Arizona Cardinal at Detroit Lions: Know Thy Enemy

by Pyromnc on Dec 17, 2009 12:58 PM MST in General Arizona Cardinals News

For the past decade, the Detroit Lions have been one of the worst organizations in the NFL. They failed to draft much talent and have had a handful of 1st round busts. They also failed to sign key players in free agency, and in front of their eyes they were actually running the organization into the ground. Those tendencies have started to change the past couple of seasons with very good draft picks in linebacker Ernie Sims, quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kevin Smith, and the immense talent at wide receiver in Calvin Johnson (aka Megatron). The Cardinals defensive backs better be aware of where Johnson is at all times, otherwise they may be in for a long game.

Johnson was widely considered the best receiving prospect to come out of college in NFL history. This was most certainly due to the fact that he held multiple skill sets that most receivers will never begin to have. At the NFL Combine he ran a 4.35 40 yard dash, an amazing number despite weighing in at 238 (heavy for a receiver). He also had an amazing vertical jump posting 42 and a half inches (Larry Fitzgerald is a 38). He has the physicality of a Fitzgerald / Andre Johnson type, making him quite possibly the most dangerous wide receiver, if only he had a consistent QB (which they hope Stafford will be).

Johnson has only faced the Arizona Cardinals once in his career and that came in his rookie season. He didn't put up spectacular numbers, catching just 3 passes for 37 yards and no touchdowns. Part of the reason could have been that it was his rookie season or the fact that he was playing with back problems that entire year - but it was most likely a combination of both. Things will definitely be different this week with Johnson adding some veteran experience to his resume, although the knee problems he's had this season may pose a problem.

The match up to watch in this game will be 2nd year corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie against Johnson. Cromartie does not have the physicality that would be needed to tackle Johnson if he were to get the ball in open space. However, he is the only defensive back that has the type of speed to keep up with Johnson. DRC won't be able to contain Johnson by himself, as it will need a solid team effort to slow the Lions best offensive player. Thoughts?

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Comments

Megatron

Calvin Johnson just might be the most physically gifted WR in the game. Yes I said that. His inability to put up guady numbers have been a reuslt of the injuries and some “chemistry issues” with Matthew Stafford. The Lion offensive coaching staff has not figured out a way to get the ball into their best players hand on a consistent basis and that’s a shame becuase the guy has all the tools.

Johnson is not yet a complete WR and as a result

by Cardsfan81 on Dec 17, 2009 2:16 PM MST reply actions

Sorry about the above post guys

I got distracted and hit the send key accidentally.

by Cardsfan81 on Dec 17, 2009 2:25 PM MST up reply actions

Defense needs to take care of business

Stafford will be a good QB, but he’s still a rookie, and can be counted on to make rookie mistakes. The defense needs to get pressure on him early and often, with the pass coverage ready for when he tosses the ball up for grabs.

One other thing—the offense needs to hang on to the ball. If they do, three touchdowns should be enough to beat the Lions. Except for the game vs. the Browns, the Lions haven’t put up more than 20 points since week 4.

by DaveInTucson on Dec 17, 2009 4:28 PM MST reply actions

Stafford

isn’t playing last I heard. Daunte Culpepper is going to start. Personally I’d rather see the rookie. The Cardinal secondary would eat him up.

by hadrarius on Dec 17, 2009 7:12 PM MST reply actions

Culpepper cannot generate any offense...

…and everyone over at Pride of Detroit truly despises “old Fatty” and would rather see Drew Stanton getting the nod at QB. There’s a good chance that Adrian Wilson will get his 20th sack this week.

Don't waste time or Time will waste you.

by Hawkwind on Dec 18, 2009 4:31 AM MST up reply actions

Rashad Johnson and Mike Nugent loom large

http://undrafteds.com/

by Undrafteds on Dec 17, 2009 9:30 PM MST reply actions

This will be a blow out...

After watching the Cardinals lay one on my Vikings, there is no chance of Arizona not putting 40+ points up against the Lions.

I must admit, the Cardinals are good + physical. I thought they couldn’t match the Vikings when it came to smashmouth football, but at least in that game I was wrong.

I was shocked last week watching the Cardinals cough the ball up and lose to an inferior San Fran team. San Fran has an anemic offense, worse than Detroit in my opinion.

The only way that Cards lose vs. Detroit is by turning over the ball. I don’t see Detroit’s pathetic defense generating 7 turnovers.

Plus if Stafford and Smith are out, Detroit won’t get much offense.

by Minnyfan on Dec 18, 2009 3:11 PM MST reply actions