Post Game Reaction: Arizona Cardinals Upset Minnesota Vikings 30-17
by Andrew602 on Dec 6, 2009 10:22 PM MST
in News
111 comments
After the heart-breaking loss to Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans just a week ago, the Arizona Cardinals understood just how important a win today would be. The Vikings were 10-1 heading into Sunday's game and looked like the most complete team in the NFL.
The game began with a Tim Hightower fumble on the second play of the day. Brett Favre and the Vikings offense easily walked their way down to the 3 yard line on their opening drive. An overturned challenge gave Visanthe Shiancoe a 3 yard touchdown catch to give the Vikings the early lead. After a Steve Breaston 64-yard punt return, Kurt Warner found Anquan Boldin for a two yard score. The Cardinals had their way with the Vikings secondary for most of the game and Kurt Warner threw for 2 more touchdowns to give the Cardinals the win.
The Positives:
- The defense came to play. The Cardinals defense wiped any memory they had of last weeks performance and dominated the Vikings high-powered offense. Adrian Peterson was held to 13 carries for 19 yards, while Brett Favre was picked off twice and had a quarterback rating of 79.4. The Cardinals defensive line also found ways to penetrate into the backfield and sacked Favre 3 times on the night.
- The offensive line protection/blocking was great. Even with starting left tackle Mike Gandy missing the game, back up Jeremy Bridges filled in with an impressive performance. The Cardinals didn't allow one sack to a defensive line featuring Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. A larger part of the success went to the tight end and running back help, something Ken Whisenhunt shied away from at the beginning of the season. The Cardinals also managed to run for 113 yards on the night, something most teams have had trouble achieving against the Vikings defense.
- Kurt Warner showed no signs of post-concussion symtoms.After missing the last 6 quarters of play because of a concussion he suffered three games ago, Kurt Warner had a fantastic night. He was 22 of 32 for 285 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 127.7. Warner was able to read what the defense very well and put the ball on the money throughout the game. With Warner returning, Anquan Boldin had his best game of the season receiving 98 yards with 2 touchdowns.
- The all-red jerseys continue to help. Ken Whisenhunt may want to continue wearing the all-red look. The Cardinals have won their last two home games in dominant fashion and I personally think they look better.
The Negatives:
- The Cardinals settled for more field goals then TDs in the red zone. Usually Warner and Co. have no problem putting 7 on the scoreboard when in the red zone. Tonight the Cardinals went 1 for 4 and only scored 9 points in the second half because of that. Luckily the Vikings were not able to keep the game close. Settling for more field goals then touchdowns is not something this team can do if they want to continue winning games.
- Depth in the secondary continues to be a concern.The Cardinals lack of depth/talent beyond Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Adrian Wilson, and Antrel Rolle has become a pressing issue the last few games. Bryant McFadden had trouble defending outside passes and Michael Adams size allowed a late touchdown to Percy Harvin. Teams will continue to take advantage if the Cardinals cannot fix this problem.
Final Thoughts
Overall the Cardinals we all know and love decided to show up on Sunday and played tough enough to beat the red-hot Vikings. Kurt Warner showed why he gives the Cardinals the best chance to win the game, while the defense revealed their true potential. The 49ers also lost today keeping the Cardinals NFC West lead at 3 games, although next week's Monday night football showdown will still be crucial for the Cardinals chances of clinching the division and improving their playoff seeding. What are your thoughts on the game?
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Warner has 44 games in a row with a passer rating over 120.
Only the second time that has happened.
Great job Warner.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
Was an excellent game to see, especially after last week's ending.
New to ROTB SB Nation. Gotta say that I really enjoyed this game alot, especially with the Niners losing earlier today. Also, not often we see the Cards play up here in Washington unless they are a prime time game or against the Seahawks.
Offense, Defense & Special Teams all played very well today. Defense seemed particularly inspired. Also, we seemed to cut down on the number of penalties this week; even though we still had 2 holding penalties on offense (lutui & patrick.) Neither were in critical moments of game but one was while we were on the Min 4. We settled for the field goal but I would have liked to see us really completely close them out.
Thanks for all the great insight. I enjoy the site. Keep it going.
by CardsFan in Seattle on Dec 6, 2009 10:57 PM MST reply actions
Thanks Cardsfan in Seattle
Welcome to ROTB, look forward to hearing your opinion on the Cardinals.
