Arizona Cardinals At Kansas City Chiefs: Three Keys To Success

by Andrew602 on Nov 20, 2010 6:01 AM MST in NFL Regular Season

The Arizona Cardinals head out on the road -- again -- and take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. Although the division is slowly slipping away, there remains hope. The Seahawks stand alone at the top, but are not untouchable. What makes things difficult are the two wins they already hold over the Cardinals. If Seattle can ride a long losing streak and the Cardinals battle back, the season can still be saved. It all begins with a win in Kansas City.

Third down production - One of the Cardinals biggest faults this season has been their abysmal play on third down. Right now the Cardinals are 31st in the league with a 29.1 completion rating on third down. To better put it, they are only converting three first downs for every ten attempts. The Chiefs defense is middle of the road, currently ranked 14th allowing completions 37.8% of the time. If the Cardinals can't convert key third downs, it kills drives and keeps them out of scoring range. That's what has hurt the offense so bad this season and that is why they only have three victories. Ken Whisenhunt needs to call plays against the Chiefs that put the Cardinals in good range to convert.

Force Matt Cassel to play - The Chiefs are first in the league in rushing yards per game with 165.3. The Cardinals have struggled to stop the run. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the defense needs to play their best game of the season against the run on Sunday. If they can even slow the run and force the Chiefs to punt the ball, it will play to their favor. The Broncos destroyed the Chiefs last week because they held their offense to just 51 rushing yards. They made Cassell carry the game on his shoulders. The Cardinals best chance to win is to take advantage of a loss that is only a week old.

Involve Larry Fitzgerald - Rewind to the Super Bowl run two seasons ago. Remember when Larry Fitzgerald went off and single handily led the Cardinals through the playoffs? As crazy as it seems, a receiver can put the offense on their shoulders. Fitzgerald has been waiting for that all season and it's no difference on Sunday. The Chiefs receiving offense is ranked 22nd, allowing 253.4 yards a game. It would also be nice for Fitz to silence any rumors or a potential trade to Kansas City.

These are just my keys to the game, what are yours?

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Comments

People still believe that Fitz will be traded?

He already said that he wanted to play for the Cardinals for the rest of his career. Isn’t that enough?

by Skii on Nov 20, 2010 7:37 AM MST reply actions

Amar'e said the same thing

but when push came to shove it was about money … hard to say what will unfold

by quid pro quo on Nov 20, 2010 8:14 AM MST up reply actions

at least we know you're not a genius o0 JK

yeah … Cards have to stop the run

And the offense can help by establishing the run early, and controlling the clock

If the defense can play solid, and we can stay close and run the ball … we will be competitive (mistakes and turnovers could still cost us)

I’m certain Haley will have a few surprises

by quid pro quo on Nov 20, 2010 8:18 AM MST reply actions

Whiz will have a few surprises 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.

by JoeCB1991 on Nov 20, 2010 9:41 AM MST up reply actions

Keys

1) Score early – Give the defense something to defend, like the lead.
2) Stick with run game – Mix up end-arounds and reverses with student body left and Right. Utilize the speed of the backs and call a few QB draws for good measure. Pound the ground and put the pass on the shelf.
3) Play smash mouth football – Use the clock. Do not panic or get greedy. Make their defense stop our ground game, wear them out. Allow our defense to rest by using the play clock, do not snap the ball with more than 5 sec. on the clock. Dare the Chiefs Defense to stop the run game by being ultra deliberate. SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL!

This is the best chance for victory. So expect a plethora of passes and quick three and outs, or continued INTs in the Red Zone.

by Arizona Retiree on Nov 20, 2010 10:17 AM MST reply actions

Yes!

I want a smash mouth game! I want 150+ yards on the ground! I want vicious Beanie stiff arms!
Not DA passing more than 15-20 attempts…

by Jesse Reynolds on Nov 20, 2010 1:50 PM MST via mobile up reply actions

Strongly agree

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

by Andrew602 on Nov 20, 2010 5:45 PM MST up reply actions

I want the bookends to give up 2 or fewer sacks total.

If Dumb Ass has time in the pocket he might be able to trip over some confidence.

I want a lot of pressure from the front three. This would allow the back eight time to make plays.

I want Dumb Ass to throw into open areas where the receivers don’t have to fear for there life. There is a reason they don’t extend for the pass or run full speed on routes to the middle. They know the ball will be in a perfect spot to end careers. I can’t blame them.

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 Nov 20, 2010 7:26 PM MST via mobile reply actions