SB Nation Arizona - Stephen Gostkowski Misses Game-Winning FG, Cardinals Beat Patriots 20-18https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-09-19T13:04:06-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30801692012-09-19T13:04:06-07:002012-09-19T13:04:06-07:00Why Has Larry Fitzgerald Struggled So Far In 2012?
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<p>Breaking down what Seattle and New England did to keep the ball out of No. 11's hands.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> are 2-0, but surprisingly superstar wide receiver <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> hasn't had much to do with it. </p>
<p>Through two games Fitzgerald has five catches for 67 yards. That is his worst statistical two game stretch since 2004, his rookie year, when Fitz had four catches for 73 yards in back to back games.</p>
<p>It's not from a lack of trying from the coaching staff. Coach Whisenhunt and offensive coordinator Mike Miller are lining the All Pro wide receiver all over the field. He has 27 snaps on the left side, 26 on the right, 18 in the slot and even two on the line. </p>
<p>Fitzgerald has been moved in motion seven times, two of those seven resulted in completions.</p>
<p>There isn't one specific reason Fitz hasn't been able to accumulate the numbers we are accustomed to seeing. As you will see the Seahawks and Patriots each used different strategies to limit #11.</p>
<p>It also isn't completely a product of what opposing defenses are doing, quarterbacks <span>Kevin Kolb</span> and <span>John Skelton</span> have both missed opportunities to get him the ball in advantageous situations.</p>
<p>Then there are the positives - even without the big numbers Fitzgerald is still having a positive impact on the offense. It just doesn't show up in a box score, but we will start here. </p>
<p><i>Here is a play from the first quarter of the Seahawks game.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394921/fitzbreakdown1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown1_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394921/fitzbreakdown1_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034052028"> This is a strategy Peter Carroll employed all game. A corner would be locked on Fitz, in this particular play it was <span>Brandon Browner</span>. His main responsibility is to not let Fitzgerald beat him over the top. Seahawks safety <span>Earl Thomas</span> gives Browner help underneath. The linebacker on the right side of the Seahawks formation responsibility is to sit in a zone in the middle of the field. Skelton does a good job of manipulating the defense with his eyes and getting the linebacker to jump to the left towards <span>Todd Heap</span> and then when he steps up in the pocket draws the same player to him. Because Thomas' job is to concentrate on Fitz he hesitates a split second to head to Roberts, which opens him up over the middle for a nice 19 yard gain. </p>
<p><i>Another play from the Patriots game in the third quarter that Fitzgerald creates:</i></p>
<p><i> </i><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394929/fitzbreakdown2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394929/fitzbreakdown2_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>New England sends four players, which is what they did most of the game. The Pats according to Pro Football Focus only blitzed four times. There is a lot going on, on the left side of the field, but what is important here is the right. During this particular play Fitzgerald gains the attention of not one, now two, but three Pats players - the corner lined up right in front of him, the middle linebacker dropping back into the zone to the left of him and the deep safety on the right hand side. He clears all three players out and opens up a nice easy dump off pass to "Beanie" Wells that leads to a 24 yard gain. </p>
<p>Up next we're going to take a look at the basic coverage schemes the Seahawks and Patriots each used to try and keep the ball away from Fitzgerald. </p>
<p><i>Play One Seahawks Second Quarter</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394937/fitzbreakdown3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown3_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394937/fitzbreakdown3_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034119500"></p>
<p>On this play Seattle uses the same basic concept they used on the Seahawks play we showed above. The main difference is it's DE/OLB Chris Clemons who drops into the underneath coverage on Fitz on the left hand side of the field. Browner once again has over the top responsibility in his man to man coverage</p>
<p><i>Play Two Seahawks Fourth Quarter</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394945/fitzbreakdown4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown4_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394945/fitzbreakdown4_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034166427"></p>
<p>Once again the same basic concept from the Seahawks. This time its <span>Richard Sherman</span> matched up with Fitz. Earl Thomas shows blitz, but drops back into a zone with underneath responsibility on the Cards top receiver. Sherman knowing this runs stride for stride with him and is able to break up the pass. </p>
<p><i>Play Three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> 1<sup>st</sup> Quarter</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394953/fitzbreakdown5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown5_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394953/fitzbreakdown5_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034194226"></p>