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
Redzone FGs
I think it had more to do with conservative, protect-the-ball playcalling than a failure to execute.
As for Adams, I don’t think his size had much to do with the Harvin TD. Harvin’s fast as shit and beat him down the field. End of story. I thought he had a pretty good game and is starting to look more comfortable in coverage — don’t forget the pick. He’s definitely seeing the field more and more.
RJ was actually active today and saw some playing time with the defense (not just ST). I noticed 41 around the ball a couple times and was momentarily confused.
Special teams should get another nod this week. Putting the quash on Harvin & the No. 1 return team deserves major credit. They made me nervous a couple times, but Morey was there to take care of things.
+1
A lot of Cardinal-red surrounding Harvin each time he had the ball.
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
true on both counts
I cringed the first time I saw Adams lined up on Harvin but he did pretty well all game long. It really speaks to the confidence that B Davis has in Adams that he locked Adams up with such a dynamic player.
I also noticed RJ quite a bit more than normal last night. Good game for the rook and certainly a step in the right direction.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I didnt see him on the field at all, did he make any plays in the secondary?
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Henderson broke his leg on that Hightower run and is done for the season
That’s rough, but the preliminary report makes it sound better than we were thinking in the game thread.
I was reading the post-game and realized I had more :)
Hightower is running like the starting RB now, in addition to doing everything else right. Wells has been shut down the last couple games, but Tim has been effective. Their stats for the season up until this point:
Hightower == 119 Car, 535 Yds, 4.5 Avg, 6 TDs, 4 Fumbles
Wells == 121 Car, 517 Yds, 4.3 Avg, 4 TDs, 3 Fumbles
Props to the O-line for another 0-sack day. Especially against the Vikings! Bridges was serviceable and we finally got to see some help out on the edges.
nice win
the D was awesome! I watched the Vikings-Steelers game (I’m a Steelers fan) and that was a lucky win. The Cards (my team in the NFC) kicked some butt tonight.
"Does anybody believe that if the NFL had an agenda for steering the direction of the playoffs through the officiating that Seattle would have been in Detroit in the first place?" Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press
nice
Cardinals played a very solid game today. Was great seeing Warner to Fitz/Boldin. Defense played lights out limiting AP like they did. I was just thinking it reminded me of when my skins shut him down in ’07 during our stretch of games we had to win out for a playoff berth. Then I saw a stat on NFL network that this was his second lowest yardage total in his career.
Damn, that semi one-handed grab Boldin made for the TD was awesome. Fun offense to watch :)
Never seen so much bridge jumping...
…after a Cards victory at another blog than at The Daily Horseman and Niner Nation. I know this is schadenfreude and nothing more than debased gloating but….damn it feels good! I hate kicking an opponent when they’re down but it’s going to be hard not to against the Fooch Potential 49ers.
EJ Henderson’s broken femur was harsh. I wish him a speedy recovery and give kudos to NBC for not pulling a Theisman there and repeat the replay over and over (though I’m sure TiVo/DVR owners did…ew).
A great victory AT HOME against a A-grade opponent. Let’s get our double-digit win total and get the playoffs going!!!
RotB Faithful that was at UoP, any stories you’d care to share about the large Vikings contingent at the game?
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
+1
I’m a transplanted Cards fan living in Rochester, MN.
You should hear the local sports talk this morning. It is hilarious. All week, all you heard was that this was a slam dunk game. I mean they (the Cards) gave up 500 yards to the Titans (the Titans!!!). And Vince Young had almost 400 yards passing (400!!!!). Brett Favre is going to destroy them.
Today it is all gloom and doom. I lost a lot of respect for the local fan base.
There were a lot of bridge jumpers in the post-game threads...
…but I think we can empathize. I recall a few worried comments about the Niners being the heir apparent after Week 1. If we see the Vikes again this year it will be a much different game, there’s no doubt. We will get to renew this budding rivalry again next year too. I just don’t want to play the Panthers anymore!
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Agreed...
I can definitely empathize. It is annoying though. Maybe I’ll try to remember that the next time I complain about the Cards after a bad game :)
And, yes, if we meet them again it will be a much different scenario.
by your final comment are you referring to what J Allen said?
