Monday, November 28, 2005
Jacksonville re-cap
Well - everyone expected the Cardinals to lose, and that is what they did. I give the Cardinals credit for playing hard. I can't stand it they still can't figure out how to line up. (At least 3 illegal formation calls that I can remember) - Leonard Davis had two false starts, and we total 11 penalties for 110 yards. 4 personal fouls. The team let the frustrations build, and it cost us. Maybe even the reason for an eleven point swing. We had to ball down on the one with 4 chances to punch it in the endzone, but the illegal formation took the run away, then the 15 yarder on Anquan, and we end up kicking a field goal. Then on the next kickoff - they run it back for a 93 yard touchdown - pitiful. Now it's 17-3 late in the third instead of 10-7.
Our defense gave up a lot of third downs, but I give them credit for playing hard. Our offense played decent, but Kurt was off. JJ Arrington had 28 yards rushing in the first quarter, but Green never went back to him in the second qtr. They abandoned the run, and the run was working in my opinion. I do give credit for taking some risks. The local media is being kind of rough on him for going for it on a fourth and 1 and kicking the onsides kick. I like the decisions, I do not like the 4th and 1 call though. Just run it for a yard. But instead they tried to pass, but not only did they pass, it was a 3 step drop and look around. How about the quick slant, or the hike and throw a screen outside to Fitz? I do not like the call.
The first touchdown though was exactly the call I wanted. I was calling for a fake up the middle, then a pass out to the TE or FB in the endzone, that is exactly what happed, Eric Edwards caught a beautiful pass from Kurt and our first touchdown of the game was exciting.
Thumbs up:
Our defense gave up a lot of third downs, but I give them credit for playing hard. Our offense played decent, but Kurt was off. JJ Arrington had 28 yards rushing in the first quarter, but Green never went back to him in the second qtr. They abandoned the run, and the run was working in my opinion. I do give credit for taking some risks. The local media is being kind of rough on him for going for it on a fourth and 1 and kicking the onsides kick. I like the decisions, I do not like the 4th and 1 call though. Just run it for a yard. But instead they tried to pass, but not only did they pass, it was a 3 step drop and look around. How about the quick slant, or the hike and throw a screen outside to Fitz? I do not like the call.
The first touchdown though was exactly the call I wanted. I was calling for a fake up the middle, then a pass out to the TE or FB in the endzone, that is exactly what happed, Eric Edwards caught a beautiful pass from Kurt and our first touchdown of the game was exciting.
Thumbs up:
- JJ Arringotn playing well
- The O-line has played well the last 4 games, and this was a tough test against a really good d-line and they had a good game
- Bryant Johnson played very well, no drops at all and had about 77 yards, all were key plays
- Anquan is still a stud (I loved the plays where he lined up in the backfield)
- Agressive play calling made the game fun, but I still wanted to run more
- Penalties
- allowing Jacksonville back-up QB to run all over us - not staying in their assignments
- Kurt was off, but came around in second half
- Rackers missed his first FG, but it was 43 yards into the wind, still a great year obviously
- Not being able to convert on a 4th and one
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Wow - some cool stats
This from the AZ Republic:
Did you know?
Some interesting numbers from Arizona's 38-28 victory over St. Louis:
The last time Cardinals allowed only 6 yards rushing or fewer was 35 years ago!
It's games like these that keep us Cardinal fans coming back. It's like that one beautiful shot in golf, after a typically horrendous outing - you come back for more.
Did you know?
Some interesting numbers from Arizona's 38-28 victory over St. Louis:
- The 6 rushing yards Arizona allowed were the fewest by the defense since the NFL merger in 1970.
- The last time the Cardinals scored at least 32 or more points in road game was Nov. 22, 1998, at Washington, a 49-42 Arizona win.
- The last time they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter was Nov. 18, 2001, vs. Detroit. Arizona scored 24 in the fourth against the Lions.
