49ers vs. Cardinals 2012: Arizona fans say 4-4 record is deceiving

The Arizona Cardinals got off to a hot start on the year, winning their first four games thanks to sound decisions despite a limited offense along with a fierce defense that often won them the game. After four straight losses capped with Monday night's 24-3 rout by the San Francisco 49ers on Arizona's home field, the reality for Cardinals fans is not that of a .500 football team.

From Randy Fields of Revenge of the Birds:

While the line of thinking is that the Cardinals are "only 4-4" the reality is that those last four have been tragic losses in which the Cardinals have lost their only quarterback that seems to be able to throw touchdown passes, have given up the leagues highest amount of sacks, and have given up a record-setting game to Alex Smith, who will now forever be in the record books for being one pass away from a perfect game.

The loss of Kevin Kolb has given the starting job to John Skelton, who has put up yardage but turned the ball over and missed key throws. However, the injury to Kolb was only part of the wheels coming off.

The offensive line has been the biggest concern. San Francisco's four-sack performance against Arizona didn't even signify how much pressure the 49ers pass rush was bearing down on Skelton. The run defense that gave up nine carries for seven total yards was even more indicative of Arizona's anemic offense.

Of course, the defense wasn't there either. San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith went 18-of-19 for 232 yards and three touchdowns, and the 49ers racked up 113 total rushing yards on 26 carries.