Arizona Cardinal Of The Week: Week Five
by Andrew602 on Oct 11, 2010 2:55 PM MDT
in Arizona Cardinals Player of the Week
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The Arizona Cardinals successful 30-20 victory over the defending champion New Orleans Saints proved to be the sweetest win so far this season. Max Hall previewed what he can be and the defense forced four turnovers. Football is a team effort, but there are always those who shine. Here are this week's nominees:
Kerry Rhodes - 6 tackles, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 TD
Rhodes became the first Cardinal in team history to return fumble recoveries for touchdowns in back to back weeks. He also rolled much of the momentum in the Cardinals favor with the score. Rhodes play-making ability has proven to be a success after the Cardinals faced criticism for allowing Antrel Rolle to walk this offseason.
Max Hall - 17/27, 168 yards, 62% completion
The numbers aren't astounding but Hall's tough play was the difference between he and former starter Derek Anderson. Hall's commitment to move the ball down field put the Cardinals in several scoring opportunities. His completion percentage was also a relief to what we had previously witnessed this season.
Larry Fitzgerald - 7 catches, 93 yards, 13.3 average
His 93 receiving yards were a season high but that isn't what stood out for Larry Fitzgerald. He became rookie quarterback Max Hall's security blanket on Sunday. He caught two passes off of beautiful throws near the sideline and made a difficult catch over the middle while being face-masked as well.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - 4 tackles, 2 PD, 1 INT, 1 TD
DRC put an end to any sort of comeback the Saints were attempting to make on Sunday. After the Cardinals led by just three points, Rodgers-Cromartie picked off a Drew Brees' would-be pass and returned it to the house to seal New Orleans' fate.
As always, if you feel anyone should be realistically added to the list, leave a comment listing who and why. Which Cardinal did you vote for?
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Fitz
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Fitz had an awesome game
But, I’m giving it to Hall, just because he clearly gave the team a needed boost to show up for this game.
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
Personally, Dockett,
he was doing something this game. Lot’s of pressure, stripped the ball that Rhodes took back and just seemed to be everywhere.
A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.
and then blocked for him too for the return for a TD
by cardsfanforlife24 on Oct 11, 2010 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Rhodes
are we really missing Rolle’s big play ability? two FRs for touchdowns in back to back weeks and he’s not blowin coverages at all.
Fitzgerald, easily
Rhodes had a great game, but he had great games before so in a sense, I wasn’t expecting anything less. Fitz on the other hand, really shone under Max Hall. He made other plays as well, such as catching the onside kick and recovering up the fumble. All in all, my votes are mostly “player that stood out” or “player most improved,” and it’s definitely Fitz.
Defense
Other than wining the game Hall was far from impressive … and honestly, not much different than DA … but the entire team played better, role players on the defense made several big plays … if the Defense steps up like that every game the Cards are going to be much harder to beat
still, a great start for Hall and a good confidence builder … but he has yet to show me he can make plays
Hall went 17 for 27
his completion percentage is what separates him greatly from DA. Completions keep drives going, keeps moral up, keeps tempo up, and keeps the ball out of the competitions hands.
by fansincejakenrob on Oct 11, 2010 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Fitz looked good
glad the knee isn’t a worse problem than I had thought
Hall was great for a rookie in his first game, but below average at best for an NFL QB
by quid pro quo on Oct 12, 2010 8:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Hall
The day we signed Rhodes I said he was an upgrade, and he has been playing really well this year….but a guy in Hall’s situation playing the way he did, gets my vote.
first undrafted rookie QB to start this early in a season since 1976 (Jim Zorn). Zorn lost, Hall won.
Somers said Max Hall did not win the game for the Cardinals, but we wouldn’t have won without him, for that I am certain. his stats didn’t win the game but his moxy and intangibles effected the entire team
http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer
He's still scared out there
poor kid has the deer in the headlights look
hey listen, he played well enough to win … but he also showed several weaknesses, including being tricked into trowing into coverage several times .. and teams will have a book on him now
His first (and only) TD drive he had a Brett Favre moment and made a total bonehead play … that resulted in a TD … other than that he failed to make a play
I do think he showed guts, and he came back well from the INT and getting several hard hits … moxy is a good word, but if you ask me the defense showed up because we were playing the SB champs, and they knew that would have to
by quid pro quo on Oct 11, 2010 4:13 PM MDT up reply actions
Like I said before
Give him time. He showed some promise, and he will improve.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
by JoeCB1991 on Oct 11, 2010 4:23 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
well
I thought Hall had the deer in the headlights look for the first series, and he made a bad decision throwing that INT, but after that my take was that he found his groove and to me, was no longer playing scared.
sure, he has room to improve but for your very first start 5 games into your rookie year? hard to ask for anything more than what he did.
but really, I think we are all in agreement that the future is now bright whereas before with D.A., not so much
http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer
I'm just being realistic
the last thing this kid needs is someone to tell him he’s doing great … and yes, I think he can improve
by quid pro quo on Oct 12, 2010 8:46 PM MDT up reply actions
We all think he can improve
But on Sunday he did show some things that make you feel optimistic about his future here.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
oh and just for Andrew :)
my boy Michael Adams had a a fine game himself. not saying hes MVP, but just want to point out he made a goal line stand (ok so he had a little help) and a few other really nice plays. and yes to be fair got beat for a TD. but Adams is a fine open field tackler, and had a solid game all around in more playing time.
