In 2008 the Arizona Cardinals offense averaged 26.7 points per game and scored at least 21 points 12 times during the regular season (including both time that they played the 49ers) and if they could have managed 21 points yesterday, the Red Birds would be sitting at 1-0 instead of 0-1. Unfortunately for the home team though the Cardinals managed just 16 points and despite a solid defensive effort they struggled to move the ball, establish any kind of ground game or convert third downs. There were some brights spots but overall the dark clouds loom much larger than the small silver lining.
- 3rd Down Conversions: The Cardinals converted just four of 14 third down attempts and were a very putrid one for seven during the first half. The average distance on third downs was 7.9 yards and every single attempt included Kurt Warner dropping back for a pass attempt. Of those 14 attempts he completed seven passes for 86 yards and threw an interception.
- First Down Production: Oddly enough though the Cards were quite efficient on first downs. Warner was 11 for 16 for 135 yards (counting a five yard sack). Of the 29 first down plays during the game the offense averaged 5.7 yards per play which is surprising considering the average distance on third down attempts.
- Kurt Warner's Rythm:While I would never try to make excuses for Kurt's mediocre performance yesterday, I did get the feeling that he wasn't playing as poorly as some are talking about today. His final numbers (26 for 44 with 288 yards, one TD and two picks) were certainly hurt by some drops (four by my count) and another pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage. These five instances plus a couple miscommunications were enough to keep the offense off balance most of yesterday's contest. If a couple of those drops are turned into receptions then Warner's completion percentage is right up around his normal mid-to-upper 60's.
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Overall there's no sense sugar coating an offensive performance that was much more bad than good but there are a couple of things to remember. First the Niners always play the Cardinals very well, especially defensively and their secondary, for whatever reason, always play Larry Fitzgerald very well. Secondly the offense wasn't exactly stellar in last season's opener yet they still managed to have quite a year. It's obviously too early to panic and too early to start calling for anyone's job. It's a downer to drop a division game at home after being perfect against the NFC West last year but one loss is not reason to forget how talented this team is and how good they can be this season. What were your thoughts after yesterday's game? Are you panicking?