Arizona Cardinals Fans Are Filling Up the Band Wagon

by Hawkwind on Jan 21, 2009 12:58 PM MST in 2008 Playoffs Comment 34 comments

It seems like everyone who doesn't call Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home is jumping on the band wagon of the Arizona Cardinals. One of ESPN's many polls asked fans who they'd be rooting for and as of today, with over 16,000 votes in, the Steelers carried six states and the Cardinals ruled in the remaining 44. On Sunday when the Cardinals beat the Eagles and advanced to the Super Bowl, 12 different Cardinals related searches ranked in Google's top 100 (including phrases like Brenda Warner, Chicago Cardinals, Cardinals superbowl, Adrian Wilson, Darnell Dockett and Ken Whisenhunt). CBS Sports says the "hottest selling car in Arizona is the bandwagon," and local sporting goods stores are seeing Cardinals merchandise fly off the shelves at a never before seen rate. Traffic on this blog has shot to record highs. In fact traffic during the past five days (Friday the 16th through Tuesday the 20th) was higher than the each of the first two months of the season. So what does all this mean? It's simple, if you haven't caught Cardinals-fever yet, what's wrong with you......

Here's some Cardinals video to get your juices flowing

Columbia's Team? Wow, who knew.......and the kid below is ready, are you?

The kid below is ready to shock the world...

And last but certainly not least, the first minute of the video should help us remember not to take the next 11 days for granted. This is the year, we'll never forget.

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It has something to do with the fact there isn't anything remotely remotely likeable about the Steelers.

I hope the Cardinals blow them out and utterly shame them.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jan 21, 2009 1:06 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

remotely likeable?

Given that most of us don’t actually know any of the players or coaches personally, “likeability” is purely a subjective matter. I’m a Steeler fan, and I think they’re pretty damn likeable. And I don’t find the Cards or the Ravens or any of our other rivals “dislikeable” — why should I? I want to beat then — obsessively want to beat them — but that doesn’t mean I have to hate them. It’s only a game, played by strangers. What does hate have to do w/ it?

OK, I admit that I hate the Cowboys. But c’mon…they’re the Cowboys.

One other thing: if you find “nothing remotely likable” about Troy Polumalu, then you really must not like football very much.

by BuzzNutter on Jan 21, 2009 2:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

But it does sound like your splitting hairs just for the sake of argument.

“Given that most of us don’t actually know any of the players or coaches personally, "likeability" is purely a subjective matter.”

and then,

“if you find "nothing remotely likable" about Troy Polumalu, then you really must not like football very much.”

Your even arguing with yourself!

by badmatty53 on Jan 21, 2009 3:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

probably no help, but...

Well, it’s subtle point, and perhaps I am splitting hairs a bit, but I think there IS a difference.

LIke most fans, I “like” the players on my team in a totally generic way: I “like” Santonio Holmes and Ryan Clark, etc., because they play for my team, and they’re good. If they played for another team I really wouldn’t care one way or another about them, except to respect their talent. I suspect Fearless Frog would suddenly “like” them if they were on his team.
But some players rise above the field, for whatever reasons, and Polamalu is one of them. He has a different persona. In interviews, he doesn’t sound like other players; he just seems cooler somehow. The hair helps, of course, but there’s something in the way he speaks and carries himself that is different. But more importantly, the way he plays the game is unique and completely compelling to watch — I’m really, really glad he’s a Steeler, but I’d love to watch him fly around the field whatever team he was on. Who knows — maybe in real life he’s a total asshole, and I’d despise him. But given what is presented to me, I can say I “like” him and I think any football fan has to appreciate him, no matter who they root for.

by BuzzNutter on Jan 21, 2009 4:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I've always loved Ryan Clark,

dating back to his days playing safety with the ’Skins — he and Sean Taylor. (RIP)

Fun fact about Troy Polamalu: Chad Johnson mentioned that Polamalu freaks the crap outta him, because you can sit there talking trash to him all day long, and he’ll just stare at you. He won’t say ANYTHING back. Most defenders will talk trash right back, but not him.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 21, 2009 9:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Clark has laid down an excellent foundation of beatdowns

He pretty much set the tone for the Superbowl by demolishing Mcgahee late in the AFC title game. I hope the Cards receivers are thinking about that when they go over the middle.

Now before you have a fit dback, I simply mean that the violent reputation the Steelers’ D has should make any sensible player look around a little more than usual when a pass is coming. That’s good football right there. That’s a recipe for drops.

Clark laid the smackdown on welker earlier in the season. That was awesome, and no real injury except a concussion I think.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 23, 2009 5:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Fitz will be dropping balls left and right because he is scared.

by badmatty53 on Jan 23, 2009 9:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Because

he’s never, ever, faced a defense with hard hitters over the middle. Clearly.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 23, 2009 10:35 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say it would be the deciding factor

but don’t tell me that this has never been a factor in the NFL. Intimidation is definitely a key for success and domination. At least for the Steelers.

