Arizona Cardinals Get Embarrassed by Colts: 31-10.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 5:01 AM MDT
in 2009 Season
42 comments
Who would have thought at this point in the season, that the Super Bowl teams from last year (Cardinals and Steelers) would start the 2009 season 1-2. The difference between the two is that the Steelers have barely lost their two games, while the Cardinals have been embarrassed in theirs. This is something that can't happen on a weekly basis, and most definitely should not be happening at home. If the Cards want to even think about going to the playoffs this year, they are going to have to fix the problems that they've been experiencing so far this year.
The Good (Not a whole lot of Good out of this game for the Cards)
- Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Anquan Boldin: These three receivers brought their game on Sunday night, by combining for 20 catches, 253 yards(12.65YPC), and 1 touchdown. There would have had even more yards and tds, if Warner had not overthrown them on certain plays, and if the offensive line had given Warner more time to throw(is this deja-vu from week one?). If anything, the receiving unit cannot be blamed for the loss.
- Ben Graham: The Cardinals Australian punter continues to pan out to be a very good acquisition from late last year for the special teams unit. He continues to kick the ball deep, to pin opponents within their own 20 yard line. His hang time has improved, giving his teammates the time needed to get down the field to make sure the opponent has no where to run the ball.
The Bad
- Penalties: The team had just 5 penalties for 35 yards but some of them brought back important plays. Fitz had a catch in the third quarter on third and sixth for nine yards that was called back because of the holding call on Mike Gandy. Another holding call, this time on Levi Brown, on third and fifth, brought back a first down pass to Breaston for eight yards. There was also a delay of game penalty in the fourth quarter that was unnecessary. These are inexcusable at home, even if your are getting killed. These drive killing penalties have to be a top priority for Ken Whisenhunt.
The Ugly: (Where to Start...)
- Kurt Warner: Do not let his 332 yard game fool you, those yards are a product of 52 passes. Warner's problem, much like his week one problem, was that he did not have the protection to throw well. He still made some head scratching decisions with or without great protection. The most notable bad decision, was the first and one pass that was picked off right before the half.That alone could have given us some momentum going into the locker room. Another bad decision came in the fourth quarter, when he got sacked for a loss of 28 yards on fourth down. Warner finished the night with 2 interceptions and one fumble (not lost). Warner is the key to success for this team and he has to stop having games like this.
- The defense: The defense played like they played against the Packers in week three of the preseason. They had too many blown coverages, failed to get pressure on Peyton Manning, and couldn't stop the run. They looked like that D from 2008 that would play good one week, and then would get blown to pieces the next. This is something that needs to be fixed fast, if they want to ever be considered an elite team in the league, although an elite level might be a stretch to even mention at this point.
- Offensive Line: This unit allowed four sacks on the evening, and allowed Warner to be hit on just about every play. This unit looks nothing like the unit from last season, that seemed to give Warner just the amount of time needed to get the pass off for a completion. They now give Warner just enough time to either throw the ball away, throw an interception, or get sacked. This unit can play better and has to play better. A change in the startering unit might be warranted soon however, maybe moving Levi Brown to guard, or giving Brandon Keith a chance at right tackle.
- Running Game: It really isn't fair to say the running backs were ugly as they only had 12 carries, but those 12 carries were ugly. They only managed to get 24 yards, which is a measly 2 yards per carry. Part of this problem again goes towards the blocking of the offensive line, and the fact that they did not get enough carries to really get going. They still they have to do better with the chances they get though. Tim Hightower had one of the most important plays and momentum swings in this game. He lost a fumble in the red zone that led to the Colts getting a 7-3 swing, in what most likely would have been a 10-0 lead for the Cards. After that play, the Cards just couldn't get back in sync with each other. The fumbles by this unit have got to stop, period.
Games like this are nothing new for the Cards, as they played like this at times last year, although they hoped they had alleviated those problems. They have to get these problems sorted out fast, as there are only 16 games in a season, and there's not a lot of time to spend on reinventing a style of play during the season. Most of us thought having a bye week in week four would be bad, but it couldn't come at a better time. Can the Cardinals fix the problems that have plagued them in week one and week three? Are these problems here to stay and are we looking at a long season ahead?
