Will The Arizona Cardinals' Home Opener Be The Spark They Need?

by Andrew602 on Sep 22, 2010 5:18 PM MDT

Beginning a season with a two-game road trip isn't an easy thing to do. For a team struggling to establish an identity on offense and defense, it becomes more difficult. Clearly the Cardinals experienced the difficulty, emerging with a 1-1 record.

This week they'll open their home field against the fellow 1-1 Oakland Raiders, but how much does the home field advantage make a difference? The Cardinals did play better on the road at times last season, but that also could have been a testament of having Kurt Warner at quarterback.

Last season the Cardinals were 4-4 at home, averaging 21.75 points per game to their opponents 23.25. The 2009 team took longer then expected to outplay their opponents at home. This year, things could be the opposite, but that remains to be seen.

Derek Anderson, since 2007 has played considerably better at home then away. As you can see, Anderson's stats are greater across the board. Call it the support of the fans or the familiarity of the stadium, either way he's a different quarterback on his home turf.

Anderson Since '07	YPG	COMP	YPA	TD	INT	SACK	QB
HOME	189.5	54.1	6.5	20	13	18	75.8
AWAY	179.8	45.8	5.2	20	24	21	49.5

I know many of you are Anderson-supporters, so these stats should be comforting. I'm not saying that I don't approve of him, but I wouldn't be opposed to the Cardinals bringing in someone else either. It's not just Anderson that should play better also. Many players improve in front of their home crowd. Although the Cardinals couldn't get the ball rolling immediately last season at home, I believe that this team will. The Cardinals won both of their preseason games and have several players that feed off of the crowd(Darnell Dockett, Joey Porter, and Larry Fitzgerald).

One concern that I do have is the amount of Raiders' fans that will show up to the game. Arizona is populated with many black and silver supporters from the days before the Cardinals arrived. They also follow their team well and Glendale isn't that far from Oakland. We've seen other teams fill the stadium with their own fans before(Cowboys), and if that happens on Sunday it could impact the Cardinals "homefield advantage". Let's just hope that enough of our fellow Cardinals' fans show up to help the team improve to a 2-1 record.

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I hope so.

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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 22, 2010 5:44 PM MDT reply actions

Still Here

Until who knows when.

by KholdStare88 on Sep 22, 2010 6:03 PM MDT reply actions

I feel a WIN is coming.

You guys can take it to the bank. Our team always bounced back after a tough loss. Let’s get ready for the rowdy RAIDER fans. GO CARDS!!!

by safford on Sep 22, 2010 6:06 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

I think the criticism of the D from last week's game

Is going to fire up DD and AW. This week the Raiders are facing a whole different program!

by Birdman from Mesa on Sep 22, 2010 6:20 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

There was supposedly a players only meeting between the defense 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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 22, 2010 7:00 PM MDT up reply actions

I have a weird feeling

and I hope I’m right, but at some point (the Raiders game) I’m feeling like all the peices are going to fall in to place for this season and the Cards. It may not be the best season, but we’ll definitely start playing like a team and have a decent outcome. I’m not an Anderson hater either and hope he can pull it off and be servicable for a little while at the least.

Sorry folks, park's closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya.

by Ghettoboxx on Sep 22, 2010 7:59 PM MDT reply actions

It would be nice to see a big win.

Maybe all of the “experts” will stop bashing the Cards, just for a little bit at least.

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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 23, 2010 12:03 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

I hear you...

I get so sick of all the negative b.s. about our team. I think people on ROTB are more “experts” than half the actual experts are!