- Kurt Warner's 115.9 quarterback rating was the highest for the Cardinals since Jake Plummer's 124.2 rating against Detroit in 2001.
- It was the first time Warner threw for three touchdowns since the 2001 season finale, when he was the league's MVP with the Rams.
- Arizona's 27 first downs were the most since the club had 30 on Jan. 2, 2000, at Green Bay.
The last time Cardinals allowed only 6 yards rushing or fewer was 35 years ago!
It's games like these that keep us Cardinal fans coming back. It's like that one beautiful shot in golf, after a typically horrendous outing - you come back for more.
Wow - some cool stats
This from the AZ Republic:
• The 6 rushing yards Arizona allowed were the fewest by the defense since the NFL merger in 1970.
• The last time the Cardinals scored at least 32 or more points in road game was Nov. 22, 1998, at Washington, a 49-42 Arizona win.
• The last time they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter was Nov. 18, 2001, vs. Detroit. Arizona scored 24 in the fourth against the Lions.
• Kurt Warner's 115.9 quarterback rating was the highest for the Cardinals since Jake Plummer's 124.2 rating against Detroit in 2001.
• It was the first time Warner threw for three touchdowns since the 2001 season finale, when he was the league's MVP with the Rams.
• Arizona's 27 first downs were the most since the club had 30 on Jan. 2, 2000, at Green Bay.
Did you know?
Some interesting numbers from Arizona's 38-28 victory over St. Louis:• The 6 rushing yards Arizona allowed were the fewest by the defense since the NFL merger in 1970.
• The last time the Cardinals scored at least 32 or more points in road game was Nov. 22, 1998, at Washington, a 49-42 Arizona win.
• The last time they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter was Nov. 18, 2001, vs. Detroit. Arizona scored 24 in the fourth against the Lions.
• Kurt Warner's 115.9 quarterback rating was the highest for the Cardinals since Jake Plummer's 124.2 rating against Detroit in 2001.
• It was the first time Warner threw for three touchdowns since the 2001 season finale, when he was the league's MVP with the Rams.
• Arizona's 27 first downs were the most since the club had 30 on Jan. 2, 2000, at Green Bay.
Wow - some cool stats
This from the AZ republic:
• The 6 rushing yards Arizona allowed were the fewest by the defense since the NFL merger in 1970.
• The last time the Cardinals scored at least 32 or more points in road game was Nov. 22, 1998, at Washington, a 49-42 Arizona win.
• The last time they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter was Nov. 18, 2001, vs. Detroit. Arizona scored 24 in the fourth against the Lions.
• Kurt Warner's 115.9 quarterback rating was the highest for the Cardinals since Jake Plummer's 124.2 rating against Detroit in 2001.
• It was the first time Warner threw for three touchdowns since the 2001 season finale, when he was the league's MVP with the Rams.
• Arizona's 27 first downs were the most since the club had 30 on Jan. 2, 2000, at Green Bay.
Did you know?
Some interesting numbers from Arizona's 38-28 victory over St. Louis:• The 6 rushing yards Arizona allowed were the fewest by the defense since the NFL merger in 1970.
• The last time the Cardinals scored at least 32 or more points in road game was Nov. 22, 1998, at Washington, a 49-42 Arizona win.
• The last time they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter was Nov. 18, 2001, vs. Detroit. Arizona scored 24 in the fourth against the Lions.
• Kurt Warner's 115.9 quarterback rating was the highest for the Cardinals since Jake Plummer's 124.2 rating against Detroit in 2001.
• It was the first time Warner threw for three touchdowns since the 2001 season finale, when he was the league's MVP with the Rams.
• Arizona's 27 first downs were the most since the club had 30 on Jan. 2, 2000, at Green Bay.
Monday, November 21, 2005
St. Louis Rams flounder
It was very exciting to watch a complete game. I was talking to my friends before the game and saying how we have not had a complete victory this year, the difference in last year where we had only 6 wins, but 3 of them were complete solid victories.
