Last week the Cardinals showed some character by winning a truly must win-game against a streaking red-hot team that had won four in a row.
After losing 3 in a row the Cards margin for error had completely evaporated. Thankfully they showed up and played their most complete game of the year in all three phases of the game.
They made it past the first round and now face a suddenly energized Eagles team that has it’s own dual-threat qb. No matter, losing is not an option. With either the Bears or Vikings moving to 7-7 tomorrow the Cards must remain a game ahead. Hopefully Kyler & Hopkins can take advantage of a depleted Eagles secondary.
It was good to see the coaching staff get out of its own way last week and I hope that trend continues on Sunday. Specifically I hope they continue to:
-Keep playing Nugent (this was confirmed today as Zane was sent to IR. It makes you wonder if they are allowing him to save face by giving him an injury designation)
-Throw Hop the ball. With 9 receptions & 136 yds against the Giants, they finally got back to utilizing our best weapon in the passing game. There is simply no excuse for Hopkins not getting double digit targets in EVERY remaining game.
-Allow Kyler to run. Last week Kyler finally began to somewhat resemble the superstar player that we all know he can be. He picked up multiple first downs with his legs and kept the offense in a rhythm that had been missing the last month. IMO he should average 10 rushing attempts per game.
After losing 3 in a row the Cards margin for error had completely evaporated. Thankfully they showed up and played their most complete game of the year in all three phases of the game.
They made it past the first round and now face a suddenly energized Eagles team that has it’s own dual-threat qb. No matter, losing is not an option. With either the Bears or Vikings moving to 7-7 tomorrow the Cards must remain a game ahead. Hopefully Kyler & Hopkins can take advantage of a depleted Eagles secondary.
It was good to see the coaching staff get out of its own way last week and I hope that trend continues on Sunday. Specifically I hope they continue to:
-Keep playing Nugent (this was confirmed today as Zane was sent to IR. It makes you wonder if they are allowing him to save face by giving him an injury designation)
-Throw Hop the ball. With 9 receptions & 136 yds against the Giants, they finally got back to utilizing our best weapon in the passing game. There is simply no excuse for Hopkins not getting double digit targets in EVERY remaining game.
-Allow Kyler to run. Last week Kyler finally began to somewhat resemble the superstar player that we all know he can be. He picked up multiple first downs with his legs and kept the offense in a rhythm that had been missing the last month. IMO he should average 10 rushing attempts per game.
