Arizona Cardinals Photo Of The Day: Branch Sacks Hasselbeck

by Andrew602 on Oct 27, 2010 2:17 PM MDT in NFL Regular Season

Just about one of the only things that went right in Sunday's disappointing loss to the Seahawks was the pressure the defense was able to force on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The Cardinals defense ended the day with five sacks -- by far the most they've recorded in a game this season. In the photo above, defensive end Alan Branch sacks and strips the ball from opposing quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

With five more sacks added to their total, they stand at 13 for the season -- tied for 14th overall. I can't help but still be concerned since the sacks against the Seahawks came after first round pick offensive tackle Russell Okung went out in the first quarter. Did the Cardinals take advantage of the injury? Possibly, and I can't fault them for doing it either. But with a 3-4 defense, pressure and sacks need to be generated regardless of opposing team's health.

On the flip side, the team the Cardinals play this upcoming Sunday-- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- have only recorded 5 sacks, which ranks them dead last in the league.

Defensive coordinator Bill Davis has been under some fire this season for his poor formations and lack of creativity with defensive pressure. Against a good home team this past Sunday, his defense forced several three-and-outs and numerous field goals -- giving the offense opportunities to remain competitive. The defense is finally starting to gel together, now it's on the offense's shoulders to straighten things out.

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It's our home game

I am confidence our O and D will step up. I figure if we win all of our home games and one road game (carolina game), we still end up 10-6 and playoff. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I think Hall will be better at home than on the road, and that is what I expect to see this Sunday. Go Cards.

by safford on Oct 27, 2010 4:17 PM MDT reply actions

The defense has been vastly improved over the last 2 weeks.

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 27, 2010 4:49 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

1+

what do you guys think about LSH? I think he has a phenomenal year. He just makes play. Recent article you post about interview of Kurt Warner on KTAR. He emphasized more playmakers. I think LSH should be incorporated in the offense more. We seem to get positive yardage with LSH. What do you all think?

by safford on Oct 27, 2010 7:31 PM MDT reply actions

Completely agree with getting LSH more offensive opportunities.

He leads the league in kick return yardage (even without his TD that didn’t count). The seven yards per carry performance he put on opening week should have led to more chances. If the QB situation was more settled I think he would have had it. With talk of simplifying the offense or reducing the playbook for Max Hall I’m not so sure he will get the chances he deserves or that he will be used creatively. Then again with fumblitis going around he may indeed get more carries.

by hadrarius on Oct 27, 2010 7:38 PM MDT up reply actions

+1

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 27, 2010 8:11 PM MDT up reply actions

Sacks

Branch’s two sacks came from the right side of the offensive line so Okung was a moot factor there. Washington came through the gap between left guard and center if I recall correctly. Maybe it was between guard and tackle but either way the left tackle was already on a block when DW came jetting past. Again Okung in or out of the game wasn’t a factor. Campbell and Porter both come through the left side of the offense so those two sacks could be related to Okung being out.

by hadrarius on Oct 27, 2010 7:43 PM MDT reply actions

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~Luke at EAS

by EasBrand on Oct 28, 2010 1:44 PM MDT reply actions