Arizona Cardinals Win Nail-Biter, Beat Texans 28-21
by Andrew602 on Oct 11, 2009 10:06 PM MDT
in 2009 Season
16 comments
Greetings folks, just go back from the game and I have to say it was full of excitement. After the bye week, it appears the Cardinals worked certain kinks out of their system. After gaining a 21-0 lead into the half, the Cardinals dropped their lead over the next two quarters, only to overcome a goal line stand in the remaining minutes of the game. Let's flash back to November 10, 2008, when the San Francisco 49ers came to Arizona for a Monday night football contest. After driving down to the one yard line, the 49ers attempt to win the game with with little time left on the clock. With no timeouts remaining, the 49ers are forced to hand off the ball to Michael Robinson. He's stopped and the game ends as the Cardinals are victorious. Fast forward to today, when the Texans had four tries, to punch the ball into the end zone to tie the game. After failing to secure both feet in bounds on 3rd and 1, the Texans hand off the ball to Chris Brown, who is stopped on impact. A booth review and a couple Kurt Warner sneaks later, and the game is over.
Disclaimer: I only watched the game in person, which doesn't give you a lot of angles on each play. I also may have missed a few plays or seen who was who.
The Good
The offensive line - The offensive line that we harshly criticized throughout the bye week, seemed to bounce back nicely against a capable Houston pass rush. Featuring Mario Williams and Antonio Smith, the Texans defense only registered one sack. Although there weren't many rushing holes, Kurt Warner was given plenty of time and was able to complete 68.4% of his passes. In the second half, we didn't exactly see the offensive line resort back to their old ways, but may have seen what happens when you can't run the football. The Texans were able to blitz more or drop more defenders in coverage. Let's hope the Cardinals can build off of what they did today.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie -In his "sophomore slump", DRC has seen more passes thrown his way and hasn't been able to adjust. Today, he seemed to finally understand that we need him to play good coverage, rather then make a big play. DRC covered Kevin Walter primarily, holding him to 4 catches for 37 yards. He also came up big in the fourth quarter, essentially sealing the game shut with a pick six.
Play Calling -The play calling looked as it did last year, using a variety of plays and not becoming too complex. The Cardinals mixed in more players on offensive, and also used different techniques to get certian players the ball. They focused on getting Larry Fitzgerald the ball early, eventually leading to two touchdowns. We also didn't see too many alarming plays called, as they never got too fancy(except for that terrible wild cat look). Ken Whisenhunt needs to repeat what he did today, because play calling is highly important to an offense that can't produce any yards on the groun.
Crowd noise -I can tell you first hand that if there was ever a doubt about the support from the crowd, it's gone. The crowd was in this game from the beginning, and never stopped screaming. If my voice is gone from me yelling at the top of my lungs, I can't imagine how some fans can do this every week. The stadium was full, and as pyromnc said, the camera was shaking on that goal line stand. The crowd was key in winning today.
The Bad
Turnovers in the red zone - We saw this murder the Cardinals momentum against the Colts two weeks ago, and were lucky it didn't have the same effect today. After easily marching up the field in the 1st quarter, Anquan Boldincoughed up the football near the goal line. That fumble clearly could have changed the game, as the Cardinals only needed a touchdown to win, when the Texans tied the game late in the fourth quarter. This is something that has to stop before we face a team that can actually take advantage of turnovers.
Lack of a pass rush - Let's count how many sacks the Cardinals had today - oh yeah, none. After hearing a man yell it in my ear a few rows back the whole game, I started feeling the same way - Get a pass rush on Matt Schaub. He butcherd the defense in the second half, as he was able to complete just about every pass that he threw. This is something that we worried about during the off season, and you have to wonder what happened to the defense that started with 8 sacks through two games. This team needs to develop new ways of pressuring the quarterback, or we'll continue to get beat through the air.
The Ugly
No rushing game - The Cardinals became the worst rushing team in the league again on Sunday. The lack of yards on the ground is becoming more of a concern, because Kurt Warner can't do everything on his own. The Cardinals won't be able to win every week if they keep running the way they did today. Even after securing a 21-0 lead, the Cardinals couldn't rely on the rushing attack, and were forced to throw the ball. This may have been the primary reason they couldn't contain their lead.
Dr. Jekyll/Mr Hyde Defense - In the first half, the Cardinals defense held a high-powered Houston Texans offense to virtually no yards, and zero points. The Texans had a streak of consecutive three and outs, and even had a field goal blocked. The second half defense is the story of this game. Being at the game, it was obvious the Cardinals were focused on stopping the deep pass. They were successful, which is great, but they also forgot to defend the short pass. Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels had a field day receiving in the flats, which can be blamed on the lack of pass rush, but also poor game planning. They had nothing to defend it, and nothing to answer it. Luckily, the defense tightened up in the end zone, where as we all know, they won the game.
