Ball or Nuthin' » Cardinals

Young in Command in Titans’ Preseason Win Over Arizona

T Lamont — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:56:54 +0000

The enigma of Vince Young continues.

The former Texas Longhorn looked to be in total command of the Titan offense during Tennessee’s 24-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Young was 9-13 for 128 yards passing. He also added a 10-yard run.

In limited action, Chris Johnson scored a touchdown on an 8-yard scamper.

The Titans seemed to pick right where they left off last season. After losing their first six games of 2009, Tennessee won eight of their last ten regular season contests to end the season at 8-8. Young looked like the player that Tennessee thought it was getting when it drafted him. But there has been times where he has doubted himself, which ultimately led to the veteran Kerry Collins gaining the starting nod.

Vince Young is still playing with the confidence that he displayed in 2009.

But after last season’s horrific start, the Titans were left with no choice but to call on Young – and the Titans have been rolling ever since.

Arizona, however, finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum. They’ve lost their starting quarterback, a big-name receiver, a fearless linebacker and a safety. Last season they won the NFC West, and won a playoff game before folding to the New Orleans Saints. But this year, the fans may have to prepare themselves for a big drop-off in wins.

Tonight’s game gave us a glimpse at an interesting unexpected battle for the quarterback position. Prior to the preseason, all accounts pointed to the assumption that Matt Leinart would be the man behind center for Arizona. But tonight, he delivered a quick, wishy-washy performance.

Former Cleveland Brown Derek Anderson slung the ball well (11-19, 105 yards)…as did fellow backup Max Hall. Anderson is streaky and can look extremely good when he’s not overthinking things. I’m almost sure that when the Cardinals signed Anderson, Leinart probably breathed a sigh of relief.

If he’s not careful, it could end of being a sigh of grief.

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Free Agency Proves to Be a Cardinal-Killer

T Lamont — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:18:38 +0000

The first day of uncapped NFL free agency went as expected – with many productive players achieving their goal of a highly anticipated payday.

But the more pertinent question may be this:

What should we expect of the Arizona Cardinals this year?

The Cardinals, who entertained us with one of the most thrilling playoff games this past year, will have their work cut out for them as they enter the 2010 NFL season. On Friday, the defending NFC West champions lost some notable players including:

- LB Karlos Dansby appeared on NFL Live about 15 minutes after free agency had officially begun (that would be at approximately 12:15am Thursday night/Friday morning), announcing that Miami was showing some interest in him. Turns out that he was right, as the Dolphins signed him to a 5-year/$42 million contract ($22 million guaranteed) later in the day.

Rolle should pair with Kenny Phillips to make a dynamic safety tandem in New York.

- On Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a bonus payout, Arizona released S Antrel Rolle. On Friday, he signed a $37 million deal over 5 years with the New York Giants. The deal is the biggest ever given to an NFL safety. It was basically their desire to keep SS Adrian Wilson happy by not giving Rolle more money than him that put the former first round draft pick on the open market.

- Finally, in a move that had been long-awaited, the Cardinals traded outspoken WR Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens. Arizona also packaged a fifth round selection in this year’s draft and received a third and fourth round pick from the Ravens. After the trade, Boldin reached a 3-year, $25 million extension with Baltimore.

Quite an action-packed day – and not a good one - if you are an Arizona fan. Prior to these (lack of) moves, QB Kurt Warner had announced his retirement from the league. A team captain and emotional leader in the locker room, Warner’s absence will open a huge wound that cannot be fully filled by Matt Leinhart.

So, what’s left you ask?

That remains to be seen. The only star-studded attraction around is Larry Fitzgerald, and without an established signal caller you gotta wonder how long he’ll want to stay around…

Just two days ago, Arizona’s personnel would have classified them as a favorite in their division. But now….who knows? Playing in the weakest division in the NFL, the Cards could still conceivably make the playoffs.

However, I’m betting that they won’t achieve what I can conceive.

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Saints Shoot Down Cardinals

T Lamont — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:42:33 +0000

The New Orleans Saints provided the answer to everyone’s question – - yes, they are able to flick the switch.

After some lackluster games and some seemingly lost momentum, the Saints snapped back to the form that they displayed all season and ran the Arizona Cardinals out of the Superdome, 45-14.

All-purpose back Reggie Bush racked up 217 yards of total offense, including an 83-yard punt return and a 46-yard scamper – both for touchdowns.

The Cardinals got on the board first, scoring on a 70-yard Tim Hightower run to make the score 7-0. But then the Saints established their dominance early in the contest, and ran off three consecutive touchdowns. Running back Reggie Bush ended the first quarter scoring spree with a 46-yard touchdown gallop that made the score 21-7.

Arizona once again started in good fashion in the second quarter, as Beanie Wells capped a 9-play, 80-yard drive with a 4-yard run to pull the Cardinals within 7 points. However, New Orleans countered with 2 touchdown drives to push their lead up to 35-14 at the half.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was not as effective as he was last weekend.

A discouraged Arizona couldn’t muster anything in the second half. After putting up 51 points against Green Bay last week, they knew that things would be tougher this week. The Saints and Cardinals were not far apart on total net yards – Arizona tallied 359, while New Orleans accumulated 418.

