Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks: Keys to the Game
by Andrew602 on Nov 13, 2009 3:00 AM MST
20 comments
The Arizona Cardinals return home to face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. The Cardinals are coming off a 41-21 beating of the Chicago Bears, on the road. The Seahawks are coming off a less-then-impressive win over the helpless Lions at home, 32-20. Both teams collide hoping to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC West. The Cardinals would like to push their record to 6-3 and establish a stranglehold over the rest of the West. Should the Seahawks win, they'd stand at 4-5 and wouldn't be far out of the division. The most important part of the game is for the Cardinals to WIN at home, something they've only done once out of the last four games. Here's the keys to the game:
Keep the offense rolling: The show that the Cardinals offense put on last week against the Bears was very impressive and I'm asking for an encore. The Seahawks had trouble containing the Cardinals offense the last time these two teams met. Kurt Warner threw two touchdowns and Larry Fitzgerald had a career high, 13 receptions. The rushing game didn't exactly dominate last game, which is something they've improved since then. If the offense can score early and many, then the Seahawks will be forced to play catch-up, something they can't do.
Stop the run: Want to know how bad the Seahawks are at running the ball? They're right ahead of the Cardinals at 30th in the league averaging 84.5 yards per game. Why is it important to stop the run? The last time the Cardinals were at home they allowed 270 total rushing yards. If the Seahawks couldn't pass the ball on the Cardinals defense last game, they may just take a different approach on Sunday. The last thing I want to see is Julius Jones streaking 75 yards down the sideline into the end zone. So therefore, the Cardinals need to take away the rushing game from the Seahawks play calling on Sunday.
Get all receivers involved: The Cardinals look like they'll be with Anquan Boldin in this game and if Ken Whisenhunt is smart, he'll be man enough to let him know. In all seriousness, this offense is unstoppable when it's firing on all cylinders. The offense starts and stops with the wide receivers and if they are involved in this game, the Seahawks will have a lot to worry about. With Q in the slot, Steve and Larry out wide, and Kurt throwing to each of them, it keeps the Seahawks defenders on their heels and also opens up the running game. And if Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower get going, you can kiss this one goodbye.
Play smart: I can't tell you how many times this has been a key for the Cardinals but given that they can't win when turning the ball over more then their opponent, it's very serious. In their last home game, Kurt Warner turned the ball over six times and essentially kept the offense from making an attempt to try and catch up. Levi Brown will also have to be on his best behaviour with Patrick Kerney, who had two sacks in their last meeting. One led to a fumble that luckily had no effect on the game. On a final note, the Cardinals have been very impressive with not committing penalties, something they also did late last season. The Cardinals must keep up the smart play to get the win
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Any division game is pivotal on the outcome of the season, and the Cardinals can push their division record to 2-1, with two games against the Rams still to come. The Cardinals need to get out of their funk at home, and who better to start that against then the Seahawks? What are your keys to the game?
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I think my biggest key would be protecting Warner.
We have seen how we play when he is comfortable in that pocket and that is exactly what we want. If we keep Warner up right we win, if he is running for his life could be looking at another close game or quite possibly another loss at home.
by Pyromnc on Nov 13, 2009 6:49 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Especially at home. Warner needs to have a big game to get out of this home-slump
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Nov 13, 2009 8:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I my opinion it come down to 2things
1. Protect warner
Like Pyromnc said, if warner gets comfortable, we will win this game. Even if our D sucks ( I don’t think they will, but IF ), then warner will win the shotout if he gets time to find our fantastic wrs.
2. No penalties !
one of the things that could stop our offense of getting in the rhythm, is penalties.
You could ofcause write, win the turnover battle, but thats important in every game.
Its as easy as that. If our offense get into gear, I don’t believe the seahawks offense stand a chance to match us.
by DanniH on Nov 13, 2009 8:43 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good points DanniH
Warner is a big key in this game just like every game.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Nov 13, 2009 9:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
and most importantly
win the points battle
by Fitz Jizzle on Nov 13, 2009 2:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Defense...
I just want to see if the defense can play with discipline in a game that everyone knows they should win (unlike the Panthers game where people were out of their gaps or out of position in the secondary). No big plays. We don’t want to give up easy yards so that the offense feels like they have to score a TD on every drive. When Warner is forcing things, badness ensues.
Also, not a key, but a wish. Let’s keep the Beanie train rolling.
by jallred350 on Nov 13, 2009 8:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
+10
I want to see Beanie get over 100 yards
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Nov 13, 2009 9:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
penelties
In the bears game we had less then 5 I think that’s the first time this year we were under 10. This year
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:13 AM MST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
We had 2 that went for 15 yards. Really had 3 but it was a delay of game that was on purpose on Ben Graham, it was declined anyways.
by Pyromnc on Nov 13, 2009 9:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Go Beanie/Hightower
The Cardinals rely too much on Warner and the passing game. Keep them guessing with the run. Beanie can be a game changer.
by WeiWuWei on Nov 13, 2009 3:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
If we can keep that running game going, it should open up that deep pass we have been missing all year.
by Pyromnc on Nov 13, 2009 9:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
let's hope so
I’m waiting for Fitz to break a big one.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Nov 13, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Warner is the engine that drives this team
He is the main key. If he plays well, we win, if not it’s another nail biter at home.
The o-line, establishing some minimal run game, the D, and even penalties are all contibuting factors in my mind. If Warner is playing well, most other factors can be overcome.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:45 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I am starting Beanie, Hitower Breaston Boldin Fitz rackers and Warner of my ff teams so I hope Cards have a great offensive performance.
by WarWolf on Nov 14, 2009 4:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Turnovers
It’s no secret that when the Cardinals win the turnover battle, they win the game. This stat is the most telling in their consistancy in winning and will be no different against the Seahawks.
Hasselbeck has been prone to throwing interceptions and if they can confuse him as much as they did E. Manning, it should be a field day for DRC and McFadden.
by CaliforniaCardFan on Nov 14, 2009 7:50 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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