Overall I can't say I'm unhappy with a win. It was ugly, but our team was able to come out on top. With a big loss by the 49ers, it helps getting a win today, rather then going 1-3. What are your thoughts on the game?
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I went to the game and have not watched the tape yet
Things that stuck out in my mind. It was a tale of two halves, and the second one was really ugly except the pick six.
Well it was a win.
I am going to disagree on the O-line being good. Pass blocking was generally awful – I recall a few plays were we wondered if it was a screen the D was on Warner so fast, but unfortunately the plays in question were not.
Where’s our pass rush – I do not recall a sack and not even many hurries. Even when we blited, they had no problem picking it up.
Where’s Beanie Wells? 7 carries for 24 yds. They gotta start giving him the rock. Can’t he catch coming out of the backfield??
D line is amazing versus the run, but see above!
Final thought – at least we gained a game on SF.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Oct 11, 2009 11:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Great game, just got back to San Diego and spent a lot of the ride back talking about the tale of two halves.
The one thing that stood out in the first half was, where was the running game and where was the pass rush? Everything else was fantastic.
In the second, it became even more clear, the run was failing and each run netted negative numbers or two to three yards. The pass rush was nearly non-existent. Berry got his hands in Schaub’s face a few times, but Schaub didn’t even break a sweat worrying about a sack.
Great win, very glad to have been there for the goal line stand and the crowd was the 12th man today on that drive.
Section 102, Row 18
by CardsFan08 on Oct 12, 2009 1:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now the question at hand is who do we cut.
If you guys forgot, Ben Patrick is eligible to come back this week from suspension and that means someone has to go. But WHO?
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Oct 12, 2009 9:01 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Steven Spach sprained his ankle yesterday.
From what I’ve read and heard about the injury, it looks like he could miss a significant amount of time. If this is true I wonder if they would put him on the IR to make room for Patrick.
by Pyromnc on Oct 12, 2009 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saw him limping out
He looked like he was in a lot of pain.
If they think they can rehab him in time, sad to say, I think it will be Byrd who hasn’t even been active on game day.
Section 102, Row 18
by CardsFan08 on Oct 12, 2009 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Additional Thoughts
- I disagree about the O-line. Although they may have gotten the job done in the first half, it allowed Houston pressure to get to Warner in the 2H (very similar to what Indy did to those guys 2 weeks ago). To put it a bit differently – Houston seemed to bring it more in the second half. But so did we. But whereas the Texans picked up our blitzes and stunts, our guys didn’t do as good a job as Houston’s guy.
- I didn’t see the first (Jones) punt return where, evidently, Calais Campbell saved the day, but I did see the second Houston return where Michael Adams somehow bounced off a block to push A Davis out of bounds at the Cardinal 40. If Adams doesn’t make that play, Davis would still be running and we’d be possibly sticking a fork in the Cardinals.
- On a couple of really tough catches, I thought Steve Breaston was either Fitz or Q, He’s definitely continuing to get stronger and tougher.
Aside from the win (which was huge), the biggest thing the team can take away from this game is added confidence that they can man-up with the physical NFC-East type teams in the strength and toughness depts. Our guys stoned their guys at crunch time. That’s the kind of stuff that wins games in lousy winter weather in NY, Philly and DC.
Let’s just say it – Our back seven can be exploited in coverage. We are extremely fortunate DRC stepped up and jumped the route because until then, Schaub (as did Manning) was eating our lunch.
Finally, I love Q and all that, but doesn’t it seem that, this season, he’s not quite as reliable lately catching everything in his vicinity? I’m wondering if it’s a concentration thing or something.
GBR
by jeffgollin@aol.com on Oct 12, 2009 9:14 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Additional Thoughts +
Jeff, our OT’s lack the juice to play at a high level from play one to play sixty during games.
I like Breaston quite a bit as a WR, however, if he wants to become elite ( Boldin and Fitz ) he needs to improve his fucntional football strength. He is too easily banged around by DB’s in this league. By the way, his lack of functioinal football strength hinders him in the return game. He goes down on first contact to often.
The run defense is much improve and I agree that it will be needed against teams like the Giants and Vikings. Will they be able to maintain that kind of intensity for 4 quarters ?
We just don’t have the pass-rushers to get to the QB. It concerns me a great deal that Schaub was able to stand back there all game comfortably. I did not see one A or B gap blitz all game. Our D-Coordinator Davis needs to get creative and force these QB’s off their sweet spots. In this current scheme no one can hold up as long as these DB’s are being asked to.