In a post game interview he gave minimal props to the oline and in the end said something to the effect that if they were to play again that there would be a much different outcome.
I love Allens style of play and his freakish nature (running into the jungle after Lions while in Africa) but something about him is very annoying.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Didn't see Allen's comments.
I just meant that they will likely have a healthier OL, will not overlook us, and the game will almost certainly be in their house.
Even still, after last night’s game I would like our chances.
As of right now we'd face the Saints in the divisional championship.
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
Right now we would play the Vikings, assuming we win the first playoff game.
We have a better conference record than Dallas, who are currently the 4th seed because they hold the tiebreaker over Philly right now.
we have a better overall record than Dallas
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
That's funny shit. lol
I kind of agree with sc464. I love Allen’s play and nature but something about him is a little annoying. Maybe it’s that he’s not a Cardinal. lol
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 8, 2009 10:03 PM MST up reply actions
Nice beat down last night
This goes to show what a great QB with some great recievers can really do.
I am stating here right now the top three teams in the nfl are the Colts the Saints and the Cards
All have great QB’s that can make adjustments at the line and pick a defense apart
Good luck this year see you in the playoffs
WOW Simone
Thats bold, and I want to agree, but what about the Chargers? As far as talent, the Cards have proven over and over again they can play with anyone. They just need to do it more consistently.
http://undrafteds.com/
Actually good point
Being a nfc guy i forget about afc teams some times
afc championship=chargers at colts
nfc championship=cards at saints
I still think the cards can get the #2 seed the vikes play some good teams coming up including the bengals
not a far fetched statement to claim #2
If the Vikes loose 2 more games (quite possible after the injuries they suffered last night) and the Cardinals win out (uh… they face the 49ers, Lions, Rams, and Packers) then we would own the tie breaker. Go Cards!
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Starting to sound like Niners fans talking about their playoff chances.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
haha, give me a break Hawk, I'm not that bad!
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
lol
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
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
Let's keep #3 firmly in our grasp and if #2 get's within reach we can lube up the mental masturbation.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
uh oh, I guess I jumped the gun then......(check fanposts)
I just couldn’t help myself.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I threw a little grit into the lube. ::smirk::
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Really don't want to get all cocky in the fan base.
I rip on ‘9ers fans all the time for it. lol It feels good being able to talk about having a shot at number 2 seed though. But key word there is “talk”. I’d rather discuss it if it happens.
Just feels good though.
Good lookin out Hawkwind. lol
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 8, 2009 10:09 PM MST up reply actions
I don't know....
The Chargers are a lot like us, in my opinion. They have a high powered passing attack with a streaky run game. Their defense plays well at times but can allow 23 points to a team like the Browns. I think if the Cards played the Chargers today it would be a very even match up and would probably come down to the final drive.
Right now I have the Chargers ahead in my rankings but only because they have won seven straight. Otherwise I would have the Cards at number 3, for now they sit at 4.
First victory against the Vikings since the Nate Poole force-out win...
…which was an all-red uniform game. I too like the “Spanish Inquisition” look for the home uniforms, especially when victories force intense torture to opposing fans better than an Catholic sadist.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
I concur.
The all red looks better and intimidating.
A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.
props to you for taking it like a man. Not a sore looser, whichi s rare now a days
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Q broke the game open
give all the credit you want to Warner, those weren’t great throws and Q made the plays, and it opened up the whole field and slowed the rush … but Warner did give him a shot to show what a dominant player he can be (I wonder if the Cards will do the same next year)
DRC and the secondary were just amazing after the first series … Bard Childress and the Vikes never made the proper adjustments and Whiz was a step ahead of him all game … nice redemption for the but kicking we took last year
Anquan was the difference
I hope that this kind of performance will remind our FO of his impact and they find a way to keep him a Cardinal another 4 or 5 years.
Also, did anyone else notice Breaston on the bench after that first TD? He looked pretty pissed that a play wasn’t run for him (instead of Q) to punch it in after he that great punt return. Man, so much talent to try and keep happy!