0 recs |
42 comments
| Add comment
|
Email
Print
Comments
I think it can be fixed but....
we definately miss Haley. I think Whiz needs to stop being so conservative in his play calling and realize once again we are a pass first offense. We were embarrassed at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Warner had no time and Manning had all the time in the world. Gandy was thoroughly embarrassed once again. Our run defense went back to the undisciplined group we all know from last year. I believe Warners problems are stemming from his lack of time. I have never seen such a good team play have the ability to play so poorly on any given Sunday. Whiz needs to figure out which players arent showing up and give them a very short leash so we can develop some consistency. One has to ask themselves one question…….did we just have a good month last year?
by danceswithwalleye on Sep 28, 2009 9:00 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Without Haley, we're a 5-11 team.......if we're lucky
I’ve said it before. This disaster, like the first game, has all the earmarks of an OC who doesn’t know how to call offensive plays for his team. Whizenhunt is beginning to prove to me that he has no business calling the game’s plays on offense with his slow developing pass plays that he insists on calling play after play. No wonder Warner is on his back at the end of each down. Whiz seems to have no feel at all for the defensive schemes of his opponent as it relates to the offenseive plays he’s calling.
The only short leash should be on Whiz at this point.
by rws on Sep 28, 2009 5:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very depressing.
I think you nailed all the key points. When you play a really good team you notice all of your flaws. We have a lot right now.
1) OL is really bad. Only a couple holding calls last night, but that is just because the zebras were letting them play a little more than normal last night. They could have called holding on almost any passing play (this is true to a lesser extent when the Colts had the ball). Are our lineman really that bad? Shouldn’t Grimm be getting something out of these guys? This unit has played together for a long time now (21 games by my count) and they just look horrible. Luckily for us there are only a few defensive lines that can expose this weakness to the point where it makes games unwinable.
2) RBs can’t hold onto the ball. C’mon!!!
3) Kurt seems to hold onto the ball too long at times. Combine this with #1 and you have a disaster.
4) I can’t decide whether to give the defense a pass on this one because the Colts make a lot of defenses look bad, but… We are so undisciplined.
5) Unwillingness to do what we are best at on offense. Let’s play some hurry up offense before we are down by 18 points. Too conservative on offense, both in terms of the plays called and the pace. We open the second half with quick striking plays and score a TD. They miss a FG, we have some momentum and then we slow down the pace. Scoring 10 points in that game is just bad.
I’m done bitching :)
I will say though that I’ve rooted for the Cardinals for almost 30 years (yes, I followed them to AZ despite the horrendous history). Disappointment from not meeting is much better than disappointment because there are no expectations. We just have to keep building. Let’s have a good bye week and come out swinging.
by jallred350 on Sep 28, 2009 9:16 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops.
left out an expectations. It should say…
Disappointment from not meeting expectations is much better than disappointment because there are no expectations.
I’m just so worked up today :)
by jallred350 on Sep 28, 2009 9:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its pretty simple
Blown coverages and poor goalline play resulting in turnovers will always result in a big “L” if your playing opponents like Indianapolis. Will this get fixed? Yes but when is the question? Are schedule is still tuff Houstons no roll over in week 5 and coming off a bye week and having this game at home will be a huge game for AZ. Too bad this game will probably be blacked out! If we pull out a W week 5 well still be in pretty good shape for this division. Dont give up hope, Whiz will fix our kinks and AZ should come back here by mid season with a winning record.
by azcardswinez on Sep 28, 2009 9:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Sigh
I regrettably attended last night’s game and I dont need to expand upon just how ugly it was.
I mean the Cards havent even bothered to show up to a home game yet this year. I know it’s only been three games but considering our usaully amazing homefield advantage this is really becoming something to worry about.
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
by Turambar on Sep 28, 2009 10:07 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
This game was ugly all around. DRC needs to stop guessing all the time. He has super ability, but it seems his youth is showing more and more when it should be going to opposite direction. The one drive where the Cards ran the ball(gaining next to nada)three times and punted was baffling. This is a passing team. No question about it. I understand the whole establish the run thing, but Come on now. Warner definitely forced that pick in the end zone near halftime. Not understanding why he didn’t just throw it away. It wasn’t 3rd or 4th down. All that crap about making Wells carry a ball last week for his fumbles should be applied to Hightower this week. A red zone fumble is the absolute worst. This season is not over by a long shot, but getting shredded for 505 yards is alarming. Oh yeah and I am enjoying the 0-3 start for Todd Haley and the Chiefs. He was a solid OC, but he just rode that Cardinal momo to a job he didn’t deserve.