My game ball goes to Boldin (leading our poll for favorite player). He didn't need to play, they are out of the playoffs and he could just rest. But he is a competitor and once again had an amazing game. He is our best player on the team by a long shot.
Warner obviously had a great game. I am not ready to annoint him king, but like its been said all along - give him perfect conditions, he is the best out there. He just doesn't have that intangible that other great QB's have. That "IT" is not there in my opinion. All conditions must be just right. Maybe us playing in a dome next year, will really strengthen our team.
JJ Arrington continues to play well. He needs to start getting the bulk of our carries. I still like Shipp, but Arrington is the future right now.
For three weeks in a row (since Nick Lecky has been at center) the line has really improved. People scoffed at me on the Cardinals message board when I suggested Lecky to start and move Stepanovich over! If Josh McCown had this time, he would look like a hero as well.
The true difference in this game was the run stuffing. Holding them to 6 yards! I want to scream! I started Stephen Jackson on my fantasy thinking he would run all over us. We stuffed him. I love it. I will always take a Cardinals victory, over any fantasy or betting stats.
The only real negative out of this game is the penalties. Leonard Davis again had two false starts. After one of them, he got smoked by the DE and he caused Kurt to fumble. LD needs to move inside the line as guard. I hope coach will make the move next year. Oliver Ross also had 2 false starts. What's with these guys? Also - we still need improvement on our run blocking.
By the way - LD leads the league in false starts!
I hope they build on this win and play well at home against Jacksonville. I am really excited to go to the game this Sunday.
My game ball goes to Boldin (leading our poll for favorite player). He didn't need to play, they are out of the playoffs and he could just rest. But he is a competitor and once again had an amazing game. He is our best player on the team by a long shot.
Warner obviously had a great game. I am not ready to annoint him king, but like its been said all along - give him perfect conditions, he is the best out there. He just doesn't have that intangible that other great QB's have. That "IT" is not there in my opinion. All conditions must be just right. Maybe us playing in a dome next year, will really strengthen our team.
JJ Arrington continues to play well. He needs to start getting the bulk of our carries. I still like Shipp, but Arrington is the future right now.
For three weeks in a row (since Nick Lecky has been at center) the line has really improved. People scoffed at me on the Cardinals message board when I suggested Lecky to start and move Stepanovich over! If Josh McCown had this time, he would look like a hero as well.
The true difference in this game was the run stuffing. Holding them to 6 yards! I want to scream! I started Stephen Jackson on my fantasy thinking he would run all over us. We stuffed him. I love it. I will always take a Cardinals victory, over any fantasy or betting stats.
The only real negative out of this game is the penalties. Leonard Davis again had two false starts. After one of them, he got smoked by the DE and he caused Kurt to fumble. LD needs to move inside the line as guard. I hope coach will make the move next year. Oliver Ross also had 2 false starts. What's with these guys? Also - we still need improvement on our run blocking.
By the way - LD leads the league in false starts!
I hope they build on this win and play well at home against Jacksonville. I am really excited to go to the game this Sunday.
Friday, November 18, 2005
St. Louis Rams pre-game
This week has been like other weeks for the Cardinals - they signed a few players, put a few more on the I.R. changed the starting line-up for both sides of the ball again. Not that I blame them, it is strictly due to injuries.
It appears that Boldin will play - what a competitor!
Karlos Dansby most likely will not play, elevating Darryl Blackstock - who has been quiet all year.
I'm not sure who will start at Defensive End- they cut Cochran and added a player who has been out for a while.
