Atlanta Falcons Dump the Arizona Cardinals 41-7

This game looked like a game of Madden 2011 by the time it was over.  It was ugly from start to finish for the Cardinals as they were dominated 41-7 by the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia dome this afternoon.

Where do we begin here? Let's focus on what was good for Atlanta. Simply put. Everything. Matt Ryan looked like Peyton Manning. Michael Turner and Jason Snelling looked like Barry Sanders. It was so easy for the Falcons, I think they were surprised themselves. Matt Ryan passed for three touchdowns and 225 yards. Third-string running back Jason Snelling ran for 129 yards and scored three times himself.

The last time these two teams met, it was in the 2008 playoffs when Arizona went into Atlanta and beat the Falcons 30-24 on the way to their Super Bowl run.

This trip to Atlanta wasn't so pretty.

Atlanta started out hot with their first drive scoring with ease. Coupled with a sprinkling of penalties from an undisciplined Cardinals team. Atlanta started out 10-0 but LaRod Stephens-Howling, who is consistently performing well for the Cards, ran the kickoff back to cut the lead to 10-7, but one of those pesky yellow flags plagued the Cardinals yet again and negated the touchdown.

That took the wind out of the Cardinals, and they never found their rhythm on offense.

Derek Anderson looked like...well. Derek Anderson. Inaccurate and sloppy. He finished 17-31 for 161 yards and two costly interceptions. Backup quarterback Max Hall came in for the last two minutes and finished 1-2 for 3 yards and an interception

There were several stats that defined this game.

Time of possession was over the top for Atlanta as they kept the ball for 39 minutes. Their dominance on the ground made it easy for them to eat up the time.

Time of possession wasn't the only stat that was lopsided. Atlanta had 33 first downs to Arizona's 11.

Arizona was 0-8 on third down. That's zero percentage for you math majors. Atlanta was 11-17 on third down. 

Arizona got 10 penalties for 109 yards. Six of those penalties led to six Atlanta first downs. 

As you can see, there wasn't much to cheer about if you are the Cardinals. Tim Hightower did have a good day on the ground rushing 11 times for 115 yards and 1 touchdown including an 80-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It was the longest touchdown from scrimmage for Tim Hightower replacing his former career-long, 70-yard touchdown that happened in the New Orleans playoff game last year.

Ironically, the Cardinals were routed that game too.

Safety Kerry Rhodes was ejected for touching an official while pleading his case against a penalty. He probably was glad he didn't have to sit and watch the end of this one.

“I could say this is a wake-up call,” said Larry Fitzgerald. “We have some work to do and I think we all understand that.”

Stephen Williams looked so good in training camp and preseason, but he is making rookie errors. He dropped a sure catch and blew at least one assignment.

The defense didn't show up either. The Falcons ran without resistance. They passed with all kinds of time. There isn't much more to say. Fortunately, the Cardinals stayed injury free.

Is it time to panic in Arizona? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Both games were on the road, and they did finish 1-1.  They still remain in first place as Seattle and St. Louis both lost and San Francisco has a tough task against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

The good news for the Cardinals is that Oakland comes to University of Phoenix stadium next week for the home opener. The bad news is that after that they play two Super Bowl contenders in San Diego and New Orleans.

One thing is for sure. The offensive line has to play better and so does the quarterback. The defense can't allow 41 points and beat themselves with the penalties.

Stay tuned to see how they respond at home next weekend.