by RB19 on Sep 28, 2009 12:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
We lost the trench warfare on both sides all night
It was sickening watching Manning take a nap behind his O-Line and go through 6-7 reads it seemed, only for him to hit an uncontested receiver way down the field x_x Our worries about Freeney were met last night (damn he’s got a nice spin move!) but it was just all-around ugly almost every down from this syv-like O-line. Although I noticed the downs they gave Warner sufficient time (probably holding) he was accurate and able to make some nice throws down the field so I’m not AS worried about Kurt’s ability. Whod’a thought Alan Branch would make the voting of “ROTB Cardinal of the week?” Also Kurts 28 yard sack was pretty hilarious, only after i knew he didn’t get hurt. Just laid another goose egg in the nest for the 2nd time this year.
by Fitz Jizzle on Sep 28, 2009 1:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair the defensive line was missing Dockett for a lot of the first half.
The O-Line though needs to step up and they have just as tough as a match up in week 5 against the Texans with Mario Williams and Antonio Smith coming to town. I think they possibly need to try someone else at right tackle (Levi Brown’s spot). Maybe move Levi to one of the guard positions and see how he does there because he is just not cutting it at the tackle spot. As for Gandy, I think this is his contract year and he definitely is not making a good case for us to bring him back. Maybe another look at Levi Jones is in order. (Probably won’t happen though as money is a problem for us right now).
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just finished watching the first half and have some additional thoughts.
Didn’t know Docket had left the game in the first half and you could how much of a presence he is based on how the D played in the first quarter compared to the second quarter.
Warner’s interception at the half should have been caught. Looked like it bounced right out of Fitz’s hands. Wasn’t the best of throws but a catch Fitz usually makes. Also, their was definite passer interference on that play and I really don’t know where the refs were looking because that should have been an easy call.
Guess it’s time to watch the second half now….
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 1:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The refs were rooting for the Colts?
Even Collinsworth said that they should have called that, and Boldin was screaming at the Ref.
by JoeCB1991 on Sep 28, 2009 2:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
So far that seemed like the only play they really missed. They’ve even missed a few obvious holding calls that would have gone against us. That play though was a real killer as it would have taken that interception away.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 2:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they just did not want to call pass interference.
!st Quarter: That 30 yard pass that Fitz almost had, seemed like Melvin Bullitt was there early (Collinsworth even mentioned this). This one was questionable and looked like it could have gone either way.
2nd Quarter: Boldin has Antoine Bethea all over him and was most obvious. This one should have been called.
4th Quarter: Breaston was tackled before the ball even came to him by Tim Jennings. This one should have been called.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they should have called the first two
I missed the third one.
by JoeCB1991 on Sep 28, 2009 3:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah yes
thanks to Collinsworth for reiterating on national TV that he believes the ’08 Cards were the worst team ever to make the super bowl. Not that we gave him any reason to say otherwise last night, pathetic.
"Have a take and do not suck or you will get run." - Jim Rome
by jonny-yuma on Sep 28, 2009 2:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, Al Micheals brought it up.
Collinsworth did seem like he wanted to talk about it.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
but i do agree that it seemed that Collinsworth couldn’t wait to discuss it.
"Have a take and do not suck or you will get run." - Jim Rome
by jonny-yuma on Sep 28, 2009 3:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
My bad...
Meant Collinsworth didn’t want to talk about it, as he just shrugged off.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
but for Al Michaels to bring it up, Collinsworth must have been discussing it off the air or something – no matter, at any rate, we did nothing to prove him wrong last night and we have to stop laying eggs like that to shed the reputation.
"Have a take and do not suck or you will get run." - Jim Rome
by jonny-yuma on Sep 28, 2009 3:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al brought it up because Chris was making fun of him for getting killed by Drew Barrymore and Bob Costas in a race on Jay Leno. (Drew’s score was from a different race). Al was just trying to make Chris look stupid because Chris was making him look stupid.
Agreed on the shedding the reputation though.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 3:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanna know why?
Why try to pass in the red zone against the best redzone pass defense the last five years!!??
Why all i hear is excuses from whisenhunt?
Why we dont establish a run against the colts?
Why we give up on running after 5 runs?!!!!!!
One thing i do know whiz’s play calling is so inconsistent it gives me anxiety!!
WHY DID WE EVEN DRAFT BEANIE WELLS AT ALL!!!!!
by card-deville on Sep 28, 2009 2:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't want to blame Warner for his bad night.