"There are preachermen on TV in a suit and a tie, they tell you to send your money to the Lord, but they give you their address" Hank Williams Jr.
by StuckinColorado on Dec 7, 2009 8:35 AM MST up reply actions
…those weren’t great throws and Q made the plays…
Apparently we weren’t watching the same game. The long TD pass was thrown exactly where it needed to be to allow Q to catch and maintain his momentum in-bounds. Anywhere else and the defender is making a play or Q is stepping out.
Now some of Warner’s deep throws had me squirming in my seat, especially that deep ball to Fitz into triple coverage…
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
+1
Thought that was going to be a pick
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
DRC played well but got away with 2 obvious PIs
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
ok ... maybe so
personally I’d like to see the receiver make the play, rather than the ref
there’s also holding on every play
Like Deion Sanders always says
PAY THE MAN!!!
We have seen how much Boldin does for the offense, he has to stay here.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
plz
I hear ya bro, Warner made some very good throws … but split Kurt out there and see if he makes the catch (jk)
my point being that when Q is on he can be amazing … when he is expecting the ball his eye hand coordination is among the best in the league
no one ever questioned Qs ability
its his attitude and commitment to THIS teams football that has come into questino and rightfully so. I think you all know I am an advocate for dumping Q for as much as we can possibliy get (maybe a 1st after yesterday?). It is hard to support that argument though after he played lights out last night. The throws Warner made were risky to Q yet on the money. Thats what you get with Warner and that is how great he is. He knows how to read not only a defense but a defender and throw it only where his receiver can get it. Warner made some great throws and Q some great catches. They both made each other great last night.
Oh and does anybody else get all giddy that it was on Sunday Night Football for the whole nation to see? PASS ME THE KOOL-AID BROTHERS!
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
I know your type … allow me to retort
I’ve always been a believer that once a QB reaches the point in his career when he can instinctively read defenses (like Warner), he still needs 2 quality WRs to make it happen … if you look at all the greats there’s always a lesser know 2nd guy, they aren’t exclusive, they go together … announcers love to say things like ‘put the ball only where he can catch it’, but it also has allot to do with how the WR adjusts to the ball in the air, body adjustment, off hand body checking, and how you use your hands
I don’t wanna take anything away from Warner, he was great and he is the key player that the Cards can’t lose … but, can you really argue that Q and Fitz are not what make us dynamic, and open up plays for others?
You know my type? You obvousily dont know your own type and therefore dont know mine so ..."allow me to be facetious"
You basically repeated what I said so all I will do is repost here my unding comments aside from the kool-aid jab.
“Warner made some great throws and Q some great catches. They both made each other great last night.”
Oh and the ball thrown to the sideline (not the TD catch) was perfect and absolutely “where only the WR could catch it”.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
I type this real slow so you can follow along
so I’m an a$$h@le .. whats does that have to do with anything
you don’t like the mirror?
by quid pro quo on Dec 7, 2009 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
im not sure which statement to respond to this one or the one below
nor am i going to get in a pissing contest with you because i already know i can piss longer and farther than you. you make no sense as is evident. Warner made some great passes, Q some great catches just like I said and as you seem to be accepting.
Oh and I do like the mirror, I always seem to look good in it, thanks for asking.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
I don’t wanna take anything away from Warner, he was great and he is the key player that the Cards can’t lose … but, can you really argue that Q and Fitz are not what make us dynamic, and open up plays for others?
My answer to that would be…..which is a better trio Warner, Fitz and Breaston or Leinart, Fitz and Boldin.
The real answer is that each guy makes the other look better. Warner makes plenty of reads/throws that many other QB’s could not and Q makes catches that many other WR’s could not. They both make each other more dynamic.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
yea … I’m saying the 3 together are dynamic (leinarts not ready yet, so blah, blah, blah who knows)
I guess you could argue whos better Warner, Fitz, Q or Warner, Fitz, Breaston (see sc464)
I guess we’re beating a dead horse at this point … call me crazy for wanting tho hold onto Q, I just think hes a very unique player … almost like a WR/RB/TE/Blocking combo
by quid pro quo on Dec 7, 2009 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
if we're getting two decent picks for Boldin and not having to pay him like a #1
I’d take Warner, Fitz and Breaston
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I agree with this.
Boldin has been a monster lately. But:
1) Breaston has shown he can be a good #2, and
2) you never know when Boldin’s style has him out/non-effective for, seemingly, 4-6 weeks every year.
