...and as you know a Cardinals fan.
Last night, I was at the game rooting on the Bears. Here are some thoughts of mine:
1. Speed. I watched the first two preseason games on TV but one major thing really stuck out to me and that was the chaotic speed of the Cardinals defenders. Geez those guys were flying all over the place and after watching and dying with the Cards for so long, it sure was different to see the aggression (including a blitz on the opening play of the game).
2. Taking advantage. They took advantage of their opportunities and put points on the board. I know Blake wasn;t concerned by the offense basically not scoring but I admit I was starting to get antsy. It was good to see them score and dictate pace.
3. Bounces/Calls. It looked like the tide quickly turned on the batted ball/INT by Alex Brown...until he fumbled it. Previous Cardinal teams have never seemed to get that kind of luck in the bounce of the ball. Also, the Terrell "touchdown" where he was flagged for interference...again that is a call that typically went against the Cards and they got it their way last night. If this is the way the cards are going to go this year, these are the small things that turn games.
4. Wells. Fine start by the "raw" kid. Sure he gave up that crushing "sack" by Brown early but after that he looked solid and I was waaay impressed (obviously the sack turned out to be an incomplete pass).
5. Shipp. OK, I know Emmitt is the man BUT man oh man did Shipp look solid. Gosh, I really wish he was the starter (as I still think he earned it). He was just running wild on the Bears and everytime he ran the ball I regretted the Smith signing. What an awesome 1-2 punch.
6. Backup running back. If Prentice aand Anderson don't make the team there should be a congressional inquiry. I mean both did well and Scobey that I saw did little.
7. Boldin. Simple statement. He is Blake's third down guy clearly. I expect a big year from him and many extended drives as a result of his ability to catch the ball.
8. Finally, the slight wake-up call. Despite the solid defensive effort, this is likely the worst Oline in the league right now so I am not sure the exact measuring stick this game really gave. Pace looks like the real deal but I am anxious to watch him against some of the elite tackles at regular season speed.
All in all a great game as I was surrounded by cool Cards fans and cool Bears fans. Everyone was talking about the game and it really made the experience cooler (even though we were sweating our asses off...love humidity! NOT) since sometimes the us vs them bullsh*t in the stands can get idiotic.
Last night, I was at the game rooting on the Bears. Here are some thoughts of mine:
1. Speed. I watched the first two preseason games on TV but one major thing really stuck out to me and that was the chaotic speed of the Cardinals defenders. Geez those guys were flying all over the place and after watching and dying with the Cards for so long, it sure was different to see the aggression (including a blitz on the opening play of the game).
2. Taking advantage. They took advantage of their opportunities and put points on the board. I know Blake wasn;t concerned by the offense basically not scoring but I admit I was starting to get antsy. It was good to see them score and dictate pace.
3. Bounces/Calls. It looked like the tide quickly turned on the batted ball/INT by Alex Brown...until he fumbled it. Previous Cardinal teams have never seemed to get that kind of luck in the bounce of the ball. Also, the Terrell "touchdown" where he was flagged for interference...again that is a call that typically went against the Cards and they got it their way last night. If this is the way the cards are going to go this year, these are the small things that turn games.
4. Wells. Fine start by the "raw" kid. Sure he gave up that crushing "sack" by Brown early but after that he looked solid and I was waaay impressed (obviously the sack turned out to be an incomplete pass).
5. Shipp. OK, I know Emmitt is the man BUT man oh man did Shipp look solid. Gosh, I really wish he was the starter (as I still think he earned it). He was just running wild on the Bears and everytime he ran the ball I regretted the Smith signing. What an awesome 1-2 punch.
6. Backup running back. If Prentice aand Anderson don't make the team there should be a congressional inquiry. I mean both did well and Scobey that I saw did little.
7. Boldin. Simple statement. He is Blake's third down guy clearly. I expect a big year from him and many extended drives as a result of his ability to catch the ball.
8. Finally, the slight wake-up call. Despite the solid defensive effort, this is likely the worst Oline in the league right now so I am not sure the exact measuring stick this game really gave. Pace looks like the real deal but I am anxious to watch him against some of the elite tackles at regular season speed.
All in all a great game as I was surrounded by cool Cards fans and cool Bears fans. Everyone was talking about the game and it really made the experience cooler (even though we were sweating our asses off...love humidity! NOT) since sometimes the us vs them bullsh*t in the stands can get idiotic.