All of the blame goes on the O-Line for me, when he had time to throw he was making some great passes, but there was so much pressure on him that he only had 2 seconds at the least to make a throw most of the time, but it did look like he was getting desperate to keep us in the game a few times.
Whiz has to put them into some kind of boot camp practice after this.
by JoeCB1991 on Sep 28, 2009 3:56 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
After re watching the game Warner wasn’t nearly as bad as he looked being at the game. Only problems I saw was the one overthrown pass that would have gone for a TD to Fitz, he did have the time on this play to throw a good pass. Collinsworth pointed out that when Warner had time it seemed like he didn’t think he had as much time as he did to throw it. The line is definitely at fault for the bad running game and bad passing game.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 4:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And knowing how EA hates the Cardinals Warner will probably drop down to an 85 because of it....
And they won’t do **** with the O-Line.
by JoeCB1991 on Sep 28, 2009 4:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same Old Cardinals
Wow where to start…
1) I believe blame always rests with the coach. I swear Whisenhunt is a great head coach but as an oc he’s barely above legally retarded (don’t want to offend anyone just don’t know what else to say). Terrible play calls, even the announcers said it. Let Warner pick the plays and make whatever adjustments he wants. Our offense is lethal when we do the hurry up so why should we ever change from that? We score in like 2 1/2 minutes each time we run it so why not? So Warner had a record-setting game last week.. Why the hell did we double the amount of passes he had to throw, he is old and to rely on him that heavily is unfair. We gave up on the run. LSH sucks, Jason Wright (reject from the Browns) sucks, Tim Hightower, regardless of what anyone wants to think, sucks and is a goal-line back at best which as I said last week is not bad for a 5th round draft pick. Beanie is our only viable option for a quality running back (hence why we drafted him in the 1ST ROUND) and needs to at least be on the field and not only for running plays because then it’s too obvious for the defense.
2) Mike Gandy and Levi Brown are jokes. Gandy is the weakest 300 plus pound individual I’ve ever seen and got absolutely lit up on every play by Freeney and Mathis. Brown was such a waste. I still remember jumping up and down when it was our pick and ADRIAN PETERSON was still on the board, then we pick Brown and I think my exact words were ‘who the f*** is Levi Brown?’ Imagine having Boldin, Fitz, Warner, and Peterson in the backfield. I hate the Cardinals front office they collectively must have an iq of about 12.
3) DRC – you are not a star yet. You are not a shut down corner. You came from a small Division II joke of a school (community college status). Take that gold shit out of your mouth and focus. You have the potential to be one of the best but potential with no work behind it will simply stay as potential.
4) Stay hungry. I’ve seen babies get more passionate about losing their bottles then the Cardinals get about getting embarrassed in their own house. This super bowl let down crap is just that, crap. Teams mentally get the mindset that that’s the only game that matters and that they’ll simply walk their way into the super bowl again and that’s when they’ll focus to make up for the previous year. You have to stay hungry. We’re the Cardinals. We can win 3 superbowls in a row plus the world cup and people will say it was ‘just a fluke’.
I could go on and on and on about problems with this team but we are all already very aware of them. I’ve been a fan for as long as I’ve liked football, I love/hate this team because of all the potential we never live up to. Please turn this around Whiz, we don’t want to get another head coach in 2 years. GO CARDINALS!!! Even if they are the SAME OLD CARDINALS!!!
by cardsfanforlife24 on Sep 28, 2009 5:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Great post, I can see you are angry and so am I… I will just comment on your first paragraph… the play calling was awful anybody can see it, but I want to go back to your comment about our running backs we have put the blame on the Offensive Line (and sure they deserve it), but Hightower is not more than a third down RB, I won´t say good things about Beanie (last thime I did I was mocked and most people said that Hightower was the better running back) well guess what, we are back to where we were last year, and Hightower is still the feature back, he is a hard worker, but sorry to say it again, the talent is not there, no big runs, no big plays, he doesn´t break tackles, and if he ever does he doesn´t have break away speed… you know what maybe if Adrian Peterson was with this team, he wouldn´t be starting, because he can´t catch the ball out of the backfield… I understand Whisenhunt lost confidence in Beanie, but that is a luxury he can´t afford, hope he gets his chance after the bye, and show all his talent…. GO CARDINALS
paco cabrera
by pacocab on Sep 29, 2009 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't agree
Whiz didn’t lose confidence in Beanie. Beanie didn’t play much because TH is better as a pass blocker and better at catching out of the backfield. Beanie lost out on gaining a lot of experience in those areas when he missed the first two preseason games and most of training camp. He has the abilitly to break tackles and run the distance but because of his lack of experience it will be tough for him to be doing that so early in the season. Beanie will get his chances when we aren’t getting blown out. Look at the Jaguars game Beanie had a pretty decent game and even in the Niners game when it was close. Beanie will be fine.
