Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears: Keys to the Game
by Andrew602 on Nov 6, 2009 4:10 PM MST
in 2009 Season
9 comments
The Arizona Cardinals travel to Soldier Field this Sunday in a game between two 4-3 teams wanting to make a run in their divisions. The Bears have had a similar up and down season as the Cardinals, and both need to establish some consistency on both sides of the ball. After a puzzling loss to the Carolina Panthers this past weekend, the Cardinals are hoping to continue their road success. So far this year, the Cardinals are 3-0 on the road, and have beat the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Giants in that span. There will be many keys to this game, but perhaps none as important as the production of Kurt Warner.
Kurt Warner -This game starts and ends with Warner. He must get off to a good start and put points on the board early. Ken Whisenhunt needs to find a way to get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, whether it be a touchdown or a deep pass, and if Warner can finally start making the deep ball successfull, it will greatly help the offense. Warner needs to play keep away, and not turn the ball over. If he can do that, it gives the Cardinals a significantly better chance of winning the game.
Stop the run - After watching the success the Panthers had against the Cardinals last week, there's not a doubt that the Bears will try to establish the run early(and why shouldn't they?). They have a big offensive line and a talented young back in Matt Forte. The Cardinals need to force Jay Cutler to throw the ball more then Jake Delhomme did last week. Allowing the Bears to run 4+ yards every carry tires the defense, and keeps the Cardinals offense off the field. If the Cardinals can stop Forte, and not allow any running production from the Bears, it gives the defense a better chance to slow the Bears.
Establish the run - Not only do the Cardinals need to stop the run, but they must establish the run themselves. Teams have game planned around pressuring Kurt Warner, and the only way to counter that game plan is running the ball. The Cardinals can't get behind early like they've done before, and must start with handing off the ball. Warner is considerably better on play action, and at this point anything will help.
Pressure Jay Cutler - Cutler has a tendency to turn the ball over when he's pressured or things aren't going his way. The Cardinals sacked Jake Delhomme once last week, something that won't cut it in Chicago. If Cutler can get out of rhythm, it may mean multiple interceptions for a Cardinals defense that didn't have any last week.
One thing that can't happen is for the Arizona Cardinals to stay in their funk. They got ahead of themselves last week and bought into their own hype, which unexpectedly let the Panthers win the game. The Cardinals have been better on the road this season, and must continue that trend on Sunday for them to stay in the division race. What are your keys to the game?
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Agreed with all keys.
The biggest is getting Warner back to his good old self. When he is on his game, we are on our game, when he falls we fall.
by Pyromnc on Nov 6, 2009 12:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
+1
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 6, 2009 1:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree on the deep ball
But breaston is way bigger of a threat then fitz all his deep ball passes last year came off flee flickers and play action and this year from a trick play by rolle. You know I’m not worried bout the deep ball but espn the magazine said a team with at least 1 20 yard gain your chances to win almost double.
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Nov 6, 2009 12:41 PM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
It causes defenses to plan differently. We need it.
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 6, 2009 1:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Run game
For the first time this season I think the run game is the key on both sides. Stop the run- obviously, but also establish the run. I expect Wells to get more carries and wouldn’t be surprised if we have the first 100+ rushing this year. The Bears run defense is surprisingly poor. Come to think of it their pass defense isn’t great either. As I went back and watched the past few Bears games I have been unimpressed on every aspect except special teams. IMO, this is a game the Cards should easily win. I was worried about the Panthers but not with the Bears.
MBN
by mbn on Nov 6, 2009 1:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah me too.
I’m just not worried at all. Maybe it’s been their good play on the road.
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 6, 2009 1:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
radical thought but....
I may be in the minority, but I really want to see something daring. Yes, we need to continue to improve the rushing attack. We need Dockett and CC to pressure Cutler, we need to protect Warner and everything…one play I want to point out is the Rolle wildcat play. I’d like something like that, but more than once. This team is loaded with speed. Heck, split Toler to one side, DRC to the other, especially with Boldin ailing, have Rolle run the wildcat and if there is no hope, run the ball or check down to Patrick or Hightower. Run it 2-3 times and look for that big play. Not saying this will happen, but I sure would love to see it happen. Utilize our athleticism. D players on Offense is always fun regardless :)
http://undrafteds.com/
by Undrafteds on Nov 6, 2009 1:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
i agree on the deep ball
But breaston is way bigger of a threat then fitz all his deep ball passes last year came off flee flickers and play action and this year from a trick play by rolle. You know I’m not worried bout the deep ball but espn the magazine said a team with at least 1 20 yard gain your chances to win almost double.
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Nov 6, 2009 9:51 PM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
The Bears have more than a fair chance of surprising us
They beat Pittsburgh, etc.
by tw3kr on Nov 7, 2009 8:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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