Arizona Cardinals Lose to 49ers 20-16: Offensive Breakdown
by Hawkwind on Sep 14, 2009 3:00 PM MDT
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PrintIn 2008 the Arizona Cardinals offense averaged 26.7 points per game and scored at least 21 points 12 times during the regular season (including both time that they played the 49ers) and if they could have managed 21 points yesterday, the Red Birds would be sitting at 1-0 instead of 0-1. Unfortunately for the home team though the Cardinals managed just 16 points and despite a solid defensive effort they struggled to move the ball, establish any kind of ground game or convert third downs. There were some brights spots but overall the dark clouds loom much larger than the small silver lining.
- 3rd Down Conversions: The Cardinals converted just four of 14 third down attempts and were a very putrid one for seven during the first half. The average distance on third downs was 7.9 yards and every single attempt included Kurt Warner dropping back for a pass attempt. Of those 14 attempts he completed seven passes for 86 yards and threw an interception.
- First Down Production: Oddly enough though the Cards were quite efficient on first downs. Warner was 11 for 16 for 135 yards (counting a five yard sack). Of the 29 first down plays during the game the offense averaged 5.7 yards per play which is surprising considering the average distance on third down attempts.
- Kurt Warner's Rythm:While I would never try to make excuses for Kurt's mediocre performance yesterday, I did get the feeling that he wasn't playing as poorly as some are talking about today. His final numbers (26 for 44 with 288 yards, one TD and two picks) were certainly hurt by some drops (four by my count) and another pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage. These five instances plus a couple miscommunications were enough to keep the offense off balance most of yesterday's contest. If a couple of those drops are turned into receptions then Warner's completion percentage is right up around his normal mid-to-upper 60's.
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Overall there's no sense sugar coating an offensive performance that was much more bad than good but there are a couple of things to remember. First the Niners always play the Cardinals very well, especially defensively and their secondary, for whatever reason, always play Larry Fitzgerald very well. Secondly the offense wasn't exactly stellar in last season's opener yet they still managed to have quite a year. It's obviously too early to panic and too early to start calling for anyone's job. It's a downer to drop a division game at home after being perfect against the NFC West last year but one loss is not reason to forget how talented this team is and how good they can be this season. What were your thoughts after yesterday's game? Are you panicking?
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I am very dissapointed
I know we still have 15 games to go, but still, waited a long time for this games and felt very dissapointed… the Hightower vs. Wells shouldn´t be a debate, Hightower showed that as a running back, he is a great receiver, but Beanie was the best runner of the two, he looked faster, and stronger, while Hightower got more chances he didn´t look good running the ball.
After the Green Bay game I wrote that Beanie should be the starter, and now I can say without a doubt that he is our best option at running back and Hightower can be the third down back…
Hope we do better in Jacksonville and get things going… GO CARDINALS
paco cabrera
2nd wake up call
preseason was the first
9er D moved warner out of the pocket and made him look old … idk what he was thinking holding onto the ball AGAIN and AGAIN, but you can’t blame the O-line in a timing offense for that … and I saw no ‘pop’ on warner’s throws, they were all floaters, and that is not a good sign
w/e is wrong with kurt he better fix it fast
Think we're starting to see why Spach was in free agency
And why he’ll be there again come week 4…
Like the bit on Hightower v. Wells. Based on that assessment, I agree that Hightower should continue to get the nod. Wells is probably going to have to show that he’s ironed out the rookie errors before Whiz gives it to him, and it may not come this year. Depends on Hightower’s production on the ground, and if the O-Line decides to step it up any time soon, but Tim is a more reliable option at the moment. Especially with (here it comes!) Castille being gone (sorry, had to do it). I am interested in seeing a backfield of Wright and Byrd, though, with three receivers split out wide… Whoever had pointed out the lack of adjustments in the game really made a point. We brought in guys just for this kind of thing, but where were they?
Whiz said part of the running troubles came from poor blocking in the secondary — result of having a banged up Q and no Breaston? Urban usually does a good job, but I’m not sure about Doucet or Long.
Frustrated Fan
obviously the pre-season has more indication for the regular season then people want to admit. Not necessarily the record but the quality of play from the team. 12 penalties!? Same old Cardinals. That has to change starting next week, this is the NFL, not pop warner. I’ve seen high school teams consistently play with less penalties. A question from the beginning of the game, why is LSH in there on so many packages? He was a 7th round pick, yes has up-side but is not very good right now. He is not that fast, just because you’re 5’6" and you’re legs are pumping as fast as you can doesn’t give you NFL speed. Beanie needs to play more in my opinion, he is the better pure runner and his negative runs were because we came out in packages that screamed running play to the 49ers and Patrick Willis blew them up. If the penalties continue and Whisenhunt doesn’t wise up on the playcalling I’m prepared to say ‘Same old Cardinals’ all year. But as of right now, GO CARDINALS!
by cardsfanforlife24 on Sep 15, 2009 1:49 PM MDT reply actions
A Few Observations
The collective athletic arrogance of the 08/ 09 Superbowl run is not there on the offensive side of the ball.
QB— The touch, timing , anticipation and accuracy we have become accustomed to seeing from Warner was/is not there. While, Warner was pressure all game, he left too many plays on the field. Warner needs to play bettter and probably will.
OL — Gandy and Brown were overwhelmed and consistently beat by the 49er DE’s all day. Gandy and Brown’s lack of power and pop at the point of attack concerns me a great deal going forward. The stunts the 49ers D-line ran gave the Cards O-line problems.
RB — Hightower is a one-cut down hill runner who runs with good power and determination, gets low before contact and really finishes all his runs. That being said he is best as a back-up RB. I wish he would play within himself more (not try to bounce so many plays outside). Wells is a work in progress. The talent is there however. Wells has the exposiveness and elusiveness that Hightower does not.
WR - Fitzgerald is now being called the best WR on the planet. Figure out way to get open Fitz . We’re watching. The NFL is watching. Boldin was not targeted enough in this game to have any meaningful impact. Urban lacks the consistent concentration , especially when running routes across the middle , to be anything more than a 4th WR. Too many drops. Lance Long is nothing more than a # 6 WR on any depth chart. Breaston’s ability to get verticle is really important to this offense. Get well Breaston.
Offensively they better get it together. And get it together quickly or else 0-3 becomes a real possibility .
After Warner’s first pick and especially after his second, you could see the gears in his head turning.
He was actively looking to not turn the ball over again.
Which is sorta good, when “Bad Kurt” shows up it feels like there’s always a +4 in turnovers.
The downside is that he holds onto the ball too long when in that mode.
And almost all his best plays are when the ball is out fast.
With the score being what it was, they needed to try to get back in it by rushing more and passing from traditional sets. Telegraphing constant passing wasn’t helping much.
Of course, it all starts up front and the line failed all day long. No holes, no protection.
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