Official Game Day Thread - ARI @ TEN September 12, 2021
Sept 2, 2021 6:00:25 GMT -7
jeffcardinalfan, CardCore, and 3 more like this
Post by End Zone on Sept 2, 2021 6:00:25 GMT -7
ARZ @ TEN GDT Sep 12 2021. Hello and welcome to the Forum’s 1st Arizona Cardinals Game Day Thread (GDT).
HOORAY! The Cardinals hiatus from fan consciousness is finally ended. The Cardinals open the 2021 season with a visit to the home of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN this weekend, September 12th. Based on history of competition, there is no homefield advantage between the two teams; notably, both teams have moved multiple times in their renowned histories. The two teams have met each other 11 times since 1970, with the Cardinals winning 7 games and losing 4. The Cardinals won 3 of 4 games since 2005. Since the teams moved from Houston to Nashville, and from St. Louis to Arizona respectively, the teams are 3-2 with the Cardinals having the slight win edge. There have been no tie games, and only 1 OT game in 2013, won by the Cardinals at TEN, 37-34. The last meeting occurred at ARZ on Dec 10, 2017, with the Cardinals winning 12-7. Highlights from that game are difficult to find. And, why? Because a 19-point final score just leaves a whole lot to NFL fan's imagination. It's not like the two teams were D stalwarts four years ago. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Cardinals ST kicked 4 FGs for 12 points, the D got 2 INTs, the O rushed for 136 yards and passed for 178 yards. QB Blaine Gabbert (plays at Tampa Bay Bucs today) suffered 8 sacks behind a horrible Cardinals Offensive Line. The Titans scored a TD in the 2nd quarter, rushed for 65 yards, and QB Mariota passed for 159 yards.
Titans History. The former Houston Oilers and now Tennessee Titans team was established in 1959, or 61 years ago. The team has played in the AFC Conference since AFL/NFL merger in 1970. The team was still known as the Oilers when it moved initially to Memphis, and then moved again to Nashville in 1998, becoming the Titans in 1999. That was the year the helmet logo changed from the classic Texas oil derrick to the current 3 stars and flaming "T." A founding member of the old AFL, the Oilers won the first two AFL Championships. After joining the NFL in 1970, the team made the playoffs 19 times. The Titans appeared on 1 Super Bowl game, losing to the St. Louis Rams in 1999. The Titans have had 5 consecutive winning seasons since 2016. Team owner is KSA Industries. Controlling owner is Ms. Amy Strunk. General Manager is Jon Robinson. Head Coach is Mike Vrabel. Team Division rivals are the AFC South Jaguars, Texans, and Colts. Historic rivals are the Steelers, Ravens, Bills, and Cowboys. Interestingly, the Titans have two starting DBs on the roster named Farley (Caleb was drafted in 2021, and Matthias--a former Cardinals UDFA player that was waived before the season began in 2016). The Titans have retired 8 jersey numbers belonging to Oiler and Titan heroes from 1960-2005. Steve McNair's #9 and Eddie George's #27 were retired in 2019. 16 former Oilers/Titans players and 3 coaches are in the HOF. Team colors are Navy, Titans Blue, Red, Silver, and While. The team mascot is T-RAC.
Titans today. The Titans begin their 52nd season in the NFL this weekend. Their record in 2020 was 11-5, with the team winning the AFC South Division. The team looks to repeat a double-digit winning record in 2021, make the playoffs, and go to the Big Show as AFC representative next February 2022. However, the Titans HC Mike Vrabel does have a new OC and DC calling some shots. Todd Downing, OC, was promoted from TE coach last January, and Shane Bowen, DC, was also promoted from parttime DC/OLB coach to DC. The Titans Defense was ranked 30th is sacks and 28th in yards per game in 2020. But, still the team won 11 games due to the Offense's ability to outscore opponents. The team's key FA players that moved on in early 2021 include CB Malcolm Butler (retired August 2021), CB Chris Milton, SS Kenny Vaccaro, and WR Adam Humphries. Theirs’ are big shoes to fill in 2021. On May 30th, a local beat writer for CBS's Nashville affiliate described the Cardinals as "DEADLY." That one-word phrase is a clear and respectful media nod to the Cardinals whole-of-team threat to pile up points against opponents. That same writer forecasted the Titans to win, 30-27 versus the Cardinals. Similar to the Cardinals early matchups, the Titans toughest stretch in the 2021 season is games 1-9. So, you can bet the Titans coaching staff and players will not be looking past the Cardinals game, and not thinking an NFC patsy wandered into downtown Nashville and can be knocked out with a quick sucker-punch to the mouth. The week after facing the Cardinals, the Titans face the Seahawks at Seattle. The Titans BYE week is week #13.
