Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Why We're Skeptical Of LeBron James

Will It Ever End?

Once again the Cards found a way to lose while enjoying a 4th quarter lead. As I said last week, "is it wrong that I no longer get upset after a Cards defeat?" As much as I root for my boys, I just can't shake that "same 'ol Cards" mantra that seems to be resurfacing. Although this is more a rebuilding year, than your average poor season, we are keeping that race close with inconsistent play all around. Today, we saw Derek Anderson not have a great day, but not destroy us with turnovers either. And Fitz finally broke 100 yards receiving. Special Teams was great as LSH once again took one to the house. I swear he should be a Pro Bowler this year. Our run game was anemic with Timmy getting most of the carries and doing nothing with it. Our defense was attrocious. Did I read that right? Did the one legged wonder throw for over 400 yards? Well of course he did. What else would you expect from our defense. I don't really feel like giving a full recap. I started re-watching the game to take notes, but decided to erase it. On to the next week. I just have one question. What one thing needs to be fixed to turn our season around? Is it getting a true OC, is it finding stability at the QB position, or is it replacing the DC? What do you guys think? 

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

Comment 49 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

All of the above?

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 7, 2010 3:24 PM MST via mobile reply actions   1 recs

Fixing all three would be too easy, and the best choice.

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 7, 2010 3:28 PM MST via mobile up reply actions  

Quarterback then.

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 7, 2010 4:04 PM MST up reply actions  

I think I want Chip Kelly as my next OC. The things he's done with Oregon.

Spread or not its impressive.

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 7, 2010 4:19 PM MST via mobile up reply actions  

I really really cant stand watching Anderson at QB any more

FOX acted like he was having a decent game when in reality was far from the case. The paper will show Anderson throwing for a decent amount of yards with no INT’s. Our QB never took command in in the second half when he really needed to turn it on. Instead he has the mobility of a man on stilts running just hoping to not get hit to hard. I know he didnt have much time in the pocket, but he still had enough time for at least a dump pass or slant route pass. none of that ever happened. how much longer do we have to be haunted with this reject . I say its time for on the field experience for both Skelton and Hall. its risky but who wants to subject themselves to Anderson anymore? WOW I can’t stand that guy.

by yumacardinalsfan on Nov 7, 2010 3:34 PM MST reply actions  

There are no excuses for this one. It's all on the players.

Can’t blame it on turnovers. It’s b.s. to blame it on play calling. It wasn’t the defensive scheme. It was piss poor execution. Wide open receivers over and over. Missed tackles. Broken tackles. Dreadful production in the run game. Total breakdown in pass protection late in the game. Anderson didn’t give away the game. His stats were okay until the line collapsed repeatedly in the second half. Still, except for two scoring drives the offense couldn’t move the ball. The defense is good for a few huge plays every game and proved it again today. Unfortunately they were piss poor for 90% of the game. Special teams were good. Can’t find fault there. KR for TD. Strip fumble for TD. Punts from the endzone that got out clean. No muffs or fumbles.

3 for 13 (23%) on third down.
Tackled for loss 6 times for -7 yards.
Sacked 6 times for -24 yards.
2.5 yards per rush play.
8 punts.
Time of possession 27:13 vs 38:05.
Gave up 28 first downs.
Gave up 427 yards passing.

by hadrarius on Nov 7, 2010 3:35 PM MST reply actions  

All this and we're still only 1/2 game back from the lead.

NFC Worst

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 7, 2010 3:40 PM MST via mobile reply actions  

I think that's what we have to focus on...

I’m frustrated, but I think they’re improving and showing signs of being better…
Maybe I’m drinking the kool-aid, but play the second half 6-2 or 5-3, make the playoffs and then let’s see what happens…..

by Cardzfan on Nov 8, 2010 4:47 PM MST up reply actions  

I'll go with QB

If we had a QB who stayed consistent the whole game, we would’ve blown them out. DA was decent during the 1st Half, but then in the 2nd Half, it happened.

But the problem is, because of his good numbers, Coach Whiz will name him the starter again. I want a new QB so that I can believe again. And not John Skelton.

by Skii on Nov 7, 2010 4:24 PM MST reply actions  

How bout that improved D?