<p>The defense the Patriots employed to shut down Fitzgerald was about as basic as it gets. They really didn't do anything special outside of an occasional double team to take him away. New England trusted its front four to get pressure and limit the Cardinals opportunities to get the ball down the field. They usually dropped their linebackers into a zone, played two deep safeties and matched up man to man on the outside. It was effective. </p>
<p>Here is the part that the Cards need to get worked out. No matter whom the quarterback is if it looks like there is an opportunity presnap to get Fitzgerald the ball it needs to happen. </p>
<p><i>Play 1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> 2nd Quarter</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394961/fitzbreakdown6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown6_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394961/fitzbreakdown6_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034220682"></p>
<p>It's pretty obvious here that Fitzgerald is going to have one on one on his side of the field. There is no linebacker to drop into a zone and only one cornerback lined up directly over him. <span>Early Doucet</span> is in the slot with the safety almost 15 yards off. Skelton never looked in that direction, his first read was to the right. He then gets pressured and isn't able to go through his progressions. I would think with this presnap look even if the play calls for him to eyeball right first he would have permission to take advantage of a Fitzgerald one on one situation. </p>
<p><i>Play Two New England Patriots 1st Quarter</i></p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394977/fitzbreakdown7.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Fitzbreakdown7_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1394977/fitzbreakdown7_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1348034263731"></p>
<p>Here the Cardinals run a pick play for Fitz and it's the perfect call. The problem???? Kevin Kolb never looked in that direction - his first read was Todd Heap then he went to <span>Ryan Williams</span>, who he dumped the ball off to for a three yard gain. Meanwhile on the other side of the field Fitzgerald could have been hit for at minimum a 10 yard gain. The corner lined up over <span>Andre Roberts</span> releases and runs straight back, which leaves only the CB lined up with Fitzgerald to guard two players. Roberts sets an "unintentional" pick and #11 comes wide open in the flat. Big time missed opportunity for the Cardinals. </p>
<p>As you can see by this small sample size of plays there isn't one specific reason the Cardinals have struggled to get Fitzgerald more involved in the offense. </p>
<p>From a positive standpoint most NFL teams don't have the big athletic corners the Seahawks employ to be able to run that type of coverage successfully.</p>
<p>Most NFL teams also don't have players with the talent of <span>Vince Wilfork</span> and <span>Chandler Jones</span> in their front four to be able to generate that type of pressure without being more creative. </p>
<p>There is no reason not to think this is just a little blip on the radar for Fitzgerald and the numbers will start piling up again soon. </p>
<p>In 2011 Fitzgerald tore up the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> secondary to the tune of seven catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. It was arguably his best game of the season. </p>
<p>Will history repeat itself? We have to wait till Sunday to find out. </p>
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<p><i>Get more Cardinals coverage at </i><a href="http://revengeofthebirds.com/"><i>Revenge of the Birds</i></a><i>.</i></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/19/3356256/why-has-larry-fitzgerald-struggled-so-far-in-2012Bryan Gibberman2012-09-19T06:03:20-07:002012-09-19T06:03:20-07:00Darnell Dockett Not Surprised The Cardinals Beat The Patriots, Praises Kevin Kolb
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<p>Before the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>' plane was even able to touch down in New England, many, including some of their fans, had already ruled out the possibility of them defeating the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a>. Vegas had set the lines at 14 points, especially with the absence of <span>John Skelton</span> from the Cardinals lineup.</p>
<p>Still, Arizona didn't pay any attention to the doubters. They went to Foxboro, beat <span>Tom Brady</span> and the Patriots and, honestly, they didn't think much of it. <span>Darnell Dockett</span>, one of the leaders for the Cardinals defense, was on XTRA 910 with Bickley and MJ to discuss the win and how, despite what people think, this was no surprise for the Cards to win that game.</p>
<p>I'll be honest. I was one of the many people that believed the Cardinals were going to lose that game. The Patriots were10-0 in season openers under the direction of Brady and given how close Arizona came to losing to the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a>, it seemed like a longshot that they would be able to beat a very good team on the road.</p>
<p>But the Cardinals did the unthinkable. Giving most of the credit to the defense, the Cards managed to get pressure on Tom Brady without having to blitz, allowing them to drop many of their players into coverage. That was the plan all along and Dockett says that it can be attributed to "hard work".</p>