Titans Head Coach. HC Mike Vrabel played professional football exceptionally well. Drafted in the 3rd round in 1997 and performing as a standout linebacker, he had 740 tackles, 57 sacks, 11 INTs, 19 forced fumbles, and 12 defensive TDs. He played for the Steelers, Patriots, and Chiefs franchises. He retired at KC in 2010. As a player, he collected 3 Super Bowl rings, one each with PIT, NE, and KC. As HC since 2018, his record is 29-19, or .604%. HC Vrabel is the Titans 19th head coach. The first Oiler/Titans HC was Lou Rymkus, 1960-1961. He is credited with 11 wins and 7 losses across 2 seasons, and winning the AFL Championship in 1960. Then in 1961, new HC Wall Lemm ran the table, winning 9 and losing 0, and again won the AFL Championship. Rymkus (1960), Lemm (1961), and HC Sid Gillman, 1974, won the League's coveted Coach of the Year honors. The worst Oiler/Titans HC was Bill Peterson, 1972-1973, winning 1 and losing 18 (.053%); second worst HC was Ken Whisenhunt, 2014-2015, winning 3 and losing 20 (.130%). HC Vrabel is a big dude at 6'4" tall and 261 lbs. He is a legend among LBs, earned respect as a pro, and relates very well to all Titans players. He walks tall. For example, in March 2011, he was arrested and charged with a Class D felony for theft at an Indiana casino. The incident involved 8 bottles of beer at a deli -- did he drink all the beers without paying? Maybe he forgot to pay before drinking? Later, at the City jailhouse, he posted a $600 bail bond. The case was settled without further Court notes being made public. In July 2011, Vrabel was hired as LB coach at Ohio State. He moved to the pro coaching ranks in 2014 with the Texans. Vrabel’s worst year as a HC was in 2018 with 9 wins, 7 losses. He has won two playoff games as HC, both in 2019. His wife is named Jennifer. Mike and Jennifer have two sons.
Titans Quarterback. QB Ryan Tannehill, 6'4" and 217 lbs, leads the Titans offense. Tannehill was drafted out of Texas A&M in 2012, Round 1, Pick 8. He played for the Miami Dolphins from 2012-2018, joining the Titans in 2019 via a trade. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019, was Comeback Player of the Year 2019, and was the NFL Passing Rating Leader 2019. Notable statistics: Passing Attempts 3,678, Passes Completed 2,345, Completion Percentage 63.8, TD/INT 178-88, Passing yards 26,995, and Passer Rating 92.0.
Tannehill versus Cardinals. At game 4 in 2012 and his 4th career start as the Dolphin rookie QB, Tannehill threw for 431 yards, surpassing the Dolphins' single-game record for most passing yards by a rookie quarterback set by Dan Marino in 1983. Tannehill's mark was 1 yard shy of the NFL's single-game passing-yard record by a rookie quarterback, set by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in 2011. Tannehill threw a touchdown and two interceptions in the 24–21 overtime loss to the Cardinals. In 2016, Tannehill and the Dolphins slipped by QB Carson Palmer-and the Cardinals, 26-23, at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. That ugly game included 13 punts (5 by Cardinals, 8 by Dolphins).
QBs. Today, the two starting QBs have zero's on all 2021 stats lines. During 2020, Tannehill played excellent football: Games played 16; Passes completed 315; Passes attempted 481; Completion percentage 65.5; Total yards 3,819; Avg 7.9 yards; Yards per game 255.3; Longest pass 75 yards; TDs 33; INTS 7; Sacked 24; Sacks yards lost 173; and QB Rating 106.5. During 2020, Murray played excellent football: Games played 16; Passes completed 375; Passes attempted 558; Completion percentage 67.2; Total yards 3,971; Avg 7.1 yards; Yards per game 299.4; Longest pass 80 yards; TDs 26; INTs 12; Sacked 27; Sacks yards lost 176; and QB Rating 94.3. WR DeAndre Hopkins was QB Murray's favorite target last season. Hopkins played 16 games; Receptions 115; Targets 160; Total yards 1,407; Avg yards pass 12.2; TD 6; Longest pass 60 yards; +20 yards pass plays 17; YAC 527; and 1st downs made 75. WR Green and WR Moore will be Murray’s #2 and #3 targets. WRs Kirk and Isabella round out the Cardinals speedy receiving corps.