It seems like we are bringing Doucet along nicely too, so that he can step into the #3 role if necessary.
As a side note
Just got my copy of The Sporting News. Here is a list of the Top Ten WR’s according to Scouts’ Views
1. Andre Johnson
2. Fitzgerald
3. Randy Moss
4. Steve Smith (Panthers)
5. Anquan Boldin
6. Calvin Johnson
7. Brandon Marshall
8. Reggie Wayne
9. Desean Jackson
10. Ochocinco
As a Cards fan I’m thrilled to have two guy’s rated that high. Scouts have access to more information than I do or anybody else that comes here to post. That said, there are are two things that are not being discussed here at ROTB. First, if Fitzgerald ever suffers an injury, can Breaston or Doucet be #1 WR’s. I don’t think either guy has the physical/mental ability to be a #1 WR. Second, there is a tremendous under estimation of the coverage that Boldin draws to free-up other players (paticularly Fitz). It is always protrade as being the other way around. It does not escape me.
I would argue that if Boldin was in Miami, Chicago, New England, Baltimore etc. he would be ranked higher. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
I think Fitz takes just as much of the coverage. He gets double and triple coverage just about every game. Does Q get that type of coverage? No.
As for Breaston, I think he would be fine as a fill in (not full time) at number one. Will he put up monster numbers? Probably not, but if he has the physical/mental ability to fill in for Q than he should be able to fill in for Fitz.
That's a huge assumption
A very rosy picture and not very credible. His lack of size and the system will prohibit Breaston from being a true #1 WR…. ever. If Matt Leinart is the QB I know he can’t be that guy for the Cards. Matt’s lack of arm strength and accuracy would be a huge problem for Breaston and ultimately the offense in general.
I never said full time # 1.
I think he would be fine as a fill in (not full time) at number one.
Maybe I was not clear enough in my words but what Hawk (below this) said about him is kind of what I was trying to get at.
Now we are getting into it about Leinart? Leinart may lack the arm strength but his accuracy seemed fine last week. he may have had a slow start but I attribute that to not having any practice during the week.
The real benefactor of Ftizgerald and Boldin high Sporting News rankings...
…is Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, and Jerhame Urban (when he dressed) along with the RBs coming out of the backfield (Arrington’s offensive career was based solely on Boldin and Fitzgerald taking the coverage) and even the tight-ends on occasion. This is a fact that has been discussed in length before when injuries were looming and the what-if scenarios were played out. Breaston and Doucet are not prototypical #1 WR types but they would be serviceable until a time that the defacto #1 returned. That’s how it works for most NFL teams. The bigger question is whether Breaston or Doucet are prepared to be defacto #2 WRs and that answer is really what will decide the front office’s plans with Anquan. Two #1’s on the same team is a luxury most teams cannot afford and when the choice is between #11 and #81 the consensus will be #11 based on the body of work each has produced on and off the field.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
I don’t think Boldin is a true #1, and I think he might struggle now in that roll … he benefits from the unique situation the Cards provide as much as the Cards benefit from him
and Pyro … you are right, but Boldin still helps Larry depending who is in motion in certain formations, to get the coverages he wants, or hopes to get, and that helps Warner identify the coverage if he can see who gets single on the LB
I get that hes a head case, but he sure seems to be on the same page with this offense, and he makes key plays … i’d rather be with Q than against him
I know, I was just pointing out to CF81 that Q isn't the only one that draws exta coverage.
He was making it sound like if it wasn’t for Q Fitz would not be as good, which is false.
Never said that
You didn’t understand. It happens all the time. In certain down and distance situations the defense dictates who the #1 or priority is. The guy who is tagerted more is almost always the considered # priority for the defense. For reasons that don’t always have to do with actually winning the best option on every play is not always targeted with the football.
That’s what happened last night during the game. The forced balls into coverage appears to be about politics and not about throwing the ball to the open guy. I have seen it all season. Warner is not pulling the trigger on passes this year like last year. Only Warner can tell you why he’s not but it is clear when you look at the tape. It is not a subject for debate. If fans see this do the players?