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<p>"Our defensive line coaches are hard on us. ... Just not quitting and everything you're doing, going full speed. They prepare us very well during the week. Sometimes we think they're going to kill us, but we get a good reward on Sunday," Dockett said (<a target="_blank" href="http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2012/09/18/nfl-arizona-cardinals-darnell-dockett-upset-new-england/">via Sports Radio Interviews</a>).</p>
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<p>The defense isn't the only unit that deserves credit, though. Arizona was able to put up some good offensive drives under the direction of backup quarterback, <span>Kevin Kolb</span>. Although he did nothing spectacular, he managed the game well, threw no interceptions and outscored Brady. Dockett is pretty proud of him for that and seems to think they are finally seeing the real Kevin Kolb.</p>
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<p>"He's showing all the things that our organization saw in him when they made the trade to get him. He's playing with a chip on his shoulder and I love it. There's nothing better than seeing a guy that's passing adversity. ... I honestly believe he's not doing it for a lot of people, he's doing it for the people that's in the locker room and the organization. I've talked to him a few times and he just says, ‘I'm going to give it everything I've got.' And that's all you can expect from a guy."</p>
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<p>Kolb moving the ball and the defense pressuring Brady <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/16/3340096/cardinals-vs-patriots-what-to-watch-for-tom-brady-kevin-kolb">were two of my biggest keys to the game</a>. Arizona managed to accomplish those tasks and that is why they won. For Darnell Dockett, that is no surprise. Let's see if they can keep it up against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a> this Sunday.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter </i><a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/sbnarizona" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: #ffffff; color: #a82a00; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">@SBNArizona</i></a><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </i><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">and "Like" us </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/sbnarizona" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: #ffffff; color: #a82a00; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">on Facebook.</i></a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/19/3355038/darnell-dockett-not-surprised-the-cardinals-beat-the-patriots-praisesTyler Nickel2012-09-18T13:56:44-07:002012-09-18T13:56:44-07:00Cardinals RB Ryan Williams Emotional After Cardinals Victory Over Patriots
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<p><span>Ryan Williams</span> had to do one thing with a minute to play and his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> leading the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> by two points -- hold onto the ball. But on a pitch play to the outside, Williams fumbled after Patriots linebacker <span>Brandon Spikes</span> put his head to pigskin.</p>
<p>Thanks to the fumble, the Patriots had set up <span>Stephen Gostkowski</span> for a 42-yard field goal that would give them the win. But Gostkowski missed it wide left and the Cardinals escaped with the victory. Still, Williams was emotional on the sidelines.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fsports%2Fcardinals%2Farticles%2F20120917tears-relief-arizona-cardinals-running-back-ryan-williams.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2F2012%2F9%2F18%2F3354220%2Fryan-williams-emotional-cardinals-patriots" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Via The Arizona Republic:</a></p>
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<p>"I was just trying my best not to cry on the field, national TV," Williams told reporters after the 20-18 victory, "and I end up crying anyway."</p>
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<p>Despite multiple teammates and even Cardinals President Michael Bidwill offering their support, Williams was shaken. TV cameras caught him crying on the sideline after the missed field goal and his Arizona teammates erupted with excitement.</p>
<p><i>Check out more Arizona Cardinals coverage at<a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com" target="_blank"> Revenge of the Birds</a> or hit up <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">SB Nation's NFL hub.</a></i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/18/3354220/ryan-williams-emotional-cardinals-patriotsKevin Zimmerman2012-09-18T07:01:00-07:002012-09-18T07:01:00-07:00Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton Is Off To A Hot Start, But That Doesn't Mean He Is Leaving After This Season
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<p>With the hot start that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> defense is off to, many have speculated that this may be the final year that the team has Ray Horton as their defensive coordinator. His Pittsburgh defensive style has brought about a whole new system to the team, one that, through the past 10+ games, has been wildly effective.</p>