This is Kurt's bug return to St. Louis. Will he play amazing at his homecoming? Will the line give him time? will his former team be pumped up to make him look silly? It is anybody's guess, but this world only allows predictions so here is mine: He will do very well and it may be an offensive battle. I think the Cardinals will actually score at least 3 touchdowns! Now, I don't ususally bet, but if I did, I would not bet on the Cardinals, but I think for some reason they may win this game. Their 2nd road victory in 3 years! I do not have any rational thought on this, just a feeling. I do think that the Rams could easily score 4 touchdowns too, so our defense will have to come up with a score or some great stop. Stephen Jackson will run all over us (fantasy players) and our goal should be to hold him to under 90 yards and 1 touchdown.
Either way, if I'm right - it will be a fun game to watch. I will be working, but have to watch it on tape.
It appears that Boldin will play - what a competitor!
Karlos Dansby most likely will not play, elevating Darryl Blackstock - who has been quiet all year.
I'm not sure who will start at Defensive End- they cut Cochran and added a player who has been out for a while.
This is Kurt's bug return to St. Louis. Will he play amazing at his homecoming? Will the line give him time? will his former team be pumped up to make him look silly? It is anybody's guess, but this world only allows predictions so here is mine: He will do very well and it may be an offensive battle. I think the Cardinals will actually score at least 3 touchdowns! Now, I don't ususally bet, but if I did, I would not bet on the Cardinals, but I think for some reason they may win this game. Their 2nd road victory in 3 years! I do not have any rational thought on this, just a feeling. I do think that the Rams could easily score 4 touchdowns too, so our defense will have to come up with a score or some great stop. Stephen Jackson will run all over us (fantasy players) and our goal should be to hold him to under 90 yards and 1 touchdown.
Either way, if I'm right - it will be a fun game to watch. I will be working, but have to watch it on tape.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Detroit Lion re-cap
I know I didn't write for awhile - but like the next game - I have to work during the game so I miss some live game, but watch it later.
There really isn't much to say - I predicted a bad game, and that is what happened.
Steve Marriucci is now 7-0 verses the Cardinals - He's our daddy!
We have now allowed a team to score a touchdown 12 out of 18 times on the opening drive of the game or half. Pitiful! 13 out 18 times for a score!
Kurt Warner did not lose the game for us, but he did not win it either. I know the QB is not the problem of this team, but I still wonder about Josh because the team seams to rally behind him. The last 2 games the pass protection has been pretty good (no sacks in Detroit) and the run game at times looked competent. Give this opportunity to Josh and I think he takes us to a new level. I will say this - Kurt's two-minute drill is terrible. This guy does not know how to come from behind and get these guys out of bounds.
Our first rushing touchdown! Congrats JJ Arrington and he probably will get the bulk of the carries against St. Louis.
The true story though is still the lack of discipline - these guys can't tackle and the stupid penalties are out of control. 70 yards of penalties in the first half. Leonard Davis now leads the league in false starts. Congrats!
There really isn't much to say - I predicted a bad game, and that is what happened.
Steve Marriucci is now 7-0 verses the Cardinals - He's our daddy!
We have now allowed a team to score a touchdown 12 out of 18 times on the opening drive of the game or half. Pitiful! 13 out 18 times for a score!
Kurt Warner did not lose the game for us, but he did not win it either. I know the QB is not the problem of this team, but I still wonder about Josh because the team seams to rally behind him. The last 2 games the pass protection has been pretty good (no sacks in Detroit) and the run game at times looked competent. Give this opportunity to Josh and I think he takes us to a new level. I will say this - Kurt's two-minute drill is terrible. This guy does not know how to come from behind and get these guys out of bounds.
Our first rushing touchdown! Congrats JJ Arrington and he probably will get the bulk of the carries against St. Louis.
The true story though is still the lack of discipline - these guys can't tackle and the stupid penalties are out of control. 70 yards of penalties in the first half. Leonard Davis now leads the league in false starts. Congrats!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Detroit Lion prediction
I cannot see anything good coming out of this weekend's game. My only hope is the Sundevils show up to play and beat UCLA.