I dont understand how Davis can call an excellent game at the start of the game and then go into hibernation in the 4th quarter. They ran the same formations for every play but 1 on the final 3 scoring drives for the Vikings. The one that Davis decided to call a blitz on, Bevell had called a screen and AP gained 30 yards. Davis was out coached and Wiz needs to take control of this Defense before the season is over. Bring on Cower for DC! To illustrate how pathetic the D was, on one of the scoring drives for the Vikes, an injured and “slow” Harvin beat a “healthy” Toler on a slant down the right seam and out ran him for a large gain when they had third and long. He got the first down and made Toler look like a high schooler. The O played good enough to win. If the O line could block DA would have had a big game. Terrible play calling in the 4th. Run the damn ball and run time off the clock. What does it hurt because the O line cant protect DA long enough to get a pass off. Just as well run the ball and take the time off the clock. I am a huge Wiz fan but he needs to take control of the play calling. I know that Miller is doing alot of it. Lets not forget that Minnesota is a great defensive team. The Cards are not!

by willienillie on Nov 7, 2010 7:33 PM MST reply actions  

That was one of the things that bugged me about this game...

that Harvin and Farve were being held together by chewing gum and string. How the Cards could not take advantage of that is woefully disappoinging.

by SammySushi on Nov 7, 2010 8:40 PM MST up reply actions  

I think they were getting worn out by the end of the game

Minnesota had a huge TOP advantage.

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 7, 2010 8:46 PM MST up reply actions  

The offense did not play well enough to win.

They had two decent drives. That’s it.

Bill Davis did as he does every game. The defense never adjusts well as the game progresses. He should be replaced but I saw too much bad play on the field to lay this loss at the feet of the coaching staff.

by hadrarius on Nov 8, 2010 6:41 PM MST up reply actions  

Good enough to win

The coaches job is to put the players in the position to succeed and win the game. The offense had a 17point lead. They did not turn the ball over. The Cards stopped changing their defensive formations and coverages in the 4th quarter. The NFL network guys broke it down pretty good. The defense became so predictable that Farve new where he was going when they lined up on the Ball. Still doesnt explain how on the 1 Blitz that they ran on that last touchdown drive how the vikes new it was coming and AP gained 30+ yards. The vikes constantly attacked the seams with quick slants. The Cards in the first half defensed that and had 2 picks. They stopped for some reason. Yes some of the players looked lost on some of the plays but still how do they not take time off of the clock. Of course if Rhodes tucks the ball away instead of carrying it like a purse then it might not have mattered.

by willienillie on Nov 10, 2010 9:37 AM MST up reply actions  

The offense didn't execute in the fourth quarter.

They could have sealed the win with a sustained drive but could not get one first down. It wasn’t due to bad play calling. It was due to piss poor execution. I’m not disagreeing with you about Bill Davis’ defensive play calling. I’m saying it’s the same pattern of failure over and over on defense and yet, had the offense managed to do their part it would not have fallen to the defense to prevent Granpa Favre from setting himself a new record on his way to yet another comeback win.

by hadrarius on Nov 10, 2010 7:01 PM MST up reply actions  

I just dont understand

why they keep passing the damn ball…. wwe have an o-line designed to run, a qb designed to suck ass at passing, and 3 rb’s that are great when they hold on to the ball.

running also prevents the defense from spending the entire game on the field. I dont blame the defense for these losses. it is the offenses inability to move the ball and stay on the field.

and while i am a huge fan of whisenhut, i cant, for the life of me, understand why he hasnt adjusted.. RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would much rather see a fumble than an interception… RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN… then the defense can hold up in the 4th quarter and not be completeely gased.

by Flanpaw42 on Nov 7, 2010 9:12 PM MST reply actions  

DA's gotten better at passing

That’s for sure. Do any of you remember the last 9 weeks of DA?

With that said, I’d be surprised if any changes are made at the QB situation. All I’m saying is, DA better as heck play good at home. If he can’t perform good in front of the home crowd against the Seahawks Road Team, then it’s safe to say that DA is officially a Top 3 Worst QB.

by Skii on Nov 7, 2010 9:45 PM MST up reply actions  

had allot to do with the Vikes Def

they have very quick LB’s and they take away check downs and stuff across the middle, they bait you to try and go over the top … DA made some good reads and some good passes

by quid pro quo on Nov 8, 2010 11:28 AM MST up reply actions  

Check out the run stats and you'll see why they didn't keep running.

Look up the play by play. They only had two drives that got anywhere. The touchdown drive was 100% passing out of the shotgun. The field goal drive was balanced and had the only decent runs of the game, one for 11 yards and a couple for around 6 each. Everything else was around 1 yard. Hightower only had 39 yards on 13 carries. They ran the ball 21 times, passed it 27 times, one of which was the trick play when Breaston threw. They threw for 196 yards. They tried to run when backed up against the end zone to protect the ball and got stonewalled. I’m surprised they didn’t throw more. It was the only thing working for them.

by hadrarius on Nov 8, 2010 6:49 PM MST up reply actions  

Too Pass happy!