<p>There are teams that fire their head coaches every year. It is a "what have you done for me lately" league and every club is searching for that next guy to lead them. Ray Horton could be the guy. If a team wants to make him their head coach, there is nothing the Cardinals can do to stop that from happening.</p>
<p>The thing is, it just might not happen at all.</p>
<p>All of the speculation started when, on Sunday, Horton's defense managed to hold <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> star quarterback <span>Tom Brady</span> and their powerful offense to just 18 points. By taking the nose tackle out of the game and putting in an extra defensive back, blitzing Brady at proper times and playing in the proper coverage schemes, the Cardinals were able to pull out a surprise win. Horton's defensive play-calling and the way he has taught his unit to execute have been masterful.</p>
<p>In February, Horton <a href="http://blog.azcardinals.com/2012/02/09/hortons-coaching-dream/" target="_blank">told Darren Urban</a> of the Cardinals official team site that he wants to win a Super Bowl in all phases of the game. He won one as a player and as an assistant coach. Now, he wants to win one as a coordinator and perhaps, one day, as the head coach of an NFL team. He would become the first person to ever do that.</p>
<p>So if that dream is as true as he says it is, why would he leave the Cardinals? If he continues to succeed as their defensive coordinator, he could very well lead this team to a championship one day. Who's to say he can't?</p>
<p>As far as the head coaching job goes, don't think that if he is succeeding, opportunities won't always be presenting themselves. As I said, there are always going to be head coaching positions available. Horton can remain the defensive coordinator of the Cardinals and wait for the job he wants.</p>
<p>There's also the idea that he could get comfortable with the job he has. While that is unlikely, I am sure his mentor, Dick LeBeau, has had plenty of opportunites to become a head coach again since becoming the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' defensive coordinator in 2004. Sometimes people just like calling the plays from the booth upstairs, staying away from all the antics on the field.</p>
<p>Then there is always the idea that Horton slips up a little bit. Obviously, none of us want to see this, but it is always a possibility. Everyone was ready to anoint Ken Whisenhunt as the savior, but when his team faltered to a 5-11 season, many wanted his head on a platter. Everyone stumbles and Ray Horton's defense will inevitably do the same at some point.</p>
<p>So don't worry Cardinals fans. It is far from a lock that Horton is leaving after the 2012 season. Let's just focus on this year and, with any luck, maybe Horton can win that next Super Bowl sooner than he anticipated.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; color: #333333;">For more on the Cardinals, be sure to check out <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #a82a00; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://revengeofthebirds.com/">Revenge of the Birds</a>.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/18/3351042/cardinals-defensive-coordinator-ray-horton-is-off-to-a-hot-start-butTyler Nickel2012-09-17T09:00:34-07:002012-09-17T09:00:34-07:00Kevin Kolb Defies All Odds, Leads The Cardinals To A Stunning Victory
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<p>When the schedule for the NFL 2012 season was first released, few believed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> would be heading back home after week 2 with a 2-0 record. But that is exactly where they stand after traveling to Foxoboro and defeating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. Before Sunday's loss, the Patriots were an impeccable 10-0 in home openers under the direction of <span>Tom Brady</span>. </p>
<p>Now, instead of Brady, a different quarterback is making headlines. <span>Kevin Kolb</span> replaced the injured <span>John Skelton</span> this week and under his guidance, the Cardinals were able to pull off their best road win since the 2008 season. </p>
<p>After the game, Kolb's stat line showed that he was 15/27 for 140 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to <span>Andre Roberts</span> and then ran one in himself. Nothing about any of those statistics are eye popping, but it is what he did to manage the game that helped the Cardinals overcome the Patriots. </p>
<p>Credit the defense for the win, but without some key first downs (seven of them were made through the air), the Cardinals would have never been in the position to win that game. Outside of a first half fumble, Kolb protected the ball, made his throws and led drives down the field. </p>
<p>Still, there is much the former Eagle can improve upon. His main target, <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, was targeted just five times in the game, registering one catch for a total of four yards. That is the lowest amount of yards for Fitzgerald since his rookie season in 2004. It would behoove Kolb to look his way more often. Even if he is being double teamed, throwing him the ball is a recipe for success. </p>
<p>Kolb was being pressured off the left side by <span>Chandler Jones</span> all day and I thought he did a nice job of stepping up into the pocket and scrambling when he needed to. The pass protection wasn't exactly awful, but when the pressure came, Kolb looked composed. </p>