Oh, and one more thing. Quid don’t agree with you at all about Boldin not being a #1. We will agree to disagree on this one. Maybe I don’t know a football from a hockey puck. Here’s what I do know. Looking forward to Boldin going someplace else. Boldin is not being targeted or used correctly.
i know u r but what am i
Boldin needs help to get those 1 on 1s, and the LB’s, and he can get out quickened. Asante Samuel could give him a 10 yard cushion with safety help (lol).But u get the ball in Q’s hands and he can run over him ;). Of course he’d be good anywhere, but he would still be used as a slot or motion WR, and a blocker … u really think Q wants to run the post and the double move 10 to 15 times a game, thats not who he is.
But I love the guy, and its good we got him because Bryant Johnson was a total bust. And just because he used to play QB and he understands coverages very well, and by being a veteran in the league (and a pro bowler) he likes to b!tch when a qb makes a bad throw or bad read. Personally i think hes just passionate and can rub guys the wrong way from time to time (especially when they’re fookin up).
but i digress … its fun to talk about the players, but coach whiz is about team preparation and game plan. He really has changed the culture. I hope they pay Q and Warner plays a few more years
Have enjoyed it quid
Only a handful of WR are true deep/vertical threats. Maybe 12 guys in the whole league. For instance Berrian’s one. With those guy’s you do not get a complete player is my point. You win games with WR’s that are capable and willing to run all the routes on the NFL WR route tree. ALL THE ROUTES. Boldin has the two longest pass plays on the season at 44 and 39 yards. He can get deep. Just not allow to or asked to.
You brought up Whiz so let me ask you a question. You probably will have the courage to answer. Did you find it strange that Boldin did not get ONE pass target in the second half? Why did the OC not call one play to make sure Boldin, his best player during the first half at least catch a pass in the second half?
The National Media and Cards fans to some degree forget that Boldin was a second round pick. He wasn’t suppose to be a Pro-bowl player.
Now I’m going to watch some cut-ups of this weekends games on tape. See ya quid.
i doubt whiz calls plays for players … from what I gather he believes in the team concept and he teaches a system … I bet if you asked him he could care less if Q gets the ball, or if he plays in the game … he would expect any player at that position to step up and make plays, he would pay little attention to how many catches he had, and his main concern would be about winning ball games.
Are you saying Jerry Rice is paying off Whiz to keep Q under wraps so he can’t break any records?
they all care
why do you think in the last game last year they were throwing to Breaston. Um,… I dont know, maybe to get Boobs over 1,000 yard?
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Draft status doesn't determine Probowls or the quality of player you will be.
Kurt Warner was never drafted, and Breaston, Hightower, and Davis (rookie but was playing well) were all late round picks.
Boldin had a monster 1st half, that’s why he wasn’t really targeted in the 2nd half. Minnesota made sure he was covered well, which opened up Larry and Breaston. The plays in our offense are designed for Warner to find the best match up and make the call. The offense is custom made for Kurt, and he’s going to WHOEVER is open.
Luckily we have receivers that are willing and able to run all the routes and play anywhere on the field, but most of their routes play to their strengths.
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 8, 2009 11:28 PM MST up reply actions
Put Q under center and see if he can make that throw.
Takes two (sometimes three) to tango, qpq, and without Warner tossing the ball and Fitz drawing extra attention where he’s running his route, Q’s abilities wouldn’t have the same opportunities to shine. Q is a stud WR, there’s no disagreement there, but last I checked he isn’t making the game plan, calling the plays, snapping the ball, throwing the ball, and marking the ball too.
Put Q in Cleveland and see how he does.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Can't sit on the sideline anymore
Boldin was the best player on the field in the first half last night. Dominant. None of the Vikings DB’s could cover Q. As quid and Stuckincolorado have said Q broke the game open last. When Q was fed the football he energized the team and the crowd.
No one has adressed the question that Stuckinclorado asked. Did anyone see the expression that Breaston had on the bench after the first TD catch? Well I did and it was not a good thing to see. Both Fitzgerald and Breaston looked lazy and uniterested in carry out their assignments on the first TD by Boldin. If Boldin was as dominant as he was in the first half,why did he not get ONE second half pass target? This made absolutely no sense to me at all. Why has Warner consistently forced the ball into coverage to Fitzgerald when other players are open? A game plan that is put together and forces balls into coverages to placate a/any player is not agood thing for the team.
