Game Notes: Cardinals Crush Vikings, How?
by Undrafteds on Dec 7, 2009 8:31 AM MST
64 comments
- The two most important stats of the game: Adrian Peterson toted the rock 13 times for 19 yards, including an 11-yarder, and Jared Allen was blanked entirely from the stat sheet. No solo tackles, no assists, no sacks—no nothin'.
- Jeremy Bridges deserves the game ball without question. To step in and play left tackle, a position he had never played, against one of the most feared defenders in the league and completely shut him down is miraculous. I know that Bridges received help from Ben Patrick and Tim Hightower and others, and that Allen was double-teamed for the majority of the contest, but Bridges did his job and Allen was dominated. That was an effort not many Pro Bowlers can muster, performed by a career back-up.
- Maybe Anquan Boldin hasn't lost anything. Q turned in a two-TD effort while running after the catch like the Boldin of old. I had publicly questioned his form recently, trying to recall the last time I saw him running angry and breaking tackles. Last night proved to me that he still owns the fire, and apparently is fully healthy for the first time all season.
- It was great to see Larry Fitzgerald become a focal point of the offense once more, and he produced with a season-high 143 yards, including his longest reception on the season with a 34-yarder.
- When Tim Hightower fumbled the ball away on the second play of the game giving the Vikings excellent field position, it was easy to moan and groan and wonder if it was a sign of impending doom. Now that the game is over and we have more clarity when rehashing details, there is a positive spin to that blunder. Before fumbling, Hightower had run straight up the Vikings' gut for 10 yards on the Cardinals' first rushing attempt. This set the tone for the game, that the No.4 rushing defense was beatable and nothing to shy away from. The Cardinals totaled 113 yards on the ground against a team that had been allowing an average of only 84 per game. Tim Hightower continued his aggressive play by punishing defenders in his wake, and providing a lethal stiff-arm on his 32-yard romp.
- Down 7-0 after handing the Vikings a scoring opportunity right out of the gate, Steve Breaston's 64-yard punt return was the spark that turned the game in the Cardinals favor. That makes two games in a row Arizona has gotten a big return from special teams.
- Punter Ben Graham who is having a Pro Bowl caliber season, continued that pace by placing two of this three punts inside the Vikings' 20, with a long of 52.
- Flying under the radar is Neil Rackers, who has missed only one kick all season, PAT's included. He is now 15 for 16, with his only miss being a 45-yarder in Week 2.
- Tony Dungy accurately surmised that Arizona won this game in the trenches, and I agree. It wasn't just Bridges who played a phenomenal game as the Vikings as a team, the NFL leaders coming in with 40 sacks, had zero. Defensively, Darnell Dockett was his usual unstoppable force, at one point shoving Pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson aside like a feather and tackling Adrian Peterson in the backfield. Calais Campbell made his presence known with constant pressure and his fifth sack of the year, and 34-year old Bertrand Berry registered two sacks to bring his total to five also.
- ESPN's NFC West blogger Mike Sando said it best: "The Cardinals outperformed the Vikings in every important dimension: offense, defense, special teams, coaching, intelligence and overall orneriness."
- Arizona is now 1-1 versus the top three teams in the NFL, and have for the moment moved past the Vikings as one of the top teams to beat.
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unless you saw the official stat line for the game I think Allen got 1 tackle. I remember thinking when he got it WOW, thats the first time his name has been called. To shut down Allen like that was extremely impressive. Not ony Allen but the whole front 4 for MIN. Thoughts on Bridges getting a shot at keeping the starting spot?
I thought Timmys stiff arm that got an extra 5-10 yards was sick! It was straight brom Beanies book and I absolutely love how these two guys are pushing each other and meshing.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Dec 7, 2009 9:10 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
before we hand the starting spot to Bridges....
I’d like to see what Gandy could do with that much help. I’ve never seen so much help from tight ends and backs since Whiz came to town.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
valid point
i did see Bridges finish off a few plays with a nasty streak and loved him talking at allen midway through the 3rd (although it did make me nervous Allen would go off after).
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Nope, Jared Allen is off the stat sheet completely
Bring back the Baltimore Chop!
by dima1109 on Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
stats
The stats I saw had him blanked, but who knows, it may stand to be adjusted.
Good point about Bridges. If Gandy has to sit again it would be interesting to see how he fares with more one-on-one matchups.