<p>Lastly, I thought the play calling really benefited him. At this point, Kolb is just a game manager and that is all the team needs him to be. He is not going to step on the field and throw for 500 yards and a few touchdowns like an Eli Manning. He works with what he is given and makes the most of it. </p>
<p>Will this warrant him getting another start should Skelton be healthy by the time the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> come to town next Sunday? Possibly. My suspicions are that they keep Skelton sidelined, still trying to nurse his "injury" so that they can get a better look at Kolb. </p>
<p>And why not? With such an upsetting victory, it would be foolish of Arizona not to. </p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Cardinals, be sure to check out <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #a82a00; font-weight: bold;" href="http://revengeofthebirds.com/" target="_blank">Revenge of the Birds</a>. Head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #a82a00; font-weight: bold;" href="http://patspulpit.com/" target="_blank">Pats Pulpit</a> for Patriots news.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/17/3345630/kevin-kolb-defies-all-odds-leads-the-cardinals-to-a-stunning-victoryTyler Nickel2012-09-17T08:06:06-07:002012-09-17T08:06:06-07:00Cardinals Vs. Patriots: 5 Positives And 5 Negatives From The Victory
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<p>The good and the bad from Arizona's 20-18 victory over the New England Patrios. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> picked up one of their biggest victories in years yesterday when they went into New England and beat the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> 20-18. New England had never lost a home opener at Gillette Stadium and the Patriots had the best home record of any team in the NFL over the past ten years. These are the positives and negatives from the Cardinal victory.</p>
<p><b><i>Positives </i></b></p>
<p><b>1. The Pass Rush: </b>The Cardinals got to <span>Tom Brady</span> four times on Sunday and pressure was applied all game to the New England quarterback. <span>Calais Campbell</span> got his first two sacks of the season, and even <span>Quentin Groves</span> got in on the action. Putting pressure on the quarterback is always crucial in any game, but when you are facing a future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady, you need to make him as uncomfortable as possible, and Arizona did that.</p>
<p><b>2. Special Teams: </b>The Cardinals played excellent on special teams all day. Quentin Groves blocked a punt deep in New England territory, setting up Arizona's first touchdown. On the other side, <span>Dave Zastudil</span> averaged 46.7 yards per punt and dropped two inside the New England 20 yard line. With an offense struggling to score, special teams and field position is huge.</p>
<p><b>3. The Cornerbacks: </b><span>Patrick Peterson</span> has improved is coverage skills dramatically from last year. Peterson held Brandon Llyod in check most of the game, got his first interception of the season and even made some crucial plays in run support. Jamal Flemming had a crucial pass break up to force a New England field goal and <span>William Gay</span> had a solid game as well.</p>
<p><b>4. The Opening Drive: </b>The opening drive of the game could not have gone much better for Arizona. <span>Beanie Wells</span> ran the ball effectively, <span>Kevin Kolb</span> was an efficient 4/6 and Arizona marched down the field on the New England defense, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Patrick Peterson even got in on the action with a 17 yard run. The only thing that could have made it better was an Arizona touchdown.</p>
<p><b>5. The Offensive Line: </b>The unit had another solid game as Kolb was sacked only once on 27 pass attempts. Against <span>Chandler Jones</span> and <span>Vince Wilfork</span>, the offensive line held up pretty well. The unit should get better as the season goes on and the players get used to playing with each other.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><i>Negatives</i> </b></p>
<p><b>1. The Running Game: </b>Arizona has not been able to establish a running game in two games and it almost cost the redbirds yesterday. Beanie Wells finished the game with 14 carries for 44 yards and <span>Ryan Williams</span> had 10 carries for 13 yards. Sometimes the holes just aren't there to run through, and sometimes there is too much East/West running from Wells and Williams.</p>
<p><b>2. Too Many Field Goals: </b>Against good teams it is crucial to get touchdowns instead of field goals when you get into enemy territory. The first two possessions, Arizona could have easily been up at least 10-0 if not 14-0. This team needs to improve on finishing drives when they get into the redzone.</p>
<p><b>3. Arizona Almost Gave it Away: </b>The Cardinals have to learn how to finish games. Arizona practically handed the game to New England on a silver platter with the inability to run the football late and a Ryan Williams fumble. For as well as the Cardinals played for the first three quarters, Arizona should have lost that game.</p>
<p><b>4. Where is Larry?: </b>Through two games <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> has five catches for 67 yards. Fitzgerald had one catch (on the first drive of the game) for four yards on Sunday. Fitzgerald is being blanketed by defenses and Arizona quarterbacks are having a hard time finding him when he is open.</p>