http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer
stats
Adams according to Yahoo had 4 tackles, 2 t. assists and 1 PD
http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer
Adams kicked ass all day except for one play.
and considering all the corner backs brought in this season he’s definitely had to earn that play time.
i did notice
that our defense seems to play better when Adams has a bigger role. don’t know if the two are directly related but i noticed when Adams is making plays, our defense as a whole is quite a bit better
by cardsfanforlife24 on Oct 11, 2010 11:43 PM MDT up reply actions
I was torn between
Fitz and Rhodes, but that fumble recovery was the play of the game. Antrel who? In the end, it was the defense that won the game, so my vote had to go to the defensive player. I like Hall and really think he’s going to improve, but he’s not the player of the week. Yet.
Rhodes
The fumble return for a touchdown was mostly being in the right place at the right time. But he seems to have a knack for that.
Toler would be next on my list. He had some nice pass break ups and jumped an in route for a INT
Though I would have to go with the D overall… I mean holding the Saints to 10 points from the first quarter on? Fantastic stuff.
+1
And did you hear the commentators. This was the 1st time in 26 games that Brees has thrown an INT in the 4th quarter.
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 Oct 11, 2010 5:04 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Toler.
He has been consistently finding his grove. He played a really good game. By season’s end I can see us having two shutdown corners and Mr #25. That Wilson fella aint too bad either when he’s not covering TEs.
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 Oct 11, 2010 5:01 PM MDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
+1
Was Rhodes on the TEs more on Sunday?
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
by JoeCB1991 on Oct 11, 2010 5:35 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah Toler....
…..That kid just continues to improve….great read on the INT to cut in front of Shockey, a number of pass breakups and solid tackler….4th round pick from St. Paul’s?! Now that’s some great scouting….
by BrothersGottaAndyHug on Oct 11, 2010 6:07 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Toler is sick with it! Matty and I have been high on the Toler horse every game.
He hit like a LB yet has the skills to cover people too. He’s a beast and was a great draft pick again by Whiz!
BTW, anyone else think Rhodes looks like Terrance Howard??? Woop that trick!
Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt or a Hurricane?
Hold on, hold on, what if the Hurricanes name was Whisenhunt?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!
Paris Lenon
Shoot he’s been a stud and a surprise all season!
by 209Cardsfan on Oct 11, 2010 5:14 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs
Totally agree
Lenon and Rhodes are duking it out for the best FA pickup since the Whiz era
by Cardsfan928 on Oct 11, 2010 10:35 PM MDT up reply actions
Our Defense will look stout once we get Hayes back!
Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt or a Hurricane?
Hold on, hold on, what if the Hurricanes name was Whisenhunt?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!
Thing about Hall is
He still didn’t play any worse than DA. Good part of that: it was Hall’s FIRST EVER NFL START, AGAINST ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE NFL. Not his sixth NFL season. There’s only room to go up at this point.
Bloggin' 'bout AZ sports ... SB Nation Arizona
Hall
played the game plan perfectly after that 1st series Int.
The team followed his lead.
From Peter King—SI .com
his teammates loved him for it. "After he got lit up on that play,‘’ guard Alan Faneca told me, "when he laid it on the line for us — I mean, we were behind him before that anyway, but when he did that, we were going to lay it on the line for him the exact same way.’’
The defense stepped up after that play as well. I think Leinart was released specifically because he didn’t have that fire that would make his teammates run through a wall for him.
I have sooo much more confidence for the rest of the season now then before this game.
GO CARDS!!!!
No more night. I have seen the light. Let it shine on bright.
HANG HIM HIGHER!!!
by Cuckoo for Coco Puffs on Oct 11, 2010 6:10 PM MDT reply actions 3 recs
+1
on Leinart. no sense of urgency, no fire. no risk taking. Hall is the antithesis of Leinart.
at this point, Whisenhunt is in line to look like a genius after the dust clears. how many coaches would have been bold enough to cut Leinart, replace him with D.A. knowing if he failed only Max Hall was behind him?
pretty bold to trust Hall so thoroughly, based at least part on gut feeling. I mean lets face it, Leinart was not cut b/c of D.A.
http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer
Hm
I still think Whiz is right on DA in his comment that DA is trying too hard to be perfect. I notice that most of DA’s early drives tend to be excellent until something happens (such as a flag and a TD being called back), and then DA breaks down. After that, it’s like dominoes, plays failing one after another. I still truly believe that DA panics when something bad happens and tries to “go the distance” to prove himself, only he can’t. Hall may not be much better than DA, but the fact that he can keep his mind straight will help us not have stupid turnovers. At least when Hall struggles with a TD, he still makes it for a FG. When DA can’t throw that TD, it’s 50/50 interception because DA wants that TD.
by KholdStare88 on Oct 12, 2010 4:13 AM MDT up reply actions
Voted for Maximus
because for the first time this season I feel okay about the QB position. He wasn’t the best player on the field by far but all the same he’s my choice. If I were voting on MVP through all five games it would hands down be Kerry Rhodes.
