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Post by Dry Heat on Nov 15, 2024 13:53:59 GMT -7
We probably won’t get to or win the Super Bowl, and therefore we should tank the rest of the season to get the best DL or OLB in the draft 🤣 Ha ha. Touche. You know that when I've suggested tanking I suggested optimal tank jobs, early on, not half-axx mid season tankjobs. But had we tanked several years ago when I did suggest it, we'd already be in the Super Bowl  Instead we suffered through how many disappointments, plus a Kyler injury, plus awful cap situation which took years to clean up. I certainly didn't suggest it last two years. Actually, wasn't my prediction of our record last year, pretty close? And this year's as well? I need to go back and look at my pre-season prediction this year because I thought I mentioned sneaking into playoffs as a wildcard. Besides, we both know the reason we are winning this year is my superstition. Remember me saying I was going to try NOT watching any of the games live? Someone else on the board said it brought us luck so I've been doing it this year to. And since we've kept winning, I've continued not watching until it's over. The things I sacrifice for the RedBirds. I wish I could recall which other board member was watching all the games tape delayed like me. Oh I’m just teasing CSC. I’m the guy whose path to rebuild was to use last season as a one year “practice”, without any huge investment in expensive players, cleaning up our dead money and cap, allowing Kyler to fully heal, getting young players lots of game time, and saving draft and cap ammo for 2024 and 2025. Last year wasn’t about wins for me, it was about clearing the decks, getting through the rookie years for our new coaches and GM, installing new culture, offense and defense, and determining in the second half of the season if Kyler looked like our QBOF again. If we lost a lot of games along the way and ended up with a top draft pick in each round, all the better. And that’s what happened. I’m very pleased with the first 1.5 seasons of Monti, Gannon and Co. |
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Post by Dry Heat on Nov 15, 2024 14:08:44 GMT -7
I can save you some time and tell you what went wrong in the Commanders and Green Bay games. 1) We got behind by 2 scores and were forced into a predictable passing offense and 2) our current bend but don’t break defense was still a bend and then break defense. The Commanders blowout we started up 7-0, but then immediately allowed a TD, then punted, and then another TD. We were down 7 at 7-14 and going back and forth the rest of the half, but ended the half turning the ball over on downs after a failed 4th down attempt, and gave up a FG to go into halftime down 7-17. Then they got the ball first, scored a TD putting us 3 scores down, and it was all over. In Green Bay we went down 0-7 in the first, then quickly 0-14 in the early second. Down two scores, we again became one dimensional. Conner had 7 rushes in that game. The scoring deficit grew all game until we were desperate at the end, and suffered three straight fumbles on our last three possessions of the 3rd and 4th quarters. Green Bay had a total 38 rushing attempts against us in that game! The Rams game is an example of the reverse situation. That was the MHJ 2 TDs in the first quarter game. We forced the Rams to be one dimensional right out of the gate. After that, we controlled the game and the clock with an incredible 40 rushing attempts to their 20. We win when we force the opponent to be predictable by going up 2+ scores, and then switch to pounding them with clock killing runs. And vice versa. It’s a tried and true winning formula in the NFL. If we want to see this success continue, the keys are scoring early and often for the offense while the defense holds in the red zone early, forcing our opponent to be one dimensional passing offenses, where our limited defensive roster can better know what’s coming. Thanks for that info D.H. You completely broke down our breakdowns....
I wonder how we would do against either team now?
I think if we jumped to a 2-3 score early they are completely different games and we come out on top. When we get a lead our run game allows us to kill clock and our defense performs better. Two more. In the Bears game we got the 2 score lead by halftime and then out rushed them 34 to 23 carries, 213 yards to 69. In the Jets game we raced to a 2 and then 3 score game with three straight TD’s. We then out rushed them 32 carries to 17, and 148 yards to 79. The winning formula for us is clear. Go ahead 2+ scores in the first half, force them to pass, and run the ball down their throats as they watch the clock tick down mercilessly. Then our young backfield which has allowed the 9th LEAST receiving TDs and makes our weakness in pass rush and run stopping less harmful. |
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Post by flash on Nov 16, 2024 14:03:38 GMT -7
So, I looked at the stats for the Commanders game and the Packers game. Both of those games had something in common in our loss to them.