<p><b>5. Predicability on Offense: </b>The Cardinals have not taken many shots down the field during the first two games of the season. Also, I think Peterson should be on offense more than two or three snaps a game. I would like to see more creativeness with the offense next week against Philadelphia.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/17/3345290/cardinals-vs-patriots-5-positives-and-5-negatives-from-the-victoryRyan Bafaloukos2012-09-17T05:57:40-07:002012-09-17T05:57:40-07:00Looking Back At The Cardinals' 20-18 Win Over Patriots And The Rest Of Sunday's Games
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<p>Every Monday, Bryan Gibberman looks at the Cardinals game and highlights some of what happened around the rest of the league in his latest "The Morning After" column.</p> <p>The Patriots outgained the Cardinals 387 yards to 245 yards. </p>
<p>The Patriots picked up 25 first downs compared to 16 for the Cardinals.</p>
<p>The Patriots averaged five yards per play to the Cardinals four.</p>
<p>The Patriots won the turnover battle with the Cardinals two to one. </p>
<p>Yet when the game ended the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> handed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> their first defeat in a home opener at Gillette Field (10-0 previously) with a 20-18 win.</p>
<p>How the hell is that even possible? </p>
<p>New England entered Arizona's territory on nine out of 13 possessions. Those drives ended with a field goal, field goal, punt, field goal, punt, punt, field goal, touchdown and missed field goal.</p>
<p>Of those nine situations Arizona held <span>Tom Brady</span> and company to 18 points -- an average of two points per drive in Cardinals territory. </p>
<p>For the second straight week the Cards defense overcame a porous offensive line (don't let the one sack allowed trick you), an inability to consistently run the ball (longest run was a 17 yard gain by <span>Patrick Peterson</span> on a gadget play) and <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> being neutralized. </p>
<p>Arizona is in excellent position currently. If they would have came out of these first three games with a 1-2 record it would have been a win, now they have a shot to go 3-0. After the Eagles game next week the Cardinals host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>, head to St. Louis for a Thursday night game on short week, host Buffalo and play at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>.</p>
<p>After that the schedule gets significantly harder again. To get to 10 wins and have a shot at the playoffs I would want the Cardinals to be 5-2 through that stretch to give them some breathing room in the second half of the season. </p>
<p><b>Western Hemisphere...</b>A look around the NFC West</p>
<p>When breaking down college football a lot is made about how one conference performs from week to week. The Pac-12 made a statement two weeks ago, while the Big-10 crapped the bed. </p>
<p>In the NFL we don't normally think in these terms, but there is no way around it, the NFC West made a statement during Week 2 of the NFL season.</p>
<p>The division went 4-0 - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> physically beat up the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> outgunned the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> dominated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> and the Cards shocked the Pats. That's two playoffs team from last year and two teams that looked greatly improved in the first week of the season.</p>
<p>As I said last week I doubted the 49ers before the season and have already admitted I was wrong, they look like the best team in the NFL. Alex Smith continues to play efficient football, doing just enough to keep opposing defenses honest, and creating plays in the passing game to compliment their dominant run game.</p>
<p>The Seahawks are almost impossible to beat at home. If they can find a way to win 2-3 road games they should be right around 10 wins. </p>
<p>St. Louis should be to 2-0, but they choked away their Week 1 game against the Lions.</p>
<p>For a division that has been a laughing stock for many years now, it's a nice revival and will make for some fun football to watch this season. </p>
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<p><b>Extra Points</b></p>
<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>Most fascinating part of the NFL season so far is what has happened to the Patriots and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> offenses. If Matt Ryan and <span>Peyton Manning</span> have halfway decent games on Monday night Tom Brady will be 11<sup>th</sup> in passing yards and <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> would be 16<sup>th</sup>. Last year they finished second and fifth. It has nothing to do with how much they are passing, Brady is averaging the same amount of attempts per game he did last year (38 passes per game), while Rodgers is averaging five more (33 last year to 38 this year). Part of it is the inability of both teams' offensive lines to pass protect, but both aren't playing at the same level they did last season. It's only two games and there is still more than enough time for the two All Pro QBs to turn it around. </li>
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<ol type="1" start="2">