Some more points for Fitz
He snatched up the onside kick.
He recovered Ben Patrick’s fumble.
He prevented an interception in the end zone.
Damn
I forgot about that beautiful play man. Whether it was just instinct or quick thinking, the ball was right in the hands of the defender and he slapped it away hard. Maybe 93 yards receiving isn’t Fitz’s best day, but he sure made some other great plays.
by KholdStare88 on Oct 12, 2010 4:01 AM MDT up reply actions
Washington?
Didn’t look at the stats since the game, but during the first half (when I checked) he had four tackles. I didn’t see anyone mention him, but I’m curious as to takes on his play.
"The true test of a person's intellligence is how much they agree with you."
Washington had 6 tackles.
I thought he played a great game. Think he got subbed out a lot during passing situations when they brought in the extra defensive backs.
He is impressive
He won’t be playing as much once Hayes gets healthy, but he should still be in the LB rotation.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Washington is impressive
I saw him made several key tackles during the Saints game. Okay, so he doesn’t get 11 tackles every game. But many times we make a huge stop (that isn’t an interception), Washington is there. Key player.
by KholdStare88 on Oct 12, 2010 4:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Levi Brown anyone?
Heck that’s probably the highlight of his career. Seriously though, Max Hall deserves this one. First start as an undrafted rookie qb and he beats the reigning super bowl champs. Granted it wasn’t a great game by qb standards, but he did what was needed to win and he showed lots of guts during the game. Defense definitely won the game, but if it were DA in there, the Saints would have won no question.
I voted for larry because he secured the ball when Max seemed to throw out of bounds or overthrown, in two occasions Max threw the ball when Larry had 2 receivers and still managed to grab the ball and secure the first down, one for a 3 & 7 and another to gain like 25 yards so making those grab really secured the lead and the ball
I didn’t get to watch the game but was pleased by the results. I will admit I have been calling for billy’s head recently, but it was nice to see the D win a game. It is not that long ago that we would be losing these close games. Whiz has brought a new toughness to this team and we are starting to see the results. gutting out 3 tough wins that we would have lost during the Denny Green era. I am still skeptical of Bill Davis. was he less predictable this game and were our guys more disciplined?
I'm still troubled by Billy
All the articles indicate on the defense (the players) wanting to play better after the previous 41 point loss. I’m not sure much of the defensive credit can go to Davis. We can’t say he’s good if we have a man for every receiver. They also had a 3rd string back and he still did some noticeable damage on us. The first TD made me cringe, because the receiver just stood there…no running, no jumping, and he just caught the ball. Our blitzes still don’t work (most of the hits on Brees are more of the Saints OL collapsing). I truly think 90% of the credit goes to our players for the excellent defensive play.
by KholdStare88 on Oct 12, 2010 4:08 AM MDT up reply actions
Kerry Rhodes
hes been such a monster, easily an upgrade over rolle. i always thought antrel rolle got too much recognition for his good plays and not enough for his terrible ones. and i feel like we can only pick fitzgerald as player of the week when he scores. he still had an awesome game but i think we pretty much always know he can do more.
side note, the security question when i registered to make sure that i was a human was “what is the opposide of bad?” my answer was “max hall” and somehow i got it wrong… whats that about? haha
It should've been, "What is a synonym for bad?"
And DA would be a right answer.
by KholdStare88 on Oct 12, 2010 4:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Bill Davis
I hate to say it, but the gameplan against the passing attack of Drew Brees was spot on. With the depleted running back group we focused on doing something I didn’t think we could do, stop Drew Brees. If it wasn’t for Kerry Rhodes missing the sack on the TD play that burned Micheal Adams, we would have held the Saints to 3 points after the first quarter. I am not a Davis supporter by any stretch of the imagination, but he finally got one right.
by billydacardsfan on Oct 12, 2010 7:38 AM MDT reply actions
He did last year against the Vikings and Giants.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Supposedly in the team meeting monday
The defensive players not only critiqued and held themselves accountable they did the same with the coaches.
I heard that Davis said what he was doing wrong too.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team(s), throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Thats what I was trying to say
Hopefully Davis and the players keep each other in check and keep making big steps forward. Im expecting to see the defense really pick it up after the bye week and give the Cards some chances to win
I voted for Rhodes.
It had to be a defensive player. Rhodes was the best defender on Sunday when we played our best defense of the season. He is just a playmaker
by Suns Fan For Life on Oct 12, 2010 11:19 AM MDT reply actions
Tough call, but I'll go with Hall...
Stats were marginal, but you cannot claim that he didn’t fire up the entire team. The Cards haven’t played with that much passion yet this season.
Side note: I would have gone with Rhodes if he would have sacked Brees on NO’s TD pass late in the game. You can’t miss a wide open uninhibited shot on the QB.
by Roy Green was here on Oct 12, 2010 11:49 AM MDT reply actions
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