In the Commanders game, they rushed for 4 Touchdowns. They had 216 Rushing yards against us...
In the Packers game, they passed for 4 Touchdowns.
In each of those games...they spread it out to different players whether it was RB's or WR's....
In the Commanders game...did McBride miss that game? Because I can't find any stats on him for that game. If he did not play, then that definitely made a difference in why we got blown out...Marvin had 45 yards with 1 Touchdown...was Marvin doubled or triple covered in that game with no McBride in the game?
In the Packers game...they held Connor to 24 Rushing yards in 7 Rushing attempts. The Packers had 0 Rushing Touchdowns...however...we had 4 turnovers...1 Interception and 3 Fumbles...seems like they capitalized on those turnovers...
The common thing between those 2 losses is that the Commanders had 4 rushing touchdowns with 3 different players. The Packers had 4 passing touchdowns with 3 different players...
I think that we learned a lot from both those games...
We have allowed more than 30 points to only 3 teams...Bills, Commanders and Packers...all of them would be playoff contenders if the season ended right now...at least in the Bills game, we scored 28 points and it was only a 6 point loss...
Just thought I would point out a couple of things about those horrendous losses...
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melgray85
Pro Bowler
Didn't Your Coach Warn You?
Posts: 1,458
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Post by melgray85 on Nov 16, 2024 15:13:43 GMT -7
Where are we? In the hunt for postseason which no one envisioned us being in. So now who's to say we won't continue to surprise. I won't speculate, just continue to admire the progress with anticipation as to whether or not we can keep it up. Kyler looking improved, the number one draft pick looking like an emerging Fitz, Wilson showing opponents that he better not be overlooked, McBride playing like he's angry that no one has recognized just how good he is until now, Connor continues to show that the run game is nothing without him while Trey seems to recognize this and showed improvement last game, the defense starting to show signs of bending but not breaking, Budda continues to show up everywhere on almost every play.....all appearing to just be fueled by better coaching with execution.
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ricardo
Pro Bowler
Redbirds4Ever!
Posts: 1,647
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Post by ricardo on Nov 16, 2024 15:56:46 GMT -7
Where are we? I think if they were to sneak into the playoffs whomever plays them will be on high alert....
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Post by BigRedFan on Nov 16, 2024 17:53:23 GMT -7
Cardinals need to win their divisional games to insure an NFC West title. Their remaining schedule favors their chances.
I believe at this point the Cardinal offense is in full swing and a beast for any opposing NFC team to handle.
Ralis has settled the deficiencies on defense since the Packers & Commanders games. A roster that has bought in not
only to the culture, but this roster believes Kyler will take them as far as he can. This roster believes in Kyler.
Cardinals are a dangerous NFC contender.
Lets enjoy this ride as far as it will take us fans. Go Cardinals!
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Post by thomas cat on Nov 16, 2024 19:09:58 GMT -7
To be honest, I'm trying my best not to get too optimistic. Yes, we have excided my expectations. I thought about 8 wins with the slight chance of sniffing a play-off spot. Well, we are doing that and then some. Unfortunately, teams will no longer take us for granted as they might have early on. These last 7 games will be tougher than you think. Maybe some will roll over, but others will play for pride and/or a playoff spot. Still, I love what MO and JG have done. MO had a great draft along with a few smart signings all without giving up the farm. JG has installed an attitude....work hard, play hard and you will get reps, rookies, practice squad guys or whoever. That creates a mentality among the players do your best at all times and you can make it. He is building a team where no divas are allowed. His philosophy is working....  |
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Post by thomas cat on Nov 16, 2024 19:12:04 GMT -7
Cardinals need to win their divisional games to insure an NFC West title. Their remaining schedule favors their chances. I believe at this point the Cardinal offense is in full swing and a beast for any opposing NFC team to handle. Ralis has settled the deficiencies on defense since the Packers & Commanders games. A roster that has bought in not only to the culture, but this roster believes Kyler will take them as far as he can. This roster believes in Kyler. Cardinals are a dangerous NFC contender. Lets enjoy this ride as far as it will take us fans. Go Cardinals!