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> are 2-0 despite nine turnovers, four this week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and five last week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>. They had some more offensive line injuries on Sunday, which is definitely a concern, but if they can clean up their play Philly can be a very dangerous team. </li>
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<ol type="1" start="3">
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> running back <span>C.J. Spiller</span> looks like he is one of this year's game changers when it comes to fantasy football. Spiller was excellent when <span>Fred Jackson</span> went down last year and his owners caught a big break on Jackson went down again. In two games Spiller has piled up 292 yards on 29 carries. That's an average of 10 yards per carry!!!!!</li>
</ol>
<ol type="1" start="4">
<li>Andrew Luck and <span>Robert Griffin III</span> continue to shine. There is no reason to continually compare the two of them. They are both going to be great quarterbacks and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> and Redskins are both lucky to have them. I don't need to have this debate shoved down my throat over the next 10 years, which it undoubtedly will. </li>
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<ol type="1" start="5">
<li>Congratulations to Reggie Bush. He had 26 carries for 172 yards and two touchdowns in the Dolphins 35-13 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. He's dealt with people doubting him his entire career and he's shut them all up. Good for you. </li>
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<ol type="1" start="6">
<li>Is it really in the Ravens best interest to make <span>Joe Flacco</span> the centerpiece of their offense and not <span>Ray Rice</span>? Through two games Rice has only 26 carries, but is averaging 6.7 YPC. Flacco had one interception and lost a fumble Sunday against the Eagles. In the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> game he had three potential interceptions dropped. Don't get me wrong Flacco is good, but Rice is still the best and most talented player in Baltimore's offense. He needs at minimum 25 touches a game between rushing and receiving. In Week 2 he had 23 and Week 1 the Rutgers product had 13. </li>
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<ol type="1" start="7">
<li>My two favorite players in the NFL right now are Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin. It's so much fun watching how each team finds different ways to give these versatile players the ball. It makes me think about how a smart NFL team will use Oregon RB/WR D'Anthony Thomas. </li>
</ol>
<p><i>Get more Cardinals coverage at </i><a href="http://revengeofthebirds.com/"><i>Revenge of the Birds</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p><i>For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter </i><a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/sbnarizona"><i>@SBNArizona</i></a><i> </i><i>and "Like" us </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/sbnarizona"><i>on Facebook.</i></a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/17/3346100/nfl-week-2-cardinals-patriots-49ers-winsBryan Gibberman2012-09-17T05:13:46-07:002012-09-17T05:13:46-07:00Cardinals Vs. Patriots 2012: Shock And Surprise In Arizona And New England
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<p>Well, not many expected Sunday's Arizona Cardinals win over the New England Patriots. Hearts sank all over the Valley of the Sun when the Patriots recovered a late fumble and had a chance at the winning field goal. </p>
<p>But Stephen Gostkowski missed badly, and the Cards won 20-18. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2012/9/16/3343056/arizona-cardinals-shock-new-england-patriots-20-18-as-gostkowski#storyjump">Wrote Jess Root on Revenge of the Birds:</a> </p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No one believed it could happen, but the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #bb0033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Arizona Cardinals</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">went into Foxborough and defeated the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #bb0033; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">New England Patriots</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">20-18 by a strong performance by the Arizona defense, a passing touchdown and a running touchdown by</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span>Kevin Kolb</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">and a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span>Stephen Gostkowski</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">missed field goal at the end of the game.</span></p>
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<p>Yes, it really happened. Is it a sign of good things to come for the Cardinals this season? Too early to tell.</p>
<p>Greg Knopping of Pats Pulpit, SB Nation's Patriots blog, took a different approach. He broke down the Pats' loss in numbers. <a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2012/9/16/3343050/patriots-vs-cardinals-by-the-numbers" target="_blank">It's quite telling. </a></p>
<p><i>For more on the Cardinals, be sure to check out <a href="http://revengeofthebirds.com/" target="_blank">Revenge of the Birds</a>. Head over to <a href="http://patspulpit.com/" target="_blank">Pats Pulpit</a> for Patriots news.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/9/17/3345504/patriots-cardinals-2012-nflJose Romero