Hawkwind, you say put Q in Cleveland and see how he does. I say he was in Cleveland from 2003-2006 as a Cardinal. What say you? What is increasingly apparent to me or anyone willing to be objective is that some are having a very difficult time saying anything positive about Boldin. Any agenda here ? Just asking.
I think all Hawk was saying is that Q is great but he's certainly helped by the cast around him
The question of why Q didn’t get a catch in the second half is legit though. He was amazing in the first half and who knows, they might have put up six instead of three a couple times if Warner had spread the ball around a bit more.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Anquan was in Buffalo for '03-'06 as a Cardinal
Just ask T.O.
A great player without a good supporting cast makes for a good fantasy football team (see Andre Johnson) but not necessarily a good NFL team.
A great player with good supporting players makes for a good NFL team. A great player with great supporting players makes for a great NFL team. Both the Cardinals and Anquan would be less without the other.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
I have seen Andre Johnson (I don't do fantasy football)
Hawkwind, pyro neither of you have answered the questions posed (see up) . Ah, but you have by not answering them. Look it is okay to have an agenda. That’s your right. All I’m saying is I WOULD make the attempt to be balanced in my analysis without agenda or ulterior motives in mind. If my guy stinks it up then I am going to say that. It just seem that some players can do no wrong while others if they breathe wrong are jumped and piled on even after having a great game.
Hawkwind, you nailed it on the head.
Which is why I think they should readjust Larry and Warner’s contracts (like they both said they would do to keep Q in AZ) and get Q’s deal done in the offseason. Q is a tremendous player and they can’t replace what he brings to the team with draft picks. Leadership, intensity, drive, and 200% is what you get from Q on a weekly basis, and no rookie is coming in and replacing that. Who knows, that WR they would draft to replace him could end up being another Bryant Johnson. We have the best WR duo in football, and that has become the identity of this team. Why take that away? Point is, we are ready to compete NOW, and Fitz and Q give us the best chance to win games. Not Fitz and Breaston.
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 8, 2009 11:43 PM MST up reply actions
I pointed out in a post a few weeks back
addressing your concern. The team is uninterested in Boldin as I see it. He stands or sits by himself often it seems. He does more chest pounding than ever and has seemingly seperated himself from his teamates.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Remember when Anquan was the charming prankster?
Remember when he did Q-tips on azcardinals.com? Remember when he would crack jokes and build team chemistry? When my favourite player on the team stopped doing the things that endeared me to him off the field it bent my perception of him on the field. That’s my bias and one that will likely never change now.
Is he a great WR? Hell ya!
Do I love to watch him play football? Hell ya?
Do I have the utmost respect for Anquan’s dedication to the game on the field? Damn straight.
Do I get irked by his antics when the 45 second clock isn’t running? Pretty much all the time.
That’s my bias, Cardsfan81, and why I state an opinion on the matter on a blog dedicated to the opinions of fans.
I appreciate your devoted defense to all things Anquan, Cardsfan81. It keeps things fresh.
I just wish I knew what my agendas and ulterior motives were…
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Warner has always forced the ball into coverage in order to try and hit someone specific
It happened a lot last year, as well. I believe this is referred to as a “play-call.” He’s really only good at finding the open man when under pressure. The rest of the time, it’s “throw it into coverage and let the WRs try and find it.”
Not that I’m complaining.
This is what Whiz and Haley made him do last season.
They forced Warner to make the throw and just trust the receiver (mostly Larry) to make the catch. They instilled that in him, which is why he takes more of those shots downfield or into coverage. That’s why this year Breaston won’t be a 1,000 yard receiver. That and the establishment of the run. But even Kurt said if he has an opportunity to get the ball to 11 or 81 he’s going to take it.
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 8, 2009 11:55 PM MST up reply actions
Nice very nice
Hey Hawk, I like the passion. I had no idea you liked Boldin so much as a player. I think we pretty much have the same position of Boldin on the field.
As for your agenda and ulterior motives, well I’m just going by what I read. Doesn’t make me right/wrong to have that opinion. I am also just trying to make a sincere attempt to be balanced in my evalutions of the play of the players on the field . When I think my opinion/analysis becomes useless (sounds like that is fast approaching for some) I will pack up my laptop and go home.
