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Grading the Offense: Cardinals vs Panthers

In this photo released by Chris Puffe, Arizona Cardinals running back Tim Hightower (34) is stopped by Carolina Panthers cornerback Sherrod Martin (23) and Jon Beason (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-21. (AP Photo/Chris Puffe)

More photos » Chris Puffe - AP

3 months ago: In this photo released by Chris Puffe, Arizona Cardinals running back Tim Hightower (34) is stopped by Carolina Panthers cornerback Sherrod Martin (23) and Jon Beason (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-21. (AP Photo/Chris Puffe)

With 7:28 left in the 2nd quarter of yesterday's game, Julius Peppers picks off a would-be Kurt Warner pass and runs it in 13 yards for the touchdown. That play alone should sum up the entire game. The Cardinals offense, widely due to Kurt Warner's 6 turnovers, seemed to blow every opportunity they had. The defense held its own in the second half, while the offense couldn't do much despite being down by only 10 at one point in the 4th quarter. The running game had it's moments but the Cardinals were forced to abandon any thought of handing off the ball and put the load on Kurt Warner's shoulders. That, was not a good idea and the Cardinals paid for it once the clock hit 0:00. The Cardinals offense needs an identity, which is an unusual thing to say considering the type of team this has been the last 2-3 seasons. Here's an evaluation and a grade for the offense for the way I see it.

Kurt Warner: If Warner was ever going to have a horrible game this season, he picked a bad time to do it. The Cardinals weren't in dire need of a win, but could have taken a stranglehold on the NFC West with the 49ers losing in Indianapolis. Despite throwing 46 passes, Warner only threw for 242 yards, which can widely be blamed on 6 turnovers. Warner will need to fix whatever problems he's having so far this year if the Cardinals want to improve to the offense they had last year. He'll also need to open up and have faith in his two pro bowl wide receivers.

Star-divide

Running Backs: Not a lot can be blamed on the running backs as they surprisingly had a good game. Beanie Wells rushed for 47 yards on 8 carries, while Tim Hightower had 8 carries for 39 yards and a score. Had the Cardinals not trailed by 21 points so early, we might have seen an even better rushing performance.

Wide Receivers: Tim Hightower led the team with 8 catches, which says something about his receiving skills, but shouldn't be a positive note. Warner has consistently checked down the ball when opposing teams stack more defenders in coverage this season. Teams were able to do this throughout the playoffs, yet the Cardinals overcame it, and aired the ball out. That tells me that Kurt Warner isn't the same as he was a year ago, or Todd Haley is a very good offensive coordinator. Either way, receivers played no role in this game.

Offensive Line: The offensive line continues to improve, but also shows why we all worry when facing talented defensive ends. Levi Brown hasn't been able to establish himself has a 1st round draft pick, and he may never show it. The rushing lanes were also there for the time they ran the ball. Aside from the 2 sacks allowed, Kurt Warner was given a good amount of time in the pocket considering they faced Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson.

Offensive Grade: F

The Cardinals receive an F for two reasons - turnovers and lack of production. The turnovers were the main fault, because when you hand the ball to the Panthers six times, you can never expect to win a game. The lack of production stems from turnovers, but when the Cardinals were driving the ball, the check-down passes hurt them and kept them from converting key third downs. If the Cardinals want to make a run later in the season, the offense will need to develop a more consistent base of chemistry. What grade did you give the Cardinals offense and why?

Poll
What is your grade for the Cardinals offensive effort on Sunday?
A
2 votes
B
2 votes
C
17 votes
D
68 votes
F
117 votes

206 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 15 comments  |  Add comment |

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I voted for D but they were very close to an F.

The run game saved the offense from getting an F from me.

by Pyromnc on Nov 2, 2009 11:30 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I thought about it

But overall I feel they were terrible. The score doesn’t show how bad this game really was.

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 2, 2009 11:31 AM MST up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed there.

The score is very misleading, feels like we got beat 34-7 not 34-21.

by Pyromnc on Nov 2, 2009 11:36 AM MST up reply actions   0 recs

where were the cards sunday!

fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff—-!

by getwarnerout on Nov 2, 2009 12:17 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

OC

I wish Ken had created an “official” Offensive Coordinator. Right now the passing coordinator just doesn’t seem to be doing a good job. Russ Grimm as the running coordinator is improving and doing a better job, but the pass is greatly lacking. I miss Todd Haley…

by sliceostew on Nov 2, 2009 12:35 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Agree

I agree that the playing calling especially in the passing game has been suspect. The mix of run and pass has been horrible. Especially against the Panthers. The Panthers are the number 1 ranked pass defense, but they can’t stop the run. So what does Whiz do? He passes almost every down once we get behind and makes it easy for the Panthers to predict what we are going to do. I blame the play calling more than Kurt for the turnovers. He was asked to do the near impossible.

by WeiWuWei on Nov 4, 2009 2:24 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

The run game wasn't enough to keep me from giving this an F...

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 Nov 2, 2009 1:14 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Cardinals Offense

The Cardinals played like they forgot to wake up before they got up Sunday.

by JNote on Nov 2, 2009 1:57 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Okay who gave an A?

Show yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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 2, 2009 1:58 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

lol

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 2, 2009 3:00 PM MST up reply actions   0 recs

Gave a D

Nice to see Patrick and LSH showing some productivity. However, I didn’t get to watch the game, and judged more on the 21-points rather than the crushing failures of our stars.

by tw3kr on Nov 2, 2009 4:55 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Gave it a D

Only based on the opening drive and the success of the running game. When we’re on, we’re on.

Nice to see LSH get on the board and Patrick showed a nice TE play.

Too bad, that’s it.

Section 102, Row 18

by CardsFan08 on Nov 3, 2009 11:44 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Gave an F

I’m like an army physical fitness test (PFT). Its either pass or fail for me. No in between.

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 Nov 3, 2009 12:53 PM MST reply actions   0 recs


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