Injury Reports. See FLCF’s post. FLCF will post player injury data provided by the Cardinals medical or coaching staff no more than 24 hours prior to the game. It is NFL policy that, “If any player has a significant or noteworthy injury, it must be listed on the practice report, even if he fully participates in practice and the team expects that he will play in the team’s next game. This is especially important for key players whose injuries may be covered extensively by the media.” Moreover, the policy also reads, “The information must be credible, accurate, timely, and specific within the guidelines of the policy, which is of paramount importance to maintaining the integrity of the game.” Teams found in violation of the policy face the risk of being fined or forfeiting Draft picks. The Titans report that 97-98% of all staff and players are vaccinated for COVID-19. However, in late August, over 10 Titans players tested positive for COVID-19 and were briefly forced to undergo NFL protocols. As of September 9, both Titans and Cardinals injury reports are available and no players are listed as OUT. WR Brown is the only DNP (Did Not Practice) thru mid-week.
Roster Information. The Cardinals team roster information (updated weekly) can be reviewed at www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/ARZ . Roster Rules 2021 (COVID-19): (1) Expansion of practice squads to 16 players, including up to 6 who have more than 2 accrued seasons; (2) The ability to protect up to 4 practice squad players per week from being signed by other teams; (3) Elevation of up to 2 practice squad players to the active roster, without removing any current players, before 4 p.m. ET the day before a game; (4) Elevation of 1 additional practice squad player within 90 minutes before kickoff in the event of a late COVID-19 positive test result; (5) Players placed on injured reserve can return after 3 weeks, rather than 6 weeks as in normal seasons; (6) Removal of the limit for how many players can be activated from injured reserve.
Odds. Per the professionals on September 9th, the Cardinals are from 2.5-3.0 point underdogs versus the Titans playing at home, a slight positive change up from 3.5 points last August. The O/U is unchanged at 51.5-52.0 points since last August. By the way, the Cardinals are 5-0-2 against the spread in their last 6 games as a road underdog when the give is from -3.5 up to -10.0. The Cardinals did keep most games close on the road in 2020.
Referee Crew. www.footballzebras.com/2021/06/officiating-crews-for-the-2021-season/. Per footballzebras on September 2, the Referee assigned to today's ARZ @ TEN game is #23 Jerome Boger. NFL referee and crew assignments are subject to change without notice. The 66yo Boger has worked many NFL games since 2004. He was promoted to Referee in 2006. He played QB for 4 years at Morehouse College, Atlanta, and graduated in 1977. Boger refereed the ARZ @ LAR game last December 6, 2020. His crew called 11 penalties, 6/75yds on the Cardinals and 5/21yds on the Rams. Boger also refereed the LAR @ ARZ game on December 29, 2019. His crew called 18 penalties, 8/63yds on the Cardinals, and 10/92 yds on the Rams. Boger and his crew call fair NFL games. No flag controversies are noted.
Weather. Skies can affect the football game due to the outdoor stadium. For mid-September, Nashville's average daily high temperature is 83F, low is 62F, and 6 days a month have some rain. If you are traveling to TEN for the game, recommend check local station for the best kickoff time forecast. For this game, the forecasted conditions are high 90F, sunny skies. South winds at 7mph, and less than a 5% chance of rain.
Stadium Information. Nissan Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor stadium on the east bank of the Cumberland River and used for NFL and NCAAF events, MSL soccer, and concerts. The field surface is grass and made of Bermuda Sod. Seating capacity is 69,143. The stadium generates significant revenue for the local government. The Rolling Stones played at Nissan Stadium in 2015, bringing in $8,416,049 revenue for the City of Nashville. In 2018, Taylor Swift performed and the City reaped over $9M revenue. I always wondered how much a top artist and band gets paid for the night. If you know, in general that is, pass it on to Forum readers including Drachir.
Game Broadcasts. The game will be carried by CBS, Phoenix local radio 98.7 FM, and the subscription SirrusXM (Channel TBD). The game is not nationally broadcast. Check local radio and TV schedules for changes. Kickoff at Nissan Stadium is 10:00 AM MST.
Next week's game: MIN (x - x) visits ARZ (x - x). Records are updated following the Monday Night Football (MNF) game each week.