TH is fine also. His cut has looked better and when he gets some decent blocking he actually will give you some decent yardage. He is also very good at catching out of the backfield and blocking in the pass protection. Right now he is better than Beanie.
As for not having AP, blame Russ Grimm for having to have Levi Brown. Grimm thought Brown would be the next best thing at tackle and we all know how that turned out. Frankley, I thought Brown would be pretty good also and was for drafting him over AP.
by Pyromnc on Sep 29, 2009 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Runners are supposed to run
I can see Hightower being better at blocking (Edgerrin James was much better) and catching the ball, but isn´t his primary job to run the ball?… I understand what you are saying, but that was after we trailed, why not run Beanie from the start, Whisenhunt waited until the third or fourth series to get him in, this was supposed to be the Colts weakness their run defense, why not give ourselves the best chance with Beanie… as far as Hightower being better than Beanie, I don´t see how he is a better runner, he can be more complete, but he is not a better runner, and I would much rather have the receivers catching those passes than Hightower, it´s like saying Wilson is a great Safety because he can blitz, of course he is great near the line, but at the end what makes him great is his combination of speed and power, and the ability to blitz in one play and cover a tight end on the other (that was the knock on Roy Williams in Dallas, he couldn´t cover anybody). GO CARDINALS
paco cabrera
by pacocab on Sep 29, 2009 7:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
All good points…not much to disagree with here.
- is a great point and honestly should be the main focus of the organization from top to bottom. I work with people who need motivation and have good and bad days…it’s the bad times that define you as a person and organization. Honestly, you don’t have to win every game, but as someone else posted about the Steelers (also 1-2), at least be in a position TO win. That’s what the great organizations do time and time again.
I’ll still root and watch, but us passionate fans can’t will our team to victory…that has to come from the stars on the field.
by CaliforniaCardFan on Sep 29, 2009 11:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Without Haley, we're a 5-11 team.......if we're lucky
Without Haley, we’re a 5-11 team…….if we’re lucky I’ve said it before. This disaster, like the first game, has all the earmarks of an OC who doesn’t know how to call offensive plays for his team. Whizenhunt is beginning to prove to me that he has no business calling the game’s plays on offense with his slow developing pass plays that he insists on calling play after play. No wonder Warner is on his back at the end of each down. Whiz seems to have no feel at all for the defensive schemes of his opponent as it relates to the offenseive plays he’s calling.
The only short leash should be on Whiz at this point
by rws on Sep 28, 2009 6:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
How many times will you paste this comment?
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Sep 28, 2009 6:48 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Who do you think Haley learned from?
Whiz is fine at play calling, the problem is the offensive line isn’t giving Warner or the run game anytime to do things.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 7:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
They just need to be more balanced.
And stop using predictable offensive schemes…..
by JoeCB1991 on Sep 28, 2009 9:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And they need to try running it at least twice when it's 1st and 1, on the 1!
Damn it, that INT should never have happened because they should have used TH or Beanie and pounded that ball in.
Section 102, Row 18
by CardsFan08 on Sep 28, 2009 11:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should have only run it once.
I think we had just 1 timeout left right? So on 1st down give it to Timmy and let him do what he does best and that is getting in the endzone. It is easy to question the playcalling though when what happened, happened. We run plays like that all the time in that situation and they have ended up in a TD. This was just one of those times where it didn’t work and Warner should have just thrown it away to give us another chance at a different play.
by Pyromnc on Sep 29, 2009 7:13 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
holing penalties
holding Penalties werent so bad, im sure warner would have been sacked wayyyy more times if there wasnt holding going on. i saw a lot of missed holding calls.
by DORRITO on Sep 28, 2009 7:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
There was a lot of missed holding calls.
There was also a lot of pass interference calls missed.
by Pyromnc on Sep 28, 2009 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 Holding penalties isn't that bad, considering they could've called way more.
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Sep 29, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine how beat up Warner would be....
Without all of the holding we did.
by danceswithwalleye on Sep 28, 2009 11:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Join the community and dive in!
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