Clark has laid down some of the league’s marquee hits this season and the Cardinals’ receivers would be remiss not to pay attention to that.
.
Tough crowd in here.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 23, 2009 5:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I absolutely LOVED

the Clark hit on Welker — clean, (even Wes said so) hard, and memorable. Plus, it came against the Patriots, which is an added bonus. ;-)

I think that, in light of the Steelers’ safeties, it might end up being a big loss for the Cards that Spach is out.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 23, 2009 10:38 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I enjoyed the sound he made

he’s a tough little SOB though

Who’s Spach, tight end?

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 23, 2009 5:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Spach = injured rookie TE

Emerged as more of a target towards the end of the season.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 27, 2009 6:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

As a Catholic,

I like that Polamalu is always crossing himself?

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 21, 2009 9:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to know what is to hate about them as a franchise.

Their racist owner that throws money at everything?
Their showboating players that constantly get media attention for their antics?
Their ability to consistently field a good team?

Really, you’re just being silly. I understand hating their obnoxious fans (like me), and I can understand being bitter about the superbowl, but saying there is nothing remotely likeable about the steelers franchise seems pretty childish to me. Maybe you have a few nonsensical reasons such as “they stink” and “i don’t like them” and “they pay the refs off”.

There are quite a few franchises and teams that I (and many others) respect, and quite a few that I (and many others) don’t. It has nothing to do with whether they have beaten the steelers or not. If arizona wins the superbowl, they won’t suddenly become satan to me, and I certainly won’t be spewing nonsense like “there is nothing even remotely likeable about the cardinals.” Grow up, and maybe consider stop hitching your wagon to the only other car in the race because yours broke down.

by steelguy99 on Jan 21, 2009 3:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Amusingly enough,

the Steelers play EXACTLY the brand of football that I’ve always loved — smashmouth running game, hard-nosed defense, lunch pail-type players, and yet something about that franchise has always annoyed me. I don’t know what it is — maybe their fans.

And yeah, the Seahawks DID get screwed.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 21, 2009 9:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

well now that they rely more on the pass (kinda like us, well almost) you can dislike them for good reason, no more smashmouth.

by hevchv on Jan 22, 2009 4:37 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

STEELERS SUCK!!

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 22, 2009 1:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

cardinals fans:

take a good look at what poor sportsmanship looks like. If the Steelers lose next Sunday, I won’t be acting like this. If the Steelers win, try not to yourselves. Especially try not to after 3 years has elapsed. It’s pathetic.

“Nothing to like about the steelers”

what nonsense.

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 22, 2009 6:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks dad

We will try to play nice. I think our comments would dictate good sportsmanship, your just seems condescending.

by badmatty53 on Jan 22, 2009 8:47 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I came on here to learn about the Cardinals

and I keep seeing people that aren’t even Cardinals fans bashing the Steelers. Screw ‘em. I’m trying to be respectful of you guys and I will continue. You guys aren’t the ravens, no reason to hate. I’m condescending to seahawk whiners because they deserve it!

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 22, 2009 7:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

85% of the screen names posting this week are "new" to posting on RotB

Needless to say, the “dialog” has been more colourful than normal.

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Jan 22, 2009 9:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair,

I’ve been a member here for awhile…. just never posted much.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 23, 2009 2:31 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Again:

you seem to think that a Cards blog is somehow supposed to have a “Steelers fan” section. Perhaps it’s because you think that your franchise is somehow ‘special’, ‘exceptional’, etc; well, guess what? It’s not. Deal with it. Make factual arguments here and you’ll be responded to with facts. Make idiotic “TEH STEELERS ROOL BECUZ THERE TEH STEELERS LOLZ!!!!!!!!” posts, and you won’t be particularly welcomed.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 23, 2009 10:33 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Translation:

“Not liking my team makes you a poor sport.”

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 22, 2009 1:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That comment was made by a Seahawks fan anyway!

by CardsIrish on Jan 23, 2009 3:54 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I admire and respect

There hard nose football, especially the D. It’s the fans in my stadium I loath.

by badmatty53 on Jan 21, 2009 2:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Well, that's understandable : ) !!

I think a lot of people jumping the Cardinal wagon are people that don’t want to see us aquire 6 rings, and the rest want someone to win that has never won a SB! I’d be rooting for the birds myself if the Steelers were not there.

by Cdsumm on Jan 21, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed. I have something against trophy disparity when it’s not my team I’m rooting for.

by steelguy99 on Jan 21, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I was born a Redskins fan and I'll die a Redskins fan. Lemme get that out of the way.

However, I first moved to Arizona in ‘92 and have followed the Cards since Dave McGinnis’ first year, and have always considered them my second NFC team — especially when they play the Cowboys. I used to explain this with, “Ideally, every year in the NFC Championship, the Redskins would play the Cardinals, and each would win the conference championship and then Super Bowl on alternating years.”

So, can I jump on the bandwagon? I kinda feel like that makes me the very definition of a bandwagon fan…. I’ll even ride bitch if I have to.

"Of course, it’s downright frightening to imagine how two Adam Dunns would turn the double play." - Joe Posnanski

by DbacksSkins on Jan 21, 2009 9:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs