Saints vs. Cardinals: 10 Things We Learned
I was in my car when I got the text message.
"FWD: Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returns Drew Brees pass for TD."
I rolled down the windows and shouted.
It was definitely the best ending I could've asked for as a Cardinals fan.
Despite all that has gone wrong this season, I still woke up Sunday morning with a sense of excitement.
I really thought we had a chance to beat the New Orleans Saints.
I turned out to be right.
But before I go off gushing about what a great game Arizona played, I wanted to cool off a bit and let the excitement wear off.
So that's why I'm writing this late Tuesday night.
Because, despite the victory, not everything about Sunday's miraculous win was perfect.
1. Larry Fitzgerald Should Be Happy
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Did anyone else notice that pass to Larry Fitzgerald by Hall down the sideline?
You notice something about that pass?
It was on target.
Coach Whisenhunt was probably thrilled.
The very type of pass that Derek Anderson missed several times the last few weeks, Max Hall hit in his first NFL start.
Not only Whisenhunt. Fitz has to be very excited about the Cardinals new QB.
He also has to be excited about his nine targets on Sunday.
Actually, he may be most excited about his seven catches on those nine targets (remember he had 15 targets the first week, but just three catches).
And with Steve Breaston and Early Doucet coming back...things can only get better for Fitz.
2. The Tight Ends Should Be Happy
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I think Ben Patrick particularly benefits from the installing of Max Hall, as he was second on the team in receptions and targets Sunday.
I said before the season that Patrick could have his biggest year considering the QB quandry.
And Hall may now be the reason.
He just to hold on to the ball better, after a late fumble nearly cost the Cardinals the game.
I also think that Jim Dray benefits eventually. Hall threw him a pass in the first half on Sunday that Dray just dropped.
But Hall had plenty of time to create a kinship with the rookie in the preseason, and on Sunday he was on the field more than previous games.
Either way, this season could be the first one in recent memory where a tight end makes an impact.
3. The Cardinals Had a Little Luck On Their Side
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The aforementioned fumble by Patrick going out of bounds.
The two fumbles by Hall being recovered by offensive lineman.
The tipped pass off of Ladell Betts landing in Paris Lenon's hands.
Another missed field goal from close range.
The Cardinals did have more than a few bounces go their way on Sunday.
Sometimes, as they say, it's better to be lucky than good.
However...
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4. This Wasn't a Fluke Win
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I could give you many reasons, and you'll see some of them in this slideshow, but make no mistake: this win wasn't a fluke.
Easy to say as a Cardinals fan, but the Cardinals absolutely did what they had to to win the game on Sunday.
Sure, they did get lucky in some areas, as I just mentioned.
But the Saints themselves dodged some bullets, most notably when Clark Haggans caused Drew Brees to fumble, but the Saints recovered.
Coach Whisenhunt had been saying all along that if the Cardinals can limit their mistakes, they could be a good team.
They finally did, and they were on Sunday.
5. The Saints Offense Played Into The Cardinals Hands
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The Cardinals defense have done a good job dealing with teams that try to use a short passing games.
The Rams and Saints have both have trouble moving the ball consistently against the Cardinals D, even though they both passed for over 200 yards.
As to why, I'm not really sure, but my guess is the Cardinals general speed on defense.
The teams that moved the ball extremely well against the Cardinals, the Chargers and Falcons, used a more physical approach with play action, down the field passing.
So, I imagine the Cardinals defense may not struggle too much with the 49ers offense, but actually could have trouble when they face Minnesota later in the year.
Just a theory of course. Either way...
6. The Defense Finally Came To Play
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Talk about sweet revenge.
It was unfortunate that Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle, and Betrand Berry couldn't be there for this.
The same New Orleans offense, granted minus a few weapons, that destroyed the Cardinals defense less than a year ago in a playoff game was the reason the Cardinals one the game.
The defense had Drew Brees off balance a good part of the game, not allowing him to fully get in rhythm.
Evidence of that was seen in the two late interceptions Drew threw, throws that we don't normally see him make.
But after a few hard weeks, the Cardinals defense, who put in a lot of extra work this week, finally showed up.
7. Max Hall Isn't Great...Yet.
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17 of 27. 168 yards.
Heck, I'll take it after last week.
But that doesn't mean that Hall is the next Joe Montana. Not yet anyway.
But he's well on his way.
Not only did he show accuracy (very few of his throws were far off target), he showed a toughness rarely seen among pocket QB's these days.
And even though the Cardinals couldn't run the ball effectively, Hall still helped them control the clock, and even made a few difficult throws downfield.
Erego, unless Hall does something stupid, he is your starting QB for the rest of the season.
8. The Offensive Line Still Needs Work
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Hall was still under pressure too much on Sunday.
It wasn't nearly as bad as the previous Sunday, though, so you have to give the line some credit.
Also give them some credit for giving Hall time to throw on several occasions.
But he was still sacked four times, and the rushing game didn't average two yards per carry.
Much of that is due to the Saints constant blitzes and stacking the box because they didn't respect Hall.
But the fact remains the same: the offensive line, though it moved in the right direction, has work left to do.
I hope they don't get too comfortable on their week off.
9. Special Teams Is Arizona's New Calling Card
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While the offense is still getting in gear, and the defense has been inconsistent at best, the special teams has been, well if you'll allow the pun, special.
LaRod Stephens-Howling has been a real game changer all year, and proved to be on again Sunday, having two long kickoff returns, one to set up a field goal.
Jay Feely has proved to be a slight upgrade over Neil Rackers, and Ben Graham is having another excellent year.
Andre Roberts had a good day returning punts as well, and once Breaston and Doucet come back, he can focus on that more fully.
It won't be every game that the Cardinals make huge plays of special teams, but I'd say it's a great thing to have in your back pocket.
10. Beanie Wells Did Better Than His Stats
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20 carries. 35 yards.
Not very impressive.
But considering that he ran against eight and nine man boxes the entire day, Wells actually did a pretty good job.
No offense, but he did better than Tim Hightower would've done.
And with him getting 20 carries on the day, it appears that he has taken the number one job from Hightower.
All the better for Hall, who shouldn't have to face those type of numbers in the box when Breaston and Doucet come back.
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