Thats exactly where I am at......enjoy it |
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Post by Dry Heat on Nov 16, 2024 19:35:10 GMT -7
To be honest, I'm trying my best not to get too optimistic. Yes, we have excided my expectations. I thought about 8 wins with the slight chance of sniffing a play-off spot. Well, we are doing that and then some. Unfortunately, teams will no longer take us for granted as they might have early on. These last 7 games will be tougher than you think. Maybe some will roll over, but others will play for pride and/or a playoff spot. Still, I love what MO and JG have done. MO had a great draft along with a few smart signings all without giving up the farm. JG has installed an attitude....work hard, play hard and you will get reps, rookies, practice squad guys or whoever. That creates a mentality among the players do your best at all times and you can make it. He is building a team where no divas are allowed. His philosophy is working.... Just saw an NFL Power Ranking on Facebook. Had us at #9, and four of the eight teams ahead of us are the Bills, Lions, Commanders and Packers. 49ers are just below us. I think the only teams above .500 we face in the next 7 games are the Vikings plus game two against the 49ers right at the end of the season. It’s gonna be a fun ride! |
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Post by End Zone on Nov 17, 2024 6:31:58 GMT -7
NE will give LAR fits today. Maye can ball.
SEA has a shot at bumping off SF today. Kittle is hobbled and might not be activated. CMC didn't rush for 40yds last week. Metcalf is back! Smith will hook up with him.
7 games to go til the playoffs. I like the Cardinals odds to win 10 games minimum.
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Post by aris on Nov 17, 2024 7:26:40 GMT -7
i think we need perspective here.
We are on an upward trajectory right now and it looks like the team is peaking. I just dont think we have enough to sustain it. But it's a well coached, well disciplined team and I love that.
Playoffs? Yea realistic this year, not even concerned how far we make it (if we do) , although i'll be rooting for the team to go all the way.
The team is being built the right way. The draft picks actually, on the whole, look pretty good. Next year tons of cap space.
Exciting times to be a Cardinals fan.
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Post by Vesely22 on Nov 17, 2024 7:33:04 GMT -7
i think we need perspective here. We are on an upward trajectory right now and it looks like the team is peaking. I just dont think we have enough to sustain it. But it's a well coached, well disciplined team and I love that. Playoffs? Yea realistic this year, not even concerned how far we make it (if we do) , although i'll be rooting for the team to go all the way. The team is being built the right way. The draft picks actually, on the whole, look pretty good. Next year tons of cap space. Exciting times to be a Cardinals fan. Agreed! The way the front office has drafted and the coaches developed the players, I wouldn’t worry about using the cap space on high end free agents. I’d rather give the funds to Cardinals who have earned it. Keep drafting well and developing the talent for long sustained productivity. |
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Post by MT Diesel on Nov 18, 2024 10:37:35 GMT -7
At this juncture in the season. Our division is weaker than usual so I don't trust our record - yet. What I want to know is this. If the playoffs started tomorrow, do you think we'd beat the Commanders? Would the Chiefs embarass us? How many of you think we'd actually win a playoff game? I feel like we could win the first game if we got the 'right' opponent. I'm not yet confident that we'd be able to go to say, East Coast, in the winter, and win a bad weather game. I do think that if we managed to play in domes we might could win not one, but maybe two games, if our defense keeps playing above its pay grade. Winning the NFC West is the key…first game as a division winner would be home…at this point Eagles would be the only cold weather stadium as a possibility…ATL, Bucs, Vikings and Lion’s are warm weather or dome…Packers are the other cold weather team…Vikings and Packers would be wild card teams at this point and would have to travel to the desert if matched in the first round. Most likely the NFC West will not get a wildcard…division or bust |
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Instead we suffered through how many disappointments, plus a Kyler injury, plus awful cap situation which took years to clean up.
