conversions.
3. They sail the ball high under pressure.
4. They throw off their back foot even when they don't have to.
5. They seem out of sync with the WRs and TEs in not knowing when and where their breaks are at times---often at key times, as Lindley did yesterday with Fitz on several occasions.
6. They throw bad interceptions even following their best drives because they go to the well and repeat mistakes 1-5 far too often.
This is why it actually would be prudent to see what we really have in Kolb, Skelton and Lindley when they are being coached by a new set of coaches in a system and under play-callers who know how to cater the offense to their strengths....and better yet, coaches who understand the psychology of what it takes to be a successful QB and how critical it is to the team's success for the QB to feel confident in himself, the system and his teammates.
Personnel Notes:
1. To think that TEs Todd Heap and Jim Dray have contributed virtually nothing all year taking up roster spots when the Cardinals could have a QB like David Garrard on the roster to throw into the mix.
How could it be that as QB starved as the Cardinals are---that they keep more TEs than QBs with one QB injured for a prolonged time, to boot.
That and how about another offensive tackle?
2. Speaking of TEs---good to see Rob Housler getting the bulk of the work---he had his best game production-wise this week and not just as a receiver but he made several good plays as a blocker. Go Dems!
3. Nate Potter---looks like he's corrected the swinging gate drop-step problem he had the last couple of weeks---his setup was nice and square this week, and, as a result, how often was DE Robert Quinn's name called this week?
4. Hyphen---made no sense to send him in for the middle of the line dive play that hasn't worked with him for three weeks.
5. William Powell---love this kid! Why the coaches haven't been using him more is mind-boggling.
6. Beanie looked fresh but had Fred Flintstone in the car feet. Nice run on the TD, however---in that case he kept his feet nicely under him.
7. Offensive line---best game in a while.
8. LaRon Byrd---great to see him out there---too bad he got such a rough initiation. Hope he bounces back.
9. Fitz---he doesn't look in sync with himself right now, let alone with a QB---there's something wrong with him, perhaps lingering concussion worries?
10. Roberts---has got to be throw to deep at least two to three times a game.
11. Dockett---playing better.
12. Williams---came on in second half.
13. Carter---was explosive at times.
14. Groves---same off the edge---great strip play.
15. Acho---had the one real bad play on Jackson that went for 29 yards---but was solid otherwise, especially staying home and getting after Bradford.
16. Washington---best player on the field yesterday for the Cardinals.
17. Bethel---his coverage on Givens was textbook---he was right there has turned for the ball just as you want and just narrowly missed the deflection---I saw this as a positive. Givens the last time blew by William Gay. Just not sure why Horton wanted to press Givens with his speed in that situation---and of course, there was no safety help over the top. (Add too Bethel's ST play was excellent).
18. Peterson---maybe his best game all-around this season. Tremendous interception----good tackles and punt returns.
19. Rhodes---drives you crazy, doesn't he? His futile and lame effort to tackle TE Lance Kendricks on the 29 yard TD pass over the middle by going high on Kendrick's 6'5" frame instead of firing through his legs was akin to Wilson's shoulder whiff versus Randall Cobb (Packers). Rhodes made a couple nice plays later---but mostly when he was near the box.
20. Wilson---did anyone know he even played?
21. Adams---nice coverage for a change.
The one caveat here is that the opening TD drive was aided and abetted by a timely unnecessary roughing call on the Rams that nullified Adam Snyder's piling on gaffe.
Clearly, the coaches were doing what Kurt Warner had insisted---get the QB into a rhythm as soon as possible.
Lindley looked sharp as in one to three BAM, one two three BAM, one two three BAM.
All good---for then.
But you just knew Jeff Fisher and the Rams weren't going to allow that to continue, especially from a rookie.
You just knew that they were going to start jumping the short routes.
Problem is it didn't seem the Cardinal coaches did---because just when they had perfectly set the Rams up for double moves, the Cardinals went to the well one time too many as Janoris Jenkins jumped Hyphen's out route and took it to the house.
The issue with the one two three BAM plays as well is how predictable the play calling has been----so predictable in fact that the coaches and Lindley made it way too easy for the Rams to counter.
Neither the coaches, nor the rookie QB had a counter to their counter.
At halftime---it was very interesting to hear what the sideline reporter said about what the coaches told her---
Fisher was stating that he was impressed with Lindley's play and how he was "spreading the ball around"---and that now it was time to increase the pressure on him to see if he could handle it.
Whisenhunt offered praise for Lindley too, but was stressing with his young QB the plays he missed---
For right or for wrong---when I heard both of those statements I thought it was going to be a long second half because the Rams were going to come after Lindley and now, based on the locker room focus of the missed plays the young QB was likely to become tentative in fear of making another egregious mistake---or even worse, missing a wide open Fitzgerald which may have prompted Whisenhunt to try Early Doucet at QB.
Lord knows there was only one way in which John Skelton was ever going to get a chance again---that is if Lindley was to get hurt.
It doesn't matter that the one thing Skelton has shown a somewhat consistent propensity to do and that is lead 4th quarter comebacks out of the hurry-up---as was the case last week when it was clear that Lindley was in over his head as rookies who have never taken a snap in a game are---Skelton was not going to be called on under any circumstances other than injury.
Essentially John Skelton has been cut.
He is the latest Arizona Cardinal QB pariah.