Yeah, funny I thought the same thing, that Beanie and Hightower are trying to one up each other with impressive stiff arms. Punishing. I think that is my favorite element in football, the stiff arm.
http://undrafteds.com/
i love when it floors a would be tackler ha brillant
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Dec 7, 2009 9:35 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
O line
Don’t forget the guard play pat and Kevin Williams were non factors due to wells and duece
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Dec 7, 2009 9:32 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Great Game
We had a lot of vikings fans in our section that would were getting really loud at the beginning of the game. Glad we shut them up real fast.
"There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience. And then there is California." - Edward Abbey
welcome to ROTB
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
in the last thread I mentioned DRCs pass interference that were not called (2 obvious ones). I have been a LITTLE dissapointed with DRC this year after what we saw his rookie year I was hoping for more. None the less I give him some credit for his tackling last night. It was the first game besides the playoff game against the Falcons that he was not affraid to tackle. Was his form and hit power great? NO. Did he need some help a few times? YES. But at least there wasnt the normal fear of tackling you see out of him. Instead of trying to tackle from behind or the side he met some receivers head on and i think got 1 or 2 tackles for a loss. There was one stretch play where he got shoved off to the side by a bigger guard. The Vikes ran the play the very next play and mcFadden was there and took out the same guards legs who essentially took out the FB and the linebackers where then able to tackle Peterson for a negative play. I hope he (DRC) takes notice of that kind of stuff. All in all though he played a good game.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Disagree about DRC
I am very happy with the way DRC has played this year, except for the Colts game. I think DRC is one of the best tacklers on the team.
http://undrafteds.com/
really????
If I had a vote he’d be the worst tackler on the defense and I’d rank Neil Rackers ahead of him as well. He’s developing very good cover skills but he’s a “Deion-type” tackler at best.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
really?????
It is too bad we can’t all pile into a film room and microscope these plays. what I have seen from DRC is once he gets his arms on a player, he wraps up and makes the tackle even if he has to hang on by a shoestring. Others on the team don’t always wrap up, and let the runner go, sometimes for long gains. I’d like to see exactly what you’ve seen that gives you that impression, and I would like to spotlight a few plays of my own to show you why I believe he is a good tackler. Or better yet, lets ask Bill Davis? I’d go with his word wouldn’t you?
http://undrafteds.com/
Sure, let's get Bill Davis on the phone.
Ok so in a one on one tackling situation who on this defense would you take after you selected DRC?
If I’m putting money on it, I’d take every starter, Micheal Adams, Monty Beisel and Matt Ware before I selected DRC.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
You don't happen to have Bill's number do you?
I would call him but I lost my last cell phone and had to replace it, and Bill’s number was in it.
But seriously, in years past I would NOT say this, but Antrel Rolle has improved dramatically in tackling. Dansby is good too. As much as I love to watch Dockett, and as good as he can be, he also lets tackles in the backfield get away. Adrian Wilson is a no brainer, but he too has wiffed more than DRC. Again, this is only my perspective, I would love to see the highlights of DRC missing. I actually don’t mind being proven wrong. Could be I have blocked his lowlights out of my memory.
Now don’t knock my boy Adams! Remember that hit he put on Chris Johnson? Remember, Adams is only 3’6" and weighs 88 lbs, and he knocked CJ for a loop.
http://undrafteds.com/
i have Darren Urbans cell
but dont worry I already emailed him and he agress with the correct side…. DRC is NOT a great tackler. he is making improvements but has much to do still. He said he doesnt HAVE to be if he is going to be a great cover corner. None the less I think he need to get better. As does everyone but undrafteds
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
sc464
I’ll email Sando and what he has to say, although I don’t always agree, I can curious as to his opinion. Really, the only opinion that matter is the coaching staff. If any of the coaches were to say what Urban said, I would give up and crown you guys the undisputed champions of right hahahaha. but until then, could just be that we have all watched every single snap, and we disagree. wouldn’t be the first time.
Re-watch the Vikings game. DRC was second in tackles, and his form was textbook. no arm tackles, no runners escaping for extra yards. Even when they were close to breaking, he would down them by their shoestrings, literally. I have been noticing DRC’s great tackling all year, but again, I don’t mind being proven wrong. So far I have not been though. The only thing that has been proven is that we disagree, and thats fine. Hey we’re all on the same team, and all pulling for the same team.
http://undrafteds.com/
it would help if I could spell....and write....hahaha
‘and see what he has to say’…..
‘I am curious as to his opinion’….
http://undrafteds.com/
Really, the only opinion that matter is the coaching staff. If any of the coaches were to say what Urban said, I would give up and crown you guys the undisputed champions of right hahahaha.
Right, because coaches routinely come out and admit their players weaknesses. While your at it why don’t you ask Grimm if Levi Brown has lived up to expectations because I’m sure he’ll give you an honest answer.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
easy Bezekira...