But our Cardinals will try for a road victory. Maybe if Green keeps them in line, they can squeak out a victory. We have way too many injuries to compete, and if we were healthy, I would still doubt the possibilty of beating the Lions. With Bryant Johnson out, I wonder how it will affect us. It could actually help if Newhouse plays well. I like Reggie Newhouse. He should have never been cut.
I am wondering if JJ Arrington will get 10 or more carries?
Will Neil Rackers kick 3 more field goals?
Will we score a touchdown from the red zone?
Anyways - this is one of those games looking at the beginning of the schedule - we should win. But with the the captain of our ship (Green) we do not have much hope. I am convinced that the players have already quit on the coach. (I use that term loosley).
But our Cardinals will try for a road victory. Maybe if Green keeps them in line, they can squeak out a victory. We have way too many injuries to compete, and if we were healthy, I would still doubt the possibilty of beating the Lions. With Bryant Johnson out, I wonder how it will affect us. It could actually help if Newhouse plays well. I like Reggie Newhouse. He should have never been cut.
I am wondering if JJ Arrington will get 10 or more carries?
Will Neil Rackers kick 3 more field goals?
Will we score a touchdown from the red zone?
Anyways - this is one of those games looking at the beginning of the schedule - we should win. But with the the captain of our ship (Green) we do not have much hope. I am convinced that the players have already quit on the coach. (I use that term loosley).
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Rackers gets his deserved extension
So Neil Rackers gets his well deserved extension and the Cardinals were able to put the bonus money towards this year's cap. Good move. I hope I am not being pessimistic, but with the Cardinals bad carma - I fear the worst, injurey to Neil, a bad kicking streak - something. But we are going to think positive. I like Neil - not just because he is perfect this season, but because he is tough. He is in the thck of things on all plays, wants to make the tackle and plays hard.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Issaac Keys
The whole Isaac Keyes situation makes me laugh. This was man was cut twice. Has been on the practice squad. He gets signed on Friday 11/4. Gets to play on Sunday for some special team duty, then cut on Monday. "Hey coach - don't do me any favors!" I'm sure he hopes to be back on the practice squad. Green - make up your mind!
Also - Bert Berry Barry will most likely be out for the rest of the year. That makes the 3rd defensive line starter and 4th overall on the d-line out for year. - This is detrimental to the team.
Also - Bert Berry Barry will most likely be out for the rest of the year. That makes the 3rd defensive line starter and 4th overall on the d-line out for year. - This is detrimental to the team.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Seattle Seahawks re-cap
This game turned out as expected. I thought we would lose by 14 and that is what happened. It was a little different than imagined. This might shut up all the Warner fans, who think he is our savior. I think Josh should be the starter for the rest of year and most likely the future. But I have said all along, it will not matter who the QB is because we have no running game and no offensive line. Well -today, our line gave Kurt all kinds of time. We also ran the ball well when we attempted. (JJ Arington had only 5 carries, but 40 yards). This was a Kurt Warner melt down. All the interceptions were his fault, two of the sacks were his fault. The fumble was his fault. Seattle turned two of the turnovers into 10 points.
Now with that being said, its hard to blame the loss on Kurt when our defense had more holes than swiss cheese. We allowed a touchdown on the opening drive of both halves again. How many times have we done that this year? In 8 games, I think it is at least 12 times - pathetic. If our defense could have created a turnover, maybe another stop or two, you get the feeling that we still could have pulled this win off with as bad as Kurt was playing.
Another goat - Bryant Johnson. Yeah he had a touchdown catch, but he had many drops. One cost us a touchdown. His biggest mistake was when Eric Edwards had that monster touchdown catch (79 yards). Johnson nullifies it with an unecessary block in the back downfield. Edwards has to settle for a 63-yard catch. The block didn't even help us. Stupid. We had to settle for 3.
