Next Day Notes: Arizona Cardinals Dominate St. Louis in 31-10 Win

by Pyromnc on Dec 28, 2009 3:00 AM MST

The Arizona Cardinals came up with a huge win against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, as they reached a double digit win total for the first since 1976. The Cardinals made it look easy as they held the Rams to just 10 points. The offense wasn't too shabby either as they had more than 400 yards of offense, and they did it with both the running game and passing game being in sync. This is exactly how they should look heading into the playoffs.

The Good

Kurt Warner had been having a tough stretch the past few weeks, turning the ball over five times (three of them interceptions), and only throwing two touchdowns. This week he came out and took care of his former team by throwing 313 yards (52nd time of his career) and two touchdowns (100th with the Cardinals). This is the Warner we all like to see, and hope this will be the Warner that shows up in two weeks when the playoffs begin. Warner had another fumble lost this week but that can be forgiven when he plays as well as he did in this game.

The running game did well as they rushed for113 yards on 29 carries (3.89 yards per carry). Beanie Wells had 68 of those yards and stuck the fork in the Rams with the final touchdown of the game. Tim Hightower added his 32 yards on 10 carries (3.2 yards per carry) as well. Hightower didn't have his best game but he did what he does best by scoring his 18th career touchdown in the third quarter. Overall, the running game played well and kept the opposing defense honest.

The Cardinals special teams have been by far the best of the special teams unit in the league. They not only cover returns well, but they force turnovers also. They had another turnover this week as punter Ben Graham put his body in harm's way to force a fumble that would be crucial with the Rams gaining momentum. Graham also had 2 more punts inside the 20 yard line, making his total 39 (league high), and averaged 41.2 yards per punt. Kicker Mike Nugent continues to play well for the injured Neil Rackers as he made all four of his extra points and his lone field goal. Special teams have been a huge strength for the Cards this year and have made opposing team's jobs much harder when it comes to making a game plan.

The defense had been struggling the past few weeks allowing a combined 48 points to the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. Most of this was because of the turnovers that happened in those games(10 total turnovers), but they still should've helped the offense out when they were struggling. This week they played the way they should be playing, when they allowed just ten points, had four sacks, and force four turnovers. That's what Ken Whisenhunt and the rest of the Cards want to see week in and week out.

The Bad

There wasn't much bad in this game other than the fact that the new starting offensive left tackle Jeremy Bridges did not have his best game. This was mostly because he had no help on his side but he could have done better against a poor defensive line. He may have performed better with a tight end and running back on his side, much like the help he was given against Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings. Look for this to improve in future games this season, as teams will be gunning for his side of the line.

Honorary Mention

Adrian Wilson became just the 10th player in NFL history to record 20 sack and 20 interceptions in ones career. This has been a goal of Wilson's for some time and it could not have happened to a better player. Wilson has been one of the most loyal and hard working players for the Cardinals, and they should be happy to have him on their team.

The Cardinals are now 10-5 and still have a shot at the number two spot that starts with a Vikings loss on Monday Night Football. Right now the Cardinals are fourth in the playoff slotting and would play the Packers in the wild card round of the playoffs which would be two weeks in a row they would face them. If the Vikings lose on MNF, should they try to beat the Packers and shoot for the number two seed? Or should they rest their starters and game plan for the playoffs?

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Comments

Bridges

he really struggled today. there is no doubt in my mind that the Cards will be targeting some tackles in the offseason whether it be right or left, in the draft or a FA. I would say the Cards running game got a ‘good’ grade this week. They were formidable but that was it. I am also hesitant to give Warner a ‘good’ grade. This may seem strange to say on the heals of his record setting 100th TD pass with the Cards but he was off on several throws and should have been picked off at least twice more. Not to mention the fumbles. This may have had to do significantly with his lack of blindside protection. none the less Warner has struggled the past 3 weeks.

Thought the D played great. I am extatic to see Wilson get his 20th sack. I really hope he can get to 30/30 and I am sure he will. Even once he ends his playing day

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Dec 28, 2009 12:21 PM MST reply actions

errrr... not sure why it posted without me finishing.

Even once he is close to ending his playing days if he hasnt gotten that 30th sack I seem the Card making him into more of a blitzing LB to get it. no doubt he will get his 30th pick and will probably get it by end of 2011 or sooner.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Dec 28, 2009 12:22 PM MST up reply actions

Ben Graham

He straight up punched that ball out, didn’t even go for the tackle with Jason Wright hanging on the returner. It’s great to see the punter throw himself in harm’s way like that and actually be effective. This guy may be the unsung hero of the playoffs with the way he can place the ball.

by hadrarius on Dec 28, 2009 1:20 PM MST reply actions

ummmmm, he didnt really punch that ball out.

it actually looked like he got nervous and turned to the side and kind of curled up. none the less i really like graham and hope he sticts around for a few year, plus hes an aussie.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Dec 28, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions

Really think so?

Looked to me like he jammed his fist in there. I only got to see it twice though. I could be mistaken.

by hadrarius on Dec 28, 2009 8:09 PM MST up reply actions

Playing for 2nd Seed

Well, I’m not sure of all the scenarios, but I’m sure ESPN and the NFL Network will clue us all in this week about how the Cardinals can become the 2nd seed. My guess is that they need the Vikes to lose the last two weeks and for Dallas to beat the Eagles. The Vikes game is early so we should know going in to the game if the Cards even have a chance at getting the 2nd seed. My vote…if the Vikes lose both games, go for the win against the Packers and see how the Eagles/Cowboys game turns out. The opportunity to have a biweek is worth the risk of injury in my opinion, but not the #3 vs. #4 seed.

by CaliforniaCardFan on Dec 28, 2009 7:49 PM MST reply actions

After Thoughts

On the offensive side of the ball, the Cards were sluggish and continue their string of games where they play down to their competition early in games when they’re the favorite. Human emotion is not like a light switch that can be turn on and off. With the playoffs just around the corner this “trend” concerns me and Whisenhunt needs to get a handle on it and correct it. In addition to not playing well as a blocker over Long, Bridges tried to pickup the fumble at the begining of the third quarter instead of falling on the damn ball. This cost the Cards six points.

The lack of consistency between Warner and Fitz is also a bit of a concern. They just don’t seem to reading the coverages the same way. Not what you want at this stage of the season with your #1 target going into the post season.

Defensively, Gerald Hayes has not played to his previous high standards (for him). There just has been too many snaps where Hayes failed to diagnose, flow and fill at the point of attack correctly this season. Maybe he is injured and not healthy. He will need to play better or the defense will be gashed in the run game in playoffs. Dansby too has not been overly instinctive in his play either.

After the fumble in the third quarter, RJ and McFadden were beaten badly on the post corner route by Rams WR Gibson. It was man free-coverage with RJ and McFadden biting on the post. You can’t let the offense player get behind you. A mental and physical error by the Safety and CB. It should not happen but it did not cost the team the game.

Congratulations to both Warner and Wilson for their respective milestones of 100 TD’s as a Cardinal for Warner and 20/20 for Wilson. Class acts both of these men are on and off the field.

by Cardsfan81 on Dec 30, 2009 10:46 AM MST reply actions