Odd and Ends. The Titans finished the 2020 season with a record of 11-5, or a .688-win percentage. Points for: 491. Points against: 439. NFL Ranking: Passing 228.3 per game and 23rd; Rushing 168.1 per game and 2nd; Points for 30.7 per game and 4th; and Points against 27.4 and 9th. Notable: The Titans won the AFC South Division title--THE TITANS TIED THE COLTS WITH AN IDENTICAL RECORD OF 11-5 BUT WON THE FIRST TIE-BREAKER. The Cardinals finished the 2020 season with a record of 8-8, or .500-win percentage, and in 3rd place in the NFC West Division. Points for: 410. Points against: 367. During the Titans off-season, there some respectable Free Agency gains: EDGE Bud Dupree, 28, signed a $33,750,000 2-year contract. EDGE Denico Autry, 31, signed a $9,000,000 1-year contract. And CB Janoris Jenkins, 33, signed a $7,500,000 1-year contract. And LT Kendall Lamm, 29, signed a $3,000,000 1-year contract. However, overall, I have to say the Free Agency period was far tougher on the Titans. Big names like EDGE Clowney, CB Butler, WR Humphries, CB Jackson, and WR Davis moved on. Since the beginning of Oilers/Titans time, the team has a record of 451 wins, 475 losses, and 6 ties. The Titan's playoff record is 17 wins and 22 losses. There was 1 Titan's Super Bowl appearance (losing effort) in 1999 versus the St. Louis Rams. Overall, I like the Cardinals chances Sunday. The pilfered 2021 Titans are not the 2020 toughened Titans. Nor are the improved Cardinals the 2020 wannabe Cardinals. Early summer 2021 gameday score forecast was crazy optimistic -- Cardinals 40, Titans 20. Hey, many daydream during summer. The Titans signed their 2021 1st Round Draft pick, CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech University, back on May 12, 2021. Farley earned All-ACC honors at Virginia Tech in 2019, as he led the conference in passes defensed (16) and ranked second in interceptions (4). In 2 seasons for the Hokies, he played in 24 games and totaled 56 tackles, 6 interceptions, 25 passes defensed, and 1 sack.
Cardinals Football Trivia Q&A. Who is wearing #2? RB Chase Edmonds, former 29. Who is wearing #7? CB Byron Murphy Jr, former 33. Who is wearing #6? FA RB James Conner from the Steelers. Who is wearing #11? WR A.J. Green from the Bengals. Who is wearing #21? CB Malcom Butler retired and his jersey number was not requested by another player. Who is wearing #25? Rookie LB Zaven Collins. Who is wearing #4? Rookie WR Rondale Moore. And finally, who is wearing #9? Isaiah Simmons. Jersey #s are subject to change at anytime per team and NFL rules in 2021.
PutMeIn’s Bottom Line. When the 2020 season ended, reviews of the Titans defense were meager. Why? Tennessee’s defense gave up a quarterback rating to opposing signal-callers that exceeded 97.5. That was good for an NFL ranking of 24th. They were also ranked 29th versus the pass while they finished 30th in the league in sacks. Titans fans today argue that the team has to be better in 2021 because, in all honesty, it’s literally impossible for the Titans defensive unit to get any worse. But, will the defense be better? Player losses due to free agency, trades, and no major upgrades makes for uncertainty. The Titans have to score a lot of points on offense in 2021 to win like the team did in 2020. The Titans weakness on defense is stopping the Cardinals passing game. The Cardinals receivers will dominate the Titans backfield on 50/50 balls and mid-to-deep throws. Cardinals receivers must catch the ball every time, maximize YAC, and get into the EZ. Cardinals FGs are unacceptable versus the Titans defense. Titans strength on offense is the Offensive Line and executing the power run--RB Henry is a big-play threat, who averaged a whopping 5.4 yards per carry last season. QB Tannehill will pass to veterans WR Brown (if his knee holds up) and WR Jones (2 x All-Pro) on the outside as necessary to set up Henry’s chunk-run threat up the middle, move the chains, and eat up game clock. Cardinals weakness on defense is the DBs. DBs will be tested by TEs and WRs—and gawd-forbid RB Henry if he breaks through the DLine and LBs. If a RB breaks through the DLine, the LBs and DBs have to gang tackle. Cardinals LBs are key to containing all plays near the LOS, interrupting QB timing, and gaining timely sacks. Cardinals strength on offense is QB Murray, RPO, and 3-receiver diamond (Air Raid) formations. If Murray is effective on RPOs and mid-range passes, it is game over TEN. If Murray stumbles in any way—many dropped passes, 3 or more INTs, multiple sacks, any injury—it is game over ARZ. Kingsbury is an aggressive and innovative play-caller. He will go for a 1st down on 4th down due to his confidence in Murray’s ability to make any play. The Cardinals offensive, defensive, and special teams play must play as a complete team and minimize mental errors to win this game. The Titans are beatable if held to 3 or fewer scores. Final Score: Cardinals 30; Titans 18.
Enjoy the game!
Regards,
PutMeIn