One more thing Hawk. I appreciate your compliment about keeping things fresh. It’s a compliment that I do not take lightly.
NP, CF81
If we all agree around here and say the same thing it just turns into a big tea party.
I love Boldin, he used to be my favourite on the team, but I guess I’m just acting like a jilted lover when he lashes out against the team and makes a stink and has his agent making him look like a selfish idiot. I hope management can make it work and keep #81 in Arizona until he’s retired…I just don’t think it will happen…just like Simeon Rice’s comments were his downfall in the desert (and his asking price).
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Agreed
I don’t always act like I have good sense when it comes to all things Boldin. I’m putting this bromance on the back-burner. The off-season’s not far away and we will know where this is going soon enough. I have made the decision to step back and let what happens happen without hoping and wishing they go the way I want them to go. Besides it is so much more fun providing insite and analysis of the impending ass whipping the uncoming opponents are about to receive.
::shakes on that::
And after watching Cleveland beat the Steelers, I’m not totally nuts for thinking the Lions are a “dangerous” opponent, am I?
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
They are
But I don’t want to get ahead of you or 602. I do have some thoughts on the 49ers. Looking forward to sharing those when the time comes.
Fire up the grill,
and give me a heaping pile of that crow to eat. I will man up and admit that I was completely wrong about what would happen last night. Well done boys…
Kurt's passer rating
How come no one has mentioned this…Yesterday was Kurt Warner’s 4th 120+ day in a row.
This has only been done ONE TIME – 45 yrs ago by Johnny Unitas!?!?!
Joe mentioned it in the first reply...
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Maybe he can go up to 5 games in a row next week...
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
Best part of the game
Was the Cards not only quieting the vike fans in attendance. But shutting up Chris Collinsworth and his obvious crush on Farve was great , damn near hit the mute button in the first minutes of the game. I was pretty worried bout this game and was really happy they didnt start that bullcrap prevent defense again. Great win Cards
haha, right on with Collinsworth. At least he didnt refer back to when HE played WR
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
::chuckle:: That is an amazing thing for him!
Still hold a grudge against CC from the ‘98 season when he was calling the Cards an undeserving team and the Cowboys would destroy them. Then there was last year’s “worst playoff team” comment.
Still, he’s not overly harsh on the ears unlike some of the goons ABC/ESPN has inserted in the booth over the years.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Despite the harsh Cardinals remarks he has said I still like him.
He analyzes games very well, and I generally like to hear what he has to say.
As for his Cardinals comments, I think most people that don’t really have a liking for us were saying the exact same things he was.
+1 on both comments. Like him as an announcer and analyst but wish he would lay off the Cardinal hate
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
He is a smart guy.
It seems like he knows right away what happened with a play, like what he said during the Patriots/Colts game after the bobbled 4th and 2 pass.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
Didn't refer back to when he was a WR
yes he did … lol … and they also had a cameo piece about his son, and how the team he coaches won the state championship
he did last night? still living in the glory days
but i guess if my 5’ 8" 170 lb self played in the NFL for 1 game I would be too!
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
as long as its not Dan Deirdorff
I don’t mind … but Collinsworth does love to indulge about how fascinating and wonderful hes is/was/will always be
He did stop talking about his man crush on Favre...
But it didn’t stop the rest of the media (except AZ coverage) from crediting the Vikings with a bad game, rather than give the Cards credit for completely shutting them down. But I like it that way, it keeps us underdogs in the media, and a chip on the players’ shoulders. They play better that way, and we get the enjoyment of broadcastors looking like complete dumbshits after the game. lol
GO BIG RED!!! Thanks for the great win.
by lifeinthepit00 on Dec 9, 2009 12:03 AM MST up reply actions
I'm not so worried about the field goals.
Because they were ahead, the Cardinals were playing VERY conservative in the red zone. They had guaranteed points as long as they didn’t turn the ball over, so they were taking what they could get. The last red zone trip in particular was almost shockingly conservative.
Good to see Rackers hitting the ball straight and true with a strained groin...
…though his kick-offs were really poor due to it.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Maybe we could have Graham do the kickoffs until he gets better?
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
True Vaegrin
Plus they wanted to milk as much time as they could off the clock.
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.
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