 The last tweo games he has passed in the 4th quarter instead of running down the clock. Half a yard and a cloud of dust will take off 30 seconds atleast. This 15 seconds and punt shit has got to stop!

by Reo Hays on Nov 8, 2010 12:17 AM MST reply actions  

We got "Whized" on, again!

You know the old saying, “Better to be pissed off than pissed on!”? Well, It appears we are both. Pissed off by the games that have been thrown away without explaination, that is being pissed on.
Keep your heads buried, it could not have anything to do with coach Whiz and his play calling. It must be the wind, or the sun was in our eyes, or maybe the QB needs gloves.
Wake up fans, we have all been fed Bullshit Soup. If the Head coach was intent on winning we would be winning. You can not consistantly put your brakes on during the last lap of a race and claim that victory was the intent.
I know, a lot of you guys can not bring yourselves to see the obvious. I apoligize for being the bearer of bad news, but this Whiz guy must go! I mean tomorrow would not be too soon. Tonight would be great.
He (Whiz) has officially turned me into a hater.
I was a disappointed Cardinals fan when he disrespected Bolden, I was skeptical when he bad mouthed Leinart. I was pissed when he dumped Leinart in favor of Anderson and two rookies in the week before the start of the season. No class, or Football intelligence, in this move or in the way it was handled.
The ownwership was made to look weak and without basic football knowledge to go along with such crass treatment of a valued employee, who happened to have been a first round pick and Heisman Trophy winner. A young QB that had been mentored by future HOF QB Kurt Warner. An employee that had been emerserd in the Cardinals System for over four years. An Employee that the franchise has invested millions of dollars in. The fans were excited at the prospect of watching the QB in waiting succeed or fail on the field of play.
We wanted him to succeed!
That is the last thing that Coach Whiz wanted. He did not care about the fans, the franchise or winning for that matter. He had some other alterior motive. Something that is good for Whiz and screw everyone else!
All I have to say about that is, good. The truth comes out in the end and even your most ardent supporters now have egg on their faces for their blind support of the Whiz.
I read them on this blog, tonight, trying to blame Anderson, the Defense, the Offense anything but the head coach and his play calling, clock management, game prep or consistant snatching of defeat fom the jaws of victory. Whiz has a knack for coming from ahead to lose in the final moments. Not such a great talent for a head coach, if you ask me.
Please look at reality and join me in calling for his dismissal, now! I can not take this charade any longer. He is not a head coach as much as he is a narcisist. No one in his right mind and with as much NFL experience could fail this dynamically without trying to do so. This is a crime against the innocent Arizona Cardinals fans. They just want their team to perform well and have a chance at success.
When the team is sabotaged by it’s own head coach, it is time to make a change for the good of all parties involved. No harsh words or treatment. Just a pink slip and a thank you note for participation.
Hire someone else and move on. Let the Whiz prove himself on someone elses team and someone elses dime. The Arizona fans have suffered enough.

by Arizona Retiree on Nov 8, 2010 12:26 AM MST reply actions  

Rec'd

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 8, 2010 12:26 PM MST up reply actions  

What?

So your sayin’ you dont like Wiz? I dont know what you are smokin but um…didnt the cards just recently go to the superbowl? Didnt they make it to the divisional round of the playoffs last year? How about Wiz’s first year as head coach? Didnt he go 8-8 with a team that Denny Green couldnt win with? Oh yeah thats right, Wiz also won a superbowl with the Steelers as the OC. I think he has proven himself plenty. He called the plays last year and has turned a lot of that over to Miller this year. Boldin made it clear that he did not want to be here in Wiz’s first year. Remember? He got all sore when they made Fitz a higher paid player than him. And if Wiz didnt want Leinart from day one cuz he is “not one of his boys” then why the hell didnt they trade him when they were getting offers a couple of years ago? Oh yeah thats right its because he sucks. He is 3rd string in Texas and will be cut before the end of the season and looking for a new job next year.

by willienillie on Nov 8, 2010 12:12 PM MST up reply actions  

Fail

Kurt was up and down all year, had injuries and missed a few games … it was Whiz that regrouped the entire team after a devastating loss @ New England

no one guy carries any football team … or plays both offense and defense for that matter

by quid pro quo on Nov 8, 2010 6:18 PM MST up reply actions  

Curious yellow?