You are taking my words and changing the meaning. Obviously, I didn’t mean their “fake” opinion. I was referring to their honest analysis. An honest scouting report of players and their strengths and weaknesses.
http://undrafteds.com/
but you are saying it like that is something that is easily attainable
if you know we can find a true scouting report on NFL players, especially one derived from actual coaches, I’d love to know about it.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
theres been a misunderstanding
I didn’t mean to imply I had access to that data. I was just saying that that would be the ultimate opinion to hear.
http://undrafteds.com/
I think Collinsworth or Michaels said DRC could be the best Cornerback in the NFL if he had more experience.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.
Definitely
Not one of the better tacklers in the league. I thought he played a solid game last night, despite some debatable pass interferences. The one that looked blatant was actually within 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.
I'm tellin ya....I'm defending DRC until I see evidence to the contrary
I want to see DRC’s poor tackling this season. Anyone have a highlight to share?
http://undrafteds.com/
Early on...
…in the season I had noticed DRC was very aggressive in his tackling and was doing a good job of wrapping up opponents long enough to allow Rolle to come mop up. Then his aggressiveness became a liability as he started to whiff on some tackles (Colts game I believe) and from that point on he looked more like a square dancing partner to the opponent. His tackling has gotten better in recent weeks as his confidence improves again. He’s more Deion Sanders than Aeneas Williams at this point but all is not lost…he’s a second year player. Experience and confidence and a strong supporting cast (Wilson, Rolle, et. al.) will allow DRC to be the stud we see the flashes of.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
and just to clarify.....
I wasn’t saying that DRC hasn’t improved or that he simply can’t tackle. I was responding to the comment that he one of the “best tacklers on the team.” That statement, regardless of how much he’s improved, is simply false.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Agreed.
Adams is a better tackler. Rackers is a better tackler. But Warner is not.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
The thread has gotten so far off the original point...
…I forgot what it was.
Just like my response to qpq’s statement that Warner was making bad throws and Anquan was “da man”. Next thing I know I’m making confessions and pondering my agendas and motives.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
its good though...
Just as it has been surprising to you guys that some of us believe DRC is a good tackler, it has been surprising to me to find that some supporters find his tackling to be awful. It was shocking for me to read that. We have all been watching the same games, with widely varying opinions. so this is interesting stuff.
http://undrafteds.com/
you are saying two things at once
how can
“exactly….very poor tackler”
“very bad tackler = yes”
and
“I wasn’t saying that DRC hasn’t improved or that he simply can’t tackle”
co-exist?
http://undrafteds.com/
the above was intended to be a reply to Bezekira...
sorry the reply hopped down, not intentional
http://undrafteds.com/
I think the whole team woke up after Warners concussion. This is the best Ive seen as far as protecting Warner, the extra blocking was put in and used to perfection. Hope Whiz steps up these schemes and the players keep stepping up their level of play. Also was so happy the Cards didnt let let the Vikes off the hook in the final quarter and not let them back in the game, lesson learned in the Titan game.
Welcome to ROTB
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
It was funny
how on one of the TD passes (the sideline Boldin pass I believe), Allen was barking at Bridges, and he said a couple words and pointed towards the endzone.
Bring back the Baltimore Chop!
by dima1109 on Dec 7, 2009 11:46 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Lots of great stuff to say about the Cards
But I gotta hand it to B-Train Berry with his 2 sacks. He played like a man on fire last night and really got the stadium roaring with his big plays and celebrations.
Welcome back DbS
I haven’t seen you around since the Draft.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Thx.
I was in the live thread last night, too.
My Skins are almost never on locally, but I always watch the Cards.
Dbacks return to the WS in 2010?
Hey, it could happen.
I'm Late to the Party...
but I will defend DRC along with Undrafteds. I’ve watched every Cardinals game and, while DRC has missed a few tackles, I can’t remember any “standout” misses. I say this because, first, I don’t think we shoud be looking to our corners to provide us with big time hits. Personally, I’d rather our corners not have any tackles. This would mean we kept the running game away from them and they stopped the pass. I HAVE seen McFadden whiff several times this year on plays that turned out to be key 3rd down conversions or momentum swings. Also, I’ve seen Highsmith whiff a few times. Personally, there should be no excuse for a linebacker whiffing a 1 on 1 tackle. DRC, though, has played solid this year and I’m excited to see how he progresses into next year.
by SundayBlitz on Dec 7, 2009 4:33 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
schew....I was feeling like I was on an island out here! thx SundayB
Yeah sometimes things come down to reputation. Early on last year, I think DRC was 50/50 with tackling. Maybe that helped develop a perception about him, a memo I clearly didn’t get. I too have watched every snap and more than once this year I have thought to myself, man I wish all of our guys would tackle that well, especially for a scrawny dude @185 lbs or so.