And this raises a troubling pattern of sorts:
Matt Leinart spent three years in Whisenhunt's offense and even was the beneficiary of working along side a HOF QB---
Leinart was named the starter on numerous occasions---and yet when it clearly his time to start---he was cut before he even had a chance.
Now after three years it's Skelton's turn.
The only difference is that Whisenhunt drafted Skelton---and the Cardinals were so interested in him that they (including the Bidwills) dined with Skelton in NYC prior to the draft.
Going back to Leinart---the strange thing about his transition into Whisenhunt's offense, if you recall, was that Whisenhunt proclaimed at the start of his first season that Leinart was slow to pick up the system and therefore hadn't even been taught the hurry-up offense, which is why Warner was the designated hurry-up QB.
Now I ask you---with all the rookies that have started at QB over the past three years, and with a modicum of success no less---even in the strike-shortened season---why were those QBs well enough prepared to learn the offense and Matt Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner wasn't?
We saw what Leinart was capable of as a pro---under the big lights, no less. He played virtually a flawless game against the "they were what we thought they were" undefeated Bears. If you recall, even when the Cardinals somehow managed to squander the big lead due to Edge's fumble and Hester's punt return TD---Leinart led the offense right into decent FG position to win the game. Alas, Neil Rackers missed the 42 yarder.
We have seen Skelton at his best as he was at home last year in relief of an injured Kolb versus the then practically unbeatable 49ers, when he was throwing strikes downfield and leading the Cardinals to a stunning upset win.
Skelton actually beat the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks in the second half of last season.
We saw earlier this season what Kevin Kolb can do when he is focused and determined---as in win 4 games in a row, even when it wasn't always pretty.
Guess what?---in football it usually isn't pretty----
We have now seen what a focused Ryan Lindley can do for 30 minutes of football. He's got the arm for sure---and he has the spunk.
The question is---why do these young QBs look like they are more parts to the problem than the solution?
What's the common denominator?
What do they all do wrong?
1. They stare down the first option.
2. They throw repeatedly short of the sticks on third down conversions.
3. They sail the ball high under pressure.
4. They throw off their back foot even when they don't have to.
5. They seem out of sync with the WRs and TEs in not knowing when and where their breaks are at times---often at key times, as Lindley did yesterday with Fitz on several occasions.
6. They throw bad interceptions even following their best drives because they go to the well and repeat mistakes 1-5 far too often.
This is why it actually would be prudent to see what we really have in Kolb, Skelton and Lindley when they are being coached by a new set of coaches in a system and under play-callers who know how to cater the offense to their strengths....and better yet, coaches who understand the psychology of what it takes to be a successful QB and how critical it is to the team's success for the QB to feel confident in himself, the system and his teammates.
Personnel Notes:
1. To think that TEs Todd Heap and Jim Dray have contributed virtually nothing all year taking up roster spots when the Cardinals could have a QB like David Garrard on the roster to throw into the mix.
How could it be that as QB starved as the Cardinals are---that they keep more TEs than QBs with one QB injured for a prolonged time, to boot.
That and how about another offensive tackle?
2. Speaking of TEs---good to see Rob Housler getting the bulk of the work---he had his best game production-wise this week and not just as a receiver but he made several good plays as a blocker. Go Dems!
3. Nate Potter---looks like he's corrected the swinging gate drop-step problem he had the last couple of weeks---his setup was nice and square this week, and, as a result, how often was DE Robert Quinn's name called this week?
4. Hyphen---made no sense to send him in for the middle of the line dive play that hasn't worked with him for three weeks.
5. William Powell---love this kid! Why the coaches haven't been using him more is mind-boggling.
6. Beanie looked fresh but had Fred Flintstone in the car feet. Nice run on the TD, however---in that case he kept his feet nicely under him.
7. Offensive line---best game in a while.
8. LaRon Byrd---great to see him out there---too bad he got such a rough initiation. Hope he bounces back.
9. Fitz---he doesn't look in sync with himself right now, let alone with a QB---there's something wrong with him, perhaps lingering concussion worries?
10. Roberts---has got to be throw to deep at least two to three times a game.
11. Dockett---playing better.
12. Williams---came on in second half.
13. Carter---was explosive at times.
14. Groves---same off the edge---great strip play.
15. Acho---had the one real bad play on Jackson that went for 29 yards---but was solid otherwise, especially staying home and getting after Bradford.
16. Washington---best player on the field yesterday for the Cardinals.
17. Bethel---his coverage on Givens was textbook---he was right there has turned for the ball just as you want and just narrowly missed the deflection---I saw this as a positive. Givens the last time blew by William Gay. Just not sure why Horton wanted to press Givens with his speed in that situation---and of course, there was no safety help over the top. (Add too Bethel's ST play was excellent).
18. Peterson---maybe his best game all-around this season. Tremendous interception----good tackles and punt returns.
19. Rhodes---drives you crazy, doesn't he? His futile and lame effort to tackle TE Lance Kendricks on the 29 yard TD pass over the middle by going high on Kendrick's 6'5" frame instead of firing through his legs was akin to Wilson's shoulder whiff versus Randall Cobb (Packers). Rhodes made a couple nice plays later---but mostly when he was near the box.
20. Wilson---did anyone know he even played?
21. Adams---nice coverage for a change.