If you had taken time to follow the blogs over at the Houston Texans site, you would know that the word is, they are preparing to move Leinart into the backup spot and re-sign him to a multi-year contract. He has impressed coaches and players alike.
As for the Whiz, without Kurt Warner to lean on he is hands down the worst HC in the NFL, bar none. Chilly proved that yesterday!
This is a “What have you done for me lately?” league. We, the fans, see what Whiz is doing for us and to us and we do not like it!
Next HC, please!

by Arizona Retiree on Nov 8, 2010 12:55 PM MST up reply actions  

It's all on the QB position

Our offense was still anemic. Derek Anderson would have screwed us to start the game if not for Greenway’s drop of the INT in the first qtr. That could have easily been a pick 6. We can ’t expect our defense to hold up when they were on the field for almost 40 minutes of that game. They played well, especially in the red zone, until the 4th qtr when they were worn down.

When we only get 13 first downs as a team, that’s a problem. DA is really only good for 1 drive a game. There were too many times our WR’s were open for a good gain only to have DA miss them.

I thought our o-line palyed fairly well. I know, 6 sacks looks like crap. If our QB could get rid of the ball in any kind of timely manner, we would have allowed maybe 2 sacks. DA is always only looking downfield. Check the flippin ball down! Opposing defenses don’t even cover our RB’s out of the backfield any more because they know the ball is not gonna go to them!

Maybe we have just been spoiled the last 2 years. KW would get rid of the ball fast when he needed to. He wasn’t perfect, he would have a 5 int game at least once a year. But at least we always had a shot. We knew that no matter how far behind we were we had a shot at coming back.

Retiree – Before you go on another mindless rant, check your facts. Before today’s game the Cards were 23-1 under Whisenhunt when taking a lead into the 4th qtr. Think about that for a second. With all of the struggles our D has had over the last 3+ years this was only the second time we lost when leading after 3 qtrs. Whiz has been great for our franchise. Maybe you enjoyed the days under Dennis Green, Dave McGinnis, and Vince Tobin. I, for one, am glad Ken Whisenhunt is our head coach.

by billydacardsfan on Nov 8, 2010 4:33 AM MST reply actions  

epic fail

 … other than your comment about Retiree

by quid pro quo on Nov 8, 2010 11:23 AM MST up reply actions  

Sacks

Most of those came at the end of the game. It wasn’t due to Anderson holding the ball too long or not checking down. The Vikings were collapsing the pocket at will. He had no time to react on most of the sacks.

by hadrarius on Nov 8, 2010 6:53 PM MST up reply actions  

It's mostly QB

I have been saying it since Warner retired (although at that time I was talking about Matty). If a QB steps up for us this is a 10 or 11 win team in the NFC west, if we have ok QB paly we are 8-8, if we faulter at qb we are 6-10.

I do also think the wiz should give paly calling to someone else.

I am actually surprised by how well the D and the defensive coaching are doing (they just get almost no help from the O).

by Drullin'OverDaCards on Nov 8, 2010 9:05 AM MST reply actions  

Well..

In my opinion Whiz needs to give up the play calling duties. Fourth quarter play calling was weak and OT was run like a two minute drill. Three passes and a 4 and out.

We need a new defensive coordinator. Our defense is too talented to be as bad as they are.

Obviously we need a decent qb. I dont think we have one. I think DA gives us the best chance to win this year.

All in all I still think we have a good team but these changes need to happen soon before the team starts believing the same ole cards bs.

by danceswithwalleye on Nov 8, 2010 10:51 AM MST reply actions  

is it wrong that I no longer get upset after a Cards defeat?

no … it just means you haven’t been a fan that long :)

To me it seems obvious that we don’t have a running game and our OL is inconsistent at best … the rest of the problems stem from there

On defense I think we lost allot in free agency, but we retooled well, and in many ways have played better than I thought … my harsh criticism would be that A. Wilson may have lost a step, and he isn’t troy polamalu … but I love the guys so it’s hard for me to say

by quid pro quo on Nov 8, 2010 11:20 AM MST reply actions  

1991 is when I became a fan.

But that’s beside the point. Until a few things are fixed, I just see this season as rebuilding. I predicted 11-5 at the start of the season. I have since softened my stance. Once the QB position gets fixed it will once again mask our other deficiencies. But you are right. Dub can no longer cover. He needs to be moved to LB. Just my $.02.

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 8, 2010 12:48 PM MST via mobile up reply actions  

11-5 was probably reaching

I will say this … when Whiz got here I saw an immediate change in the running game, even though he played to Warners strengths in the passing game … Once Warner left I thought we would shift to a run heavy team, but we really haven’t, and the run blocking has gotten worse.

