Arizona Cardinals: 4 Reasons Why the Season Is Already Lost

It's extremely tough to be an Arizona Cardinals fan right now, as shown by the terrible season the team is having so far. It's not far fetched to think the season is already lost, as shown with today's loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

There are big time problems on both sides of the field and there hasn't been much reason for optimism in the desert. With the subpar play of the Cards mixed with the much improved play of the San Francisco 49ers, there is very little chance they can be legit contenders in the division. Read on for insufficient pass blocking and three other reasons why the season is lost in Arizona. 

The Schedule Isn't Getting Any Easier

Today's blowout loss against the Minnesota Vikings dropped the Cardinals to 1-4 with no cupcakes coming up on the schedule. During their next six games, they play the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. 

The way this team is playing, the fact they play four above average teams is discouraging. By Week 13, barring an upset or two, expect the Cards will be around two or three wins as compared to eight or nine losses. 

The worst thing about having tough games is having them on the road, where Arizona is currently 0-3. The Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco games are all on the road and that is already a disadvantage before playing those games. 

Pass Protection Has Been Absolutely Terrible

When talking about the negatives of this Arizona team, offensive line play is a big negative. The line knew they had to perform better when Kevin Kolb was acquired, but that didn't motivate them to play better.

Kevin Kolb has been sacked 12 times this year, but the countless times when a play is ruined because of pressure don't show up in the stat sheet. Just this week, I watched Kevin Kolb get pressured in to releasing the ball much to early and have to scramble out of the pocket.

It will be very interesting to see if Kevin Kolb uses the media to send a message to his offensive line. I can't see Kolb blatantly calling out the offensive line, but little comments about lack of time to throw and having to be outside the pocket would not surprise me. 

The Defense Can't Stop Anyone

The defense has been even more disappointing than the offensive line and has already blown three fourth quarter leads in the first five games. Pass defense is the real killer, with corners Patrick Peterson and A.J. Jefferson being the target of opposing quarterbacks. 

With veteran safeties Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson, there's no excuse for the pass defense to be as terrible as it has been. Allowing 282.8 yards per game through the air is just ridiculous for the talent in this secondary. 

One way to improve passing defense is to pressure the opposing quarterback and get him on the floor more often. That means more consistent pass rush and rushing with purpose, not just trying to hit the lineman in front of you. 

Lack of the Clutch Factor

Even though the defense has been terrible and has lost three fourth quarter leads, the offense had the opportunity to drive down the field and secure the win in each game but failed each time. The offense lacks the "clutch factor" that helps secure wins and it certainly hasn't helped the team.

It was a fumble by Chansi Stuckey against the Washington Redskins in Week 2, an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 and failed conversion on fourth down against the New York Giants in Week 4. That's three straight weeks of the offense floundering in critical moments of the game.

The offense could have bailed out the defense each game but failed to deliver in the "clutch."