Just today I watched the first half of last night’s game again, and all I saw was solid tackle after tackle by DRC, I want to know what I am missing?
http://undrafteds.com/
+1
I wouldn’t go and call DRC an elite tackling CB, but having seen every game he has ever played in the NFL, I don’t see him as a poor tackler, especially this season. He doesn’t miss, and when he gets his hands on the opposing player, more often than not he doesn’t get away.
We all bleed Cardinal Red, but most of us don't recognize it!
by robloosli on Dec 7, 2009 9:07 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
doesn't miss often
is what I meant. Everyone misses tackles every now and then.
We all bleed Cardinal Red, but most of us don't recognize it!
exactly, thats what I am asking those who think DRC is a poor tackler....
I want to SEE proof, not get more opinion. what I have seen with my eyes is that he wiffs less often than others, and if he gets his hands on the runner, will make the tackle the majority of the time.
http://undrafteds.com/
Watch the Colts game, Un.
That one stands out in my mind as well as the Texans game. You have them saved on the DVR, right? My wife deleted them for the Martha Stewert Thanksgiving and Christmas specials which, frankly, are better viewing than either of those games.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
Colts game
I don’t have the Texans game still, but as I have said all year, DRC played awfully in the Colts game in all facets. The Texans game I will hand to you since I don’t recall. Throw those two out. 10 other games, I am defending DRC’s tackling :)
http://undrafteds.com/
Okay then...
…the first Niners game is the only game I recall thinking “damn, that boy can tackle”. The rest of the schedule he’s average. “One of the best tacklers on the team” just doesn’t hold water, Undrafted, especially when you’re comparing him to Wilson, Dansby, Hayes, Dockett, The Howler, etc. Is he one of the best tackling CB on the team? Sure, but that’s a pretty small sample size and I’d rank Adams ahead of DRC on the “damn, that boy can tackle” scale. Now if Hood and Francisco were still suiting up in Cardinal red then DRC would be at the top of the list.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
well said
when compared to his defensive team mates, he’s below average.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
agree to disagree
I think this topic is dead in the water. you aren’t going to change my mind, and I am not going to change yours. DRC is one of the best tacklers on the team in my opinion, and not in yours. fair enough. Re-watch the Vikings game though.
And remember guys, I am a fan just like you. Not a hater, I am a supporter of all these players. I am not dissing on our D players by propping up DRC.
http://undrafteds.com/
Wow, an exchanged of opinions that didn’t end in accusations of hidden agendas and ulterior motives. Bravo, Undrafteds!
Needless to say I’ll be charting DRC’s defensive plays this Monday. ::smirk::
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
by Hawkwind on Dec 8, 2009 10:14 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Cheers Hawk
haha, yeah me too. and his first missed tackle I expect to hear about it from all of you! hhahaha. then again, maybe you can give me props if you change your mind as well :)
http://undrafteds.com/
I suspect we'll all change eventually as improved tackling comes with experience
And DRC has shown plenty of flashes determination to be good and will be with good coaching and practice. The kid has been a football player for little more than a full season, he’s way ahead of the bell curve.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
what any game except the Flacons last year and the Vikes this year
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
He has been getting 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.
Elite Corner Soon
I think DRC has the skills to be among the very elite corners in the league in coverage as well as tackling. He’s climbing up there quickly.
However, I didn’t understand why we were comparing him to Dockett, Dansby, Wilson, etc. I’m gonna say this, if DRC is EVER a better tackler than our defensive line, strong safety, and linebackers…be prepared to have the #1 pick in the next draft because we’ll be losing every game. It’s just apples and oranges when you make comparisons like that. Saying DRC isn’t on the same level in tackling as Dockett would be the same thing as me saying Dockett just isn’t on the same coverage level as DRC. Can Dockett cover Percy Harvin downfield? Should that be held against him? LOL. While we’re at it, I’m getting a little annoyed that Dansby isn’t the same quality passer as Warner. He really needs to step it up…haha! <—hope we all picked up on the sarcasm :)
if you don't understand the argument, go back to the beginning of it
Undrafted said that DRC was “one of the best tacklers on the team.” That where it all started and he’s sticking to that statement. For now we’ll all agree to disagree.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Dec 8, 2009 11:44 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
When in Rome
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
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