Voice of The Cardinals

Some quick thoughts on the Cardinals opening game victory over the S.F. 49′ers.

1. Gabe Watson and Alan Branch better get healthy in a hurry. It didn’t take Mike Martz long to figure out that the way to attack the Cardinals was the center of the offense as Dockett was double teamed most of the day, and the game, but over matched, Bryan Robinson had trouble stopping runs between the tackles. If this was any team besides the 49′ers, who had trouble making any down field throws, this could have been ugly.

2. It took awhile but the offense play calling got into a nice rhythm in the second half. The first half was way too conservative and the 49′ers were working hard to double Boldin and Fitzgerald, but once they got Q involved in the second half the entire complexion of the game changed. Hopefully each week as the team gets stronger and forms an offensive identity, they will combine the amazing passing game they can have, with what looks to be a competent power rushing attack when they need it.

3. The time of possession in the second half and game management was outstanding. No turnovers, a smart special teams play that led to a fumble recovery and a fresh defense, added up to a very solid second half. Edge looked good, Hightower gave them a true change of pace back and the offensive line did a great job of grinding it out in the second half.

4. Turn over differential was outstanding. No turnovers by the Cardinals, which is great, plus the defense forced 5 SF turnovers. The game shouldn’t have even been this close, but for a shanked Rackers field goal attempt in the first quarter and a mindlessly stupid penalty by Gandy when the Cardinals had what would have been a first down inside the one yard line. Still, this is the kind of game the Cardinals have managed to lose in crazy fashion in the last few years, so seeing them just grinding it out and getting the win was more then enough for this long suffering fan.

5. Could we please sign Anquan Boldin? This is a totally different team with him then it is with out him. He is the core of the offense and he needs to be signed. Stop screwing around and get it done please. You will have the salary room of Al Johnson and the reduced salary of Oliver Celestin to work with now, so don’t be idiots and let this drag on. His price tag will go up by the game.

6. Warner managed the game perfectly. He was taking what the defense gave him, protecting the ball and making smart decisions and avoiding reckless throws when he was under pressure. Clearly it was the right choice to start him and each week the offense should only improve.

All in all an annoying first half of missed opportunities when the defense was playing great and giving them superior field position, but they did what good teams do and they adjusted at half time and got it done in the second half. All we need are our nose tackles back on the field and we should be just fine. A great way to start the season with the Cardinals having a one game lead over the Rams, Seahawks and 49′ers as each of them lost big. I’m not getting too excited just yet but this just might be the year where the Cardinals are clearly the superior team in the NFC west.

This was a post by Mark on MVN.com