Sorry folks, park's closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya.

by Ghettoboxx on Sep 23, 2010 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions

A ton of people are picking the Raiders to pound us this weekend 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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 23, 2010 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions

That's funny because the other day I was thinking the same thing! So hopefully the Cardinals do come together like a fine tuned machine Sunday! Let's Go Cardinals!

by az78true on Sep 23, 2010 8:20 AM MDT up reply actions

yes

although it won’t be easy if Gradkowski is the QB. He is underrated IMO

http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer

by Undrafteds on Sep 22, 2010 9:41 PM MDT reply actions

i think Gradkowski is rated where he should be

but dont let me tell you different cause some think he’s the next Gannon… idk, the Raiders Oline is suspect and our Defense is not as dominating as advertised. I believe hightower will have a big run some where in the game cause raiders like to give atleast one 1 thirty yarder a game.

speaking of hightower… i believe he is the one that is underrated.

aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR

by gogomaplata on Sep 23, 2010 11:25 AM MDT up reply actions

hightower

is one of my favorite players, and I agree with you. but make no mistake, when healthy and in a groove, with decent blocking, Beanie Wells is the one to fear the most.

Gradkowski to me just has that “it” that you can’t teach…he just needs a chance. I thought it was a shame the Raiders even went after Campbell, b/c I have faith in Grad.

http://www.reverbnation.com/chrisfarmer

by Undrafteds on Sep 23, 2010 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Hopefully the defense performs well

And DA silences his critics with an amazing performance with multiple TD’s. Now THAT would be nice.

by Skii on Sep 23, 2010 12:26 AM MDT reply actions

Cards Fans outnumbered

I haven’t seen that happen since they left Tempe

by quid pro quo on Sep 23, 2010 7:07 AM MDT reply actions

and things in Tempe got better

after Plumber took us to the playoffs and beat Dallas

by quid pro quo on Sep 23, 2010 7:09 AM MDT up reply actions

Finally, hope has entered the picture.

Coach Whiz has stepped forward and taken blame for the poor play of the Arizona Cardinals. At least that is how I read it. He is quoted as saying that he still does not have a “feel” for his team. I respect the admission. You can not repair a problem if you don’t identify it first.
I have been very hard on the head coach from the end of the Rams game up until now. I expect a big improvement in efficiency on both sides of the ball. I believe that any head coach, with at least average talent, can steer a team onto a winning path if he stands up and publicly takes responsibility for the play of his team. Whiz has done that. Now he must take a look at his roster and play calling. With a few minor but possibly difficult adjustments this team could put themselves in a position for a return to the S.B.
The Cards are lucky to have a relatively soft schedule. Couple that with a beat down of the Raiders (not just a win) and I will be ready to join the Rumba line behind the coaching staff as we dance forward to the playoffs.
I believe Sunday is the put up or shut up game for Whiz and his coaches. They have discovered the problem, and it was them. All they have to do now, is to make the proper adjustments.

by AZ retiree on Sep 23, 2010 8:33 AM MDT reply actions

I like the PUT UP or SHUT UP game....

I don’t drink the IN WHIZ We TRUST kool aid. I believe he is a good coach. Every season is different and our team are different from the SB team. So the coaching staffs must adapt to the talents they have. Cards must consider this game as a MUST WIN and go out and win the opener to restore confidence in themselves. Go Cards!!!

by safford on Sep 23, 2010 10:44 AM MDT reply actions

Raider fan posting here...

wanted to wish you guys a good luck but im hoping the raiders pull this one out… 3-7 Cards lead at the half but Jani keeps us in the game in the second half and with the GW FG pulling the win for the Raiders 9-7. Im picking the under on this with the Raider @ 4.5.

aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR

by gogomaplata on Sep 23, 2010 11:21 AM MDT reply actions

Thanks...

Atleast you’re not a cowboys fan, they’re absolutely untolerable and rude. Good luck to you guys as well.

Sorry folks, park's closed. Moose out front shoulda told ya.

by Ghettoboxx on Sep 23, 2010 12:33 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks

I normally don’t get along with Raiders fans, but you guys seem alright.

I guess SBN just has a higher quality of fan than the idiots I usually have to deal with….

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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 23, 2010 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Sounds like you're talking about bleacherrepot.com

Lot of obnoxious fans over there. I think mostly us Raider fans are only rude to divisional rivals, most specifically Broncos and Chargers fans. That just can’t be helped :)

by rightnasty on Sep 23, 2010 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Or ESPN, NFL.com, etc.

Bleacher Report is a joke though.

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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 23, 2010 11:49 PM MDT up reply actions

There is a Raiders fan around where I live that is really annoying though.