But two stats really told the story of the game where time of possession and third down efficiency. The home team had the ball for over 36 minutes, leaving the Cards in possession for less than 24 minutes. A big reason for this was the difference in the third down efficiencies of the teams. New Orleans converted on 54% (7 of 13) of their third downs. Arizona could only make good on 13% (1 of 8). Toss in a couple of turnovers (1 lost fmuble and 1 interception) and you had the recipe for disaster against a New Orleans team that was determined to prove that their regular season success was not a fluke.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees:

”There’s been a lot of firsts since Sean Payton has been here in the organization and we want to keep that going. We want to bring this franchise a championship.”

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NFC Divisional Playoff Picks

T Lamont — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:24:16 +0000

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints:

The divisional playoff round kicks off with this whale of a game – which, at first glance, appears to be a high-scoring affair in the making. The Cardinals – fresh off of a 51-45 wild card win over the Green Bay Packers – bring an explosive offense into the Superdome. Arizona put big points on the board against a team that boasted the Defensive Player of the Year (Charles Woodson). However, Kurt Warner and Co. better not fall into the trap of trying to gunsling with New Orleans. The Cardinals need to get strong contributions from their ground game (Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower), and use it effectively to eat up some clock. Warner must make good decisions with the pass and not force things…or the Saints are gonna win handily.

New Orleans wants Arizona to think they can match up point for point. The Saints are well-known for their offensive firepower, but it has been their defensive playmakers that have turned many games in their favor. They have five players who have multiple interceptions, and three players who have returned their interceptions for touchdowns. In other words, if Warner lets his guard down, the Cardinals will pay for it.

I’m going with the Saints at the Superdome.

Antoine Winfield's health will be key if the Vikings have hopes of shutting down the Dallas passing game.

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings:

The Cowboys have shed their horrible image of being chokers at the end of the season. They’ve come up with big wins against the Saints and Eagles (twice) in the last four weeks. There was nothing cheap about the victory over New Orleans, and Dallas simply overpowered Philly two weeks in a row. Dallas’ balance of running and passing should suit them well against a Minnesota defensive secondary that has not been healthy. The Cowboys need Marion Barber, Miles Austin and Jason Witten to keep the chains moving. On the defensive side, they have been outstanding. They have shutout their opponents in 2 of their last 3 games – and last week they stifled Philly once again.

Minnesota has been under the scope all season, thanks to their high profile quarterback (Brett Favre), high profile running back (Adrian Peterson), and now, high profile coach (Brad Childress). With a late season disruption between Favre and Childress, one has to wonder what is going to happen when the pressure mounts. The bottom line with the Vikings is that they have to use the run to set up the pass. Adrian Peterson needs to have between 25 and 30 carries to keep the Cowboys defense guessing. If they don’t mix up their game, the hot Dallas defense could do just enough to make things uncomfortable for Favre.

I think Romo continues to shed some of his past image, hits some passes early, and does enough to push the Cowboys into the conference championship round.

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NFC Playoffs Shaping Up To Be Classic

T Lamont — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:55:56 +0000

What a great time of year it is for sports…

NBA and college basketball going full tilt…

College football bowl games heating up…

And, of course, the NFL playoffs are right around the corner. And this year’s set of matchups appears to be one of the most intriguing ever.

Looking at the six participants from the NFC – how could you comfortably say that any one of them stands head and shoulders above the other.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints have been the ESPN highlight filler throughout the NFL regular season. They’ve put up a league high 500 points thus far. However, the most notable news for New Orleans has been their last two games – which have both been losses. These losses may prove to leave the void of any much needed momentum headed into the playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings: This team will live and die with Brett Favre. Sorry, Adrian Peterson – Favre is just too stubborn to follow a scripted game plan which doesn’t involve him making bail out throws off of his back leg. Based on his second half performance against the Bears on MNF, more fuel will be added to his personal definition of his worth to the Vikings. The defense looks shaky, and that’s not a good sign considering that Favre is bound to make some mistakes by forcing things a little too much.

Arizona Cardinals: In a weak NFC West division, the Cardinals have quietly put together a 10-5 season. Ho hum. The only above average opponent that they’ve beaten is the Minnesota Vikings. Conversely, Arizona was swept in their two games against the 49ers. Think their opening round playoff opponent will be breaking out the footage of those games?

Winfield's foot injury is one of the issues plaguing the Vikings' defense.

Philadelphia Eagles: After their last second victory over the Broncos, the Eagles have now won 6 games in a row – making them the hottest team heading into the playoffs. This team has it all clicking right now, and they are playing the exact way that you would hope for if you’re a fan of the team. Philadelphia makes big plays, and they have a guy named DeSean Jackson on their roster. Any opponent has to make sure that they don’t abandon their position because the Eagles make you pay for it.

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys came through in December for a change, and won two must-have games (New Orleans, Washington) which have thrust them into the postseason. Regardless of their opponent, their defense will have to shine to keep them in the game.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers has emerged into a leader for this revamped team. He moves the ball brilliantly with short, medium and deep passes to keep the defense honest. The Packers’ future is bright because they made the tough decision to stick to their guns and led an NFL icon leave the franchise. It couldn’t have worked out any better.

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