kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:
1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.
2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.
3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).
4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.
5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.
1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.
2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.
3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).
4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.
5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.