The new line played well. Oliver Ross got beat for one sack. There was a miscue on another that allowed somone right up the middle un-touched. But overall, their best performance all year. I have been clamouring for both Nick Lecky and Alex Stepanovich in together (best athletes) and I'm pleased the results were better. As far as I could tell, Oliver Ross played much better too. His first three games were horrific.
I wanted Shipp to start in the beginning and thought coach was an idiot for forcing the start on JJ Arrington without earning it. Well, now he has improved and feels more comfortable. He should start the rest of the year and prepare for next season.
Injuries: Bert Berry could be gone for year, unless his pectoral muscle is just strained, but major loss. Also Langston Moorej dislocated his shoulder.
Rackers is still perfect. 26 for the year, with 4 today.
JJ Moses did very well on kick returns, averaging over 25 yards per return.
We missed Anquan Boldin today.
Now with that being said, its hard to blame the loss on Kurt when our defense had more holes than swiss cheese. We allowed a touchdown on the opening drive of both halves again. How many times have we done that this year? In 8 games, I think it is at least 12 times - pathetic. If our defense could have created a turnover, maybe another stop or two, you get the feeling that we still could have pulled this win off with as bad as Kurt was playing.
Another goat - Bryant Johnson. Yeah he had a touchdown catch, but he had many drops. One cost us a touchdown. His biggest mistake was when Eric Edwards had that monster touchdown catch (79 yards). Johnson nullifies it with an unecessary block in the back downfield. Edwards has to settle for a 63-yard catch. The block didn't even help us. Stupid. We had to settle for 3.
The new line played well. Oliver Ross got beat for one sack. There was a miscue on another that allowed somone right up the middle un-touched. But overall, their best performance all year. I have been clamouring for both Nick Lecky and Alex Stepanovich in together (best athletes) and I'm pleased the results were better. As far as I could tell, Oliver Ross played much better too. His first three games were horrific.
I wanted Shipp to start in the beginning and thought coach was an idiot for forcing the start on JJ Arrington without earning it. Well, now he has improved and feels more comfortable. He should start the rest of the year and prepare for next season.
Injuries: Bert Berry could be gone for year, unless his pectoral muscle is just strained, but major loss. Also Langston Moorej dislocated his shoulder.
Rackers is still perfect. 26 for the year, with 4 today.
JJ Moses did very well on kick returns, averaging over 25 yards per return.
We missed Anquan Boldin today.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Green Changes O-line
Kurt Warner is starting against Seattle - that is not a big surprise. I think he will be fine, but it's not best for the organization in my opinion. The word from Cardinals insider (Mike Jurecki) is that the offensive line will change.
LT - Leonard Davis
LG - Reggie Wells
C- Nick Leckey- has seen only pre-season duty, but I like the change
RG - Alex Stepanovich - talented enough to fill in either position
RT- Oliver Ross - sucked the first games, but could be an improvement over converted RT Wakefield
I'm not sure how we will compete agaisnt Seattle with no running game, no Anquan Boldin, new line again, new QB. Could be a very embarrassing game.
LT - Leonard Davis
LG - Reggie Wells
C- Nick Leckey- has seen only pre-season duty, but I like the change
RG - Alex Stepanovich - talented enough to fill in either position
RT- Oliver Ross - sucked the first games, but could be an improvement over converted RT Wakefield
I'm not sure how we will compete agaisnt Seattle with no running game, no Anquan Boldin, new line again, new QB. Could be a very embarrassing game.
Reggie Newhouse Signed
The Cards bring back Reggie Newhouse to the active roster. This kid is pretty good. I think he is a legitimate 4th option. They are hedging their bet against Boldin's Knee injury. Like I said earlier, Boldin can play, but it will be painful. I would not be surprised if he sits a few anyways, we are not in the playoff hunt, so why bother unless he wants to build some stats.
HT: 6-1 WT: 211lbs.
College: Baylor
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
NFL Exp: 2
To make room, the Cardinals released Dyshod Carter. A cornerback we picked up to help with the injuries on that side of the ball, but he did not see any action.
