Awesome Running QB
Taking care of business. That was the name of the game when the Cards took on the walking dead that was the St. Louis Rams. As if the Rams needed to be any worse, they were without Steven Jackson thus introducing the world to the Anti-Triplets – Keith Null, Kenneth Darby, and Donnie Avery. Predictably enough the Cards cruised to a 31-10 win, giving them 10 in a season for the first time since 1976 and kept their hopes alive for the #2 seed in the NFC. It started, it ended, we won, and it was boring – here are some thoughts anyway:
- Scott Howard whipping boy Dan Kreider missed the game because of a “neck injury” but he’s not fooling me. The injury report might as well have said “Kreider (out – awful at football).” Maybe he hurt his neck blocking nobody imparticular.
- Larry Fitzgerald was quiet, although he did score a 2nd quarter touchdown. The real issue with Fitz is the fact that he’s got a bone contusion in his elbow and may miss Sunday’s season finale against Green Bay. It doesn’t seem like a big concern but you’ve got to wonder if that plan will change if the #2 seed is still on the table.
- Speaking of that #2 seed – the Cardinals can clinch it with a Giants win @ Minnesota, Cowboys home win against Philly, and by themselves beating the Packers. Is it likely? Not really as the Giants have nothing left to play for and for all Minnesota’s troubles they are still 7-0 at home. Fortunately for the Cardinal game plan the Vikings/Giants play in the morning thus by the time Cards/Packers kicks off they’ll know if the 2 seed dream is dead.
- After a few pretty average weeks Kurt Warner looked good again – 24/38, 313 and a pair of scores. He did lose a fumble in the third quarter and nearly threw a pick-6 on the next drive (thank you for dropping that Danny Gorrer) but he was otherwise sharp. Say what you will about the other weapons on the Cards but when Warner is right is when the team plays its best.
- It was nice to see Early Doucet catch his first career touchdown pass. How well Doucet develops and embraces regular playing time could determine what happens with Anquan Boldin. As long as Jerheme Urban isn’t involved in any future plans I’m fine with whatever.
- Shout out to (former K-Stater) Reggie Walker for recovering a Danny Amendola fumble on a third quarter punt return. Should-be Pro Bowler Ben Graham channeled his Aussie Rules Football days to make the hit and force the fumble.
- It’s also worth mentioning that rookie Greg Toler came up with his first career interception in the first quarter. Sure it came off the arm of Keith Null but I think it still counts.
- Adrian Wilson picked off a pass in the 4th to give him 20 career interceptions. Along with his over 20 career sacks he became just the 10th member of the 20/20 (INT/Sack) club. The others? Ronde Barber, Rodney Harrison, LeRoy Butler, Brian Dawkins, Donnie Edwards, (former Cardinal) Seth Joyner, Ray Lewis, Wilber Marshall, and William Thomas. Not bad company (and William Thomas). Here’s to AW hurting people on sacks and failing to score on INTs well into the next decade.
- The aforementioned Anquan Boldin had another big day with 8 catches for 116 yards (all in the first half). Boldin’s 4 best yardage games of the season have all occurred since he rested against the Bears in Week 9. Perhaps that Whisenhunt fellow was onto something.
- The run game was average but Beanie Wells averaged 4 YPC on his 17 carries (including a touchdown run). For my money the best run of the game happened when old Wheels Warner scooted his way for 10 yards and a first down. Typical Kurt Warner.
I could talk more about the defense, including DRC’s perfectly timed interception, or the poor offensive line play but this game doesn’t warrant much mention. Assuming the Vikings beat the Giants Week 17 may provide more of the same from a boring standpoint. The playoffs are coming….