The only thing I ever see him doing is trying to annoy Cardinals fans.

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, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on Sep 24, 2010 12:27 AM MDT up reply actions

He has OK stats if you include his one good year.

But look at his home and away stats the last 2 years, not so good. So far he has looked more like the last 2 years and not his 2007 year.

by ericalancanty on Sep 23, 2010 12:58 PM MDT reply actions

Give it time

IF he can get some protection and have more time to progress through his reads he will throw better. His problem is when he rushes his pass (because of pressure in his face) he throws it hard and inaccurately. I don’t think he will ever have the “touch” most elite QB’s have, but he will be able to get it done and be a solid QB.

by Jesse Reynolds on Sep 23, 2010 2:13 PM MDT up reply actions

honestly...

i love the underdog and the cardinals used to be my favorite NFC team… i loved buddy ryan, larry centers, chuck cecil, steve buerline back in those days… i used to play with the “phoenix” cardinals when i played montanas sports talk football on my sega genesis… that was my generation… but since then i havent paid much attention since… anyway im starting to feel my age… Raiders in a close one!

aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR

by gogomaplata on Sep 23, 2010 2:14 PM MDT reply actions

I think the team and fans need to keep in perspective that last week was just one game only 2 weeks into the season against a playoff caliber team that has been working together with the same parts (more or less) for 3 straight seasons now while this team (again more or less) has had little time to work together. If they are getting blown out still come say week 10, then I would be very concerned but I feel with the veteran leadership and the overall attitude of the team that has been instilled by Whiz that they can bounce back and start putting the pieces together. If we can make it to the bye week 3-2 I think we will be in a good position to make a run at a 3rd division title based on the rest of the schedule. That being said we need to win and win big this week to get confidence back in the players and Cardinal Faithful. Go Redbirds!

by jwimh3 on Sep 23, 2010 2:18 PM MDT reply actions

But...

What about the game before that? They barely beat the Rams. Anderson so far has done NOTHING to give us a reason to think we can win with him.

And for those of you calling for Hall to step in, get a grip, there are usually reasons that a QB goes undrafted. It’s not like he was overlooked playing at a small college, he played at BYU. 32 teams didn’t see anything worth even a 7th round pick on the guy. The very few undrafted QB’s that do manage to start in the NFL usually do so after spending several YEARS in the NFL, not several WEEKS.

So far, from what I’ve seen from the QB play, we are in for a long, ugly season. I’m not a hater, just a realist. I’ll still pull for them, but so far I haven’t seen any reason to be optimistic for a 3rd division title.

I was wondering, "Why is that Frisbee getting bigger" and then it hit me.

by manderson367 on Sep 24, 2010 8:21 AM MDT up reply actions

Raiders fan in Arizona wishing the Cards a good game...

Gosh, it kind of hurts my feeling all the mean things people say about Raiders fans online! LOL So, let me be clear – yes, I have been a Raiders fan since I was a 13 year old teenage girl and saw Howie Long. No, I am not a jerk. Yes, I LOVE the game of football. The ONLY time I do not cheer on my home team (the Cards) is when they play the Raiders, but even then I feel like what Mrs. Manning must feel like during those ill-named Manning Bowls. This game on the 26th is my Mother’s Day present from the hubby and kids (who are – in order – Brett Favre fan, Giants fan, and Panthers fan) and it’s my first live NFL game – so please take it easy on me and the fam, ok? Believe me, they’ll be cheering for both teams, and knowing my husband he’ll be ONLY cheering the Cards on! Just remember, there are alot of us Raiders fans that aren’t jerks, so don’t lump us all together.

Oh, and I agree with the comment above about an underrated Gradkowski. I think Mr. Davis just loves bringing in over paid QB’s that do nothing for the team, when he has prefectly good ones sitting around twiddling their thumbs. But I love Bruce, and I have championed him to anyone who would listen for the past year.

I think this is going to be a great game as both of our teams are fighting to find their way to the top spot. May the best team win!

by Tommysgirl on Sep 24, 2010 2:54 PM MDT reply actions