On Boldin, when I re-watch game tapes and cut-ups it looks like Boldin is being de-emphasized ( not as many targets or thrown to as much ) in this offense. Is this a function of the coaching staff wanting to emphasize the run game ? Or is it something else ? Here is what I do know. More good things happen when Q is invovled early and often than bad.
Q’s a pro but he is also human. It could be “SOMETHING” but it is not a concentration thing. If it’s a concentration thing then you shy away from the football when you know contact is coming. There are a few WR ’s on this team that do shy away from the contact. Boldin is not one of them.
by Cardsfan81 on Oct 13, 2009 11:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats on the win.
As usual the Texans showed up for only one half of football.
If we can ever put together two halves, we might do something one day.
Anyway, congrats again. Definitely a great game with plenty of “OMG” moments.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Oct 12, 2009 9:39 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
You guys have such a deadly trio of AJ/Walters/Daniels
That 4th quarter really showed that Daniels is going to the Pro Bowl again, and Walters is a quality number 2. Great game, but of course glad the Cards were able to hold off your FB in the end. He was a beast in the flats!
Section 102, Row 18
by CardsFan08 on Oct 12, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya great game...
We love our receivers. AJ is a monster. That second touchdown of his was just epic. Can’t remeber watching a receiver layout a line backer then crush two d-backs on his way to the endzone.
Still, we lost so wasted effort.
Fitz looked pretty dang good as well though.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Oct 12, 2009 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
wth...
was that linebacker thinking!! he bounced off AJ like he was an opposite magnet or something! lol
You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by chrisd21 on Oct 12, 2009 9:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I miss Haley...
I don’t know about you guys but I really don’t like the way Whiz called the plays in the second half. Up 21 points you need to RUN THE DAMN BALL! I don’t care if the Cardinals only gain two yards on first and second down. Run the ball and set yourself up for a 3rd and 5, and then maybe throw the ball. I just don’t get it. You draft Wells in the first round and you only give him 7 carries? It is a horrible way to try to close out a football game. Take time off the clock and keep their offense on the sideline. Even after the win I was fuming that it was even that close!
by clevercarbon on Oct 12, 2009 10:14 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
+ 1
we all miss Haley. The play calling was a little better in this game, but it does not come close to Todd’s.
We need to find more ways to get Beanie the ball. throw him a pass or two!
by CardsDefense on Oct 12, 2009 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
O-line was mediocore at best. We only perceive them to have done a good job because usually they suck terribly. I’m getting real tired of these play calls. So we know we can throw the ball, big deal. A one-dimensional team may win the super bowl once every couple of decades and considering we went last year I doubt well even return with this same philosophy. We are the only team in the NFL who would have a 21 point lead at the half and come out throwing, especially when you want to keep the ball away from AJ and their offense.
Whisenhunt sucks at play calling. I don’t care if our passing game looks amazing. There comes a time when he needs to flat out tell these grown ass men ’ we are running the football based on the situation (i.e. up 21 points at the half), if we go three and out cause you can’t push the other fat guy a little harder than he pushes you, then you deserve to lose this game’. MAKE THEM RUN THE DAMN BALL! If we don’t gain anything at least we took a good minute and a half off the clock!
Btw, where does all this bullshit come from about Beanie not being able to catch. We haven’t thrown to him once this year… Maybe he wasn’t the greatest in college but I have a hard time believing any team would draft a RB in the 1st round that can’t catch the ball at all, it’s not that hard…
by cardsfanforlife24 on Oct 12, 2009 5:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The O-Line looked good in the first half
But they blew in the second half.
And we really need to get Beanie ready to have a bigger impact in the offense, he has shown that he is a better runner than Hightower. Seeing him in the WIldcat was encouraging since it looks like they are trying to integrate him more in the offense, but they really need to work on getting Beanie ready to protect Warner and find a way to pass the ball to him too so teams don’t just defend the run when he comes out.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
by JoeCB1991 on Oct 12, 2009 2:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Same Old Cardinals
What gives? The Cardinals can’t run the football on the Texans, one of the worst, if not “the worst” rushing defense in the league, and are at the bottom of the league yet again in rushing yards per game. The defense is bi-polar and has no pass-rush. Since Whisenhunt has come on board not much has changed except the W-L record.
Grimm’s argument for consistency and chemistry for the offensive line has not proven itself accurate. We need more talent on the offensive line and pass rushers or we going to be saying the same thing again about the team next year. I think we need to spend money on free agents to improve the talent level of the defensive line/outside linebackers and offensive line.
by CaliCard on Oct 12, 2009 11:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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