All is well in Cardinal land

photo by azcardinals.com

For the first time since 1977(before I was born) the Cardinals are 7-3. It’s something I’ve always hoped for but never realistically thought  was possible. Who would have thought the Arizona Cardinals could clinch a spot in the playoffs by week 12? That’s something they can now do with a win over the NY Giants and with some help from other teams in the NFC West.

A few thoughts I have…

• Yes, the Cardinals did struggle with two less than average teams the last two weeks. But I’m a freaking Arizona Cardinal fan! I don’t care how they win! Have any of you ever heard of the saying “Beggars can’t be choosers”? Any win in the NFL is a good win in my opinion, they don’t come easy or often for the Cardinals. Even the Giants lost to the Cleveland Browns! So lets not get too upset over the way the Cardinals won.

• Now saying all that doesn’t mean I’m not frustrated with some things. I’m aware of the current struggles in the red zone for the Cardinals. Some of that might have to do with the lack of run game but I’m blaming play calling on this one. It’s the best pass attack in the NFL, throw the ball and let your play makers make plays! Lately I’ve been seeing too much 1st and 2nd down runs when the ball is at the 8 or 9 yard line. I know Haley likes to get stubborn and show teams they can run the ball into the endzone and try’s to get teams to respect the run. But when you’ve just moved the ball up and down the field on a team by passing why start running when you get to the goal line? I’m not saying don’t do any runs, I just think the team was at it’s best when they stayed away from the run inside the 10 yard line. Unless of course the ball is a yard away then I find that acceptable.

• Kurt Warner is the NFL MVP right now. I know some people have some players they’d like to argue for but I don’t think it’s close. Kerry Collins wouldn’t even make the Pro Bowl if his team had lost one or two games. So to say he’s the MVP of the league because his team has the best defense and run game is kind of silly to me. I give him A LOT of credit for stepping in as the back up QB and leading the team like he has. He does a great job managing the game and staying away from mistakes and that’s all he needs to be doing. But a guy that is 23rd in the NFL in passing yards, 21st in touchdowns, and 23rd in completion percentage should not be the MVP. I’d probably for the moment say he’s the odd man out for the Pro Bowl as well for the AFC. Either way this doesn’t matter the Titans will lose a game or two and Collins will no longer be talked about as an MVP candidate soon. Clinton Portis had a great first half but is slowing down a bit and shouldn’t be in the talks as much as he has been. Adrian Peterson is deserving in my opinion but still hasn’t done for his team what Warner has done for the Cardinals. Kurt is having one of the great seasons of all time for NFL quarterbacks. I don’t know if he’ll win MVP but at least to this point he is the clear winner in my book.

• Anquan Boldin is right there for MVP of the NFL. Boldin is leading all NFL receivers in touchdowns despite missing two games, he leads the NFL in receiving yards per game, and receptions per game. No WR runs over and physically punishes more cornerbacks and safeties than Boldin. He is a nightmare for any defensive back and you know they’re all afraid to be on the field with him. On top of all this the mans face was literally broke and he came back two games later and has played better than ever. He definitely deserves to win the award for toughest NFL player this season. At the very least He should at least be mentioned as an NFL MVP candidate. I plead with the Cardinals to sign a new contract with him.

• Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie had his break out game last week. He picked off two passes one which ended the game. DRC has had his rookie moments but lets remember he is coming out of a division two school and it’s going to take a while to get acclimated to the NFL. I think he’s going to be a draft pick Cardinals fans are going to be very happy about. O and kudos to Ralph Brown for stepping in for the injured Rod Hood. Brown made some very nice plays and really surprised some people.

• Neil Rackers, you’ve proved a lot of critics wrong to this point. Neil was last in the NFL last season in field goal kicking percentage, but this season has made 18 of 20. Right now I don’t want to say anything to jinx him or mess with his head because he is fragile. But he hasn’t missed a field goal since week 4 against the Jets. I’m not going to be completely sold on Neil until I see him make a clutch field goal, something he hasn’t been good at in the past. But to this point I’m very impressed with Neil’s play.

This dream season for the Cardinals is just starting. We still have a lot of weeks left and I think the excitement is just starting. Just wait till they beat the Giants on Sunday! Then things will really start to get crazy!

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