I think Whiz loves his players, and he wanted to let the team evolve, and it’s backfiring on him hardcore … It might be a bigger issue, but no one around the league thinks about or cares about the Cards … Whiz is a smart guy with front office support, so he is going to let this season play out, but if there aren’t major changes in the off season even he will have to question the front offices desire to win … and I’m not just taking about a QB

We are in a soft division with a great shot at the play-offs, and chances like this year don’t come along for every team … I’d like to think if they had it to do over they’d have spent big bucks on a QB, but the truth is our defense still isn’t good enough to carry us through the playoffs

by quid pro quo on Nov 8, 2010 6:35 PM MST up reply actions  

Thank you!

I was searching for someone to say it. If no one was going to, I would have. I saw over and over Adrian Wilson get schooled. Now, I know everyone is always his biggest fan, and he should be a career Cardinal, but oh my hell! Favre must have realized that whoever AW was covering was about to make a big play. I can never bring into question AW’s passion, heart and skill as a hard hitting safety, but his coverage skills are subpar.
I still think he’d be a great outside linebacker. Its too bad he wasn’t suggested to make the move earlier in his career. The move would have maximized what he does best, kicking QBs asses and punishing whoever else has the ball. Hindsight is a bitch.

"When life gives you lemons, I say f**k the lemons and bail."

by SGM on Nov 9, 2010 12:46 PM MST up reply actions  

It's a little bit of everything

The offense, the deffense, the coaching so let me try to disect it.

The offense is inconsistent and very limited, we are not great or good at anything, we only have one superstar in Fitz, thats it, the line has improved, but is not good enough to run on the vikings deffense when they are expecting a run, and couldn’t protect Derek Anderson, when the team needed them to step up… as for Anderson, he is not Kurt Warner, not even close, he looked scared in the fourth quarter and in overtime, same in the Tampa game, he tood a sack in the final seconds just as he did yesterday, he didn’t even take a chance with Fitzgerald… and speaking of Fitzgerald, as much as I love the player and believe he is our best player, I don’t think he is playing as good as he played in the SB run, when he simply dominated opposing defenses; one last about our ofense, what is going on with Beanie Wells, I really hope he blossoms eventually, but so far, the production has not been there…
As for the defense, they are what they have been for the last three years, they are not an elite unit, they are at the middle of the pack at best, maybe we overrate some of these guys, Adub, is great near the line, but he is not that good in coverage, Docket and Campbell are not dominating the way we expected, DRC has been beaten, Porter is doing better but when the team needed a big play badly no one showed… as for the coaching it could have been better, I really dislike the pass play on third down at the end of the fourth quarter, but I think they can get the best out of this group…
At the end this is a team game, and as a team the Cardinals need to regroup and make a run at the division, is very winable and the schedule sets up nice for the second half, so I will keep rooting for my team, and I still like their chances for the Division… GO CARDINALS

paco cabrera

by pacocab on Nov 8, 2010 12:41 PM MST reply actions  

All of the above, and (most importantly)...

fix the O-Line. I like Russ Grimm, but with the big bodies we have on the line, they should do more. Protect, open gaps, etc… None of that happened (consistently) and maybe that’s on the coaches. For the running game to work and to minimize any quarterback’s flaws, the O-Line needs to show up, and step up.
At 3-5, that needs to happen now. They need to go (at least) 5-3 the rest of the way to win the division. With the schedule they have, it’s actually possible (maybe even probable since Seattle and St Louis have tougher schedules the rest of the way).

by psknapp on Nov 8, 2010 1:24 PM MST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Arizona Cardinals blog for SB Nation network. Covering the Arizona Cardinals 24/7. Be a Redbird watcher with us, but please follow our community guidelines

Contact ROTB

Here at RotB we're always looking for new contributors or anyone just willing to give their feedback. If you'd like to become a contributor, create your own weekly segments, or just have a question or concern, contact me at rotb.sbnaz@gmail.com.

Arizona Birdgang Podcast -- Click below to listen to any episode you want!


Head Coach

Jess_root_small Jess Root

My_boy_larry_small Tyler Nickel

Coordinators

8217_1234799911513_1274651091_711766_4686824_n_small CardsFan08

Revan_small JoeCB1991

Assistant Coaches

577d914870be748ea886865adfe932ca_small Jesse Reynolds

Arizona_phoenix_bird_small Skii

Kiwiavatar_small khodder

Small cdeveau

Izzy_reasonably_small_small GreaZzy

Rotb_small Mario Ortiz

Ukulele_small Joe Zuppa

Index_small Alex Mann