San Francisco 49ers Dominate Arizona Cardinals, Time To Play for 2012

The Cardinals slim, slim hopes of making the playoffs were all but dashed against the 49ers as well as the grumblings of a quarterback controversy.

The Cardinals again turned out a disappointing, flat performance, in what was their worst offensive game of the season, complete with five turnovers. 

The defense, which was a major liability in the first part of the season, played well all things considered.  They have improved throughout the course of the season and appear to be adapting to defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s schemes. 

John Skelton was benched after throwing three interceptions.  Chester Taylor rushed for more yards in one carry than Beanie Wells had the entire day, and the Cardinals lone touchdown came from another brilliant Larry Fitzgerald catch that could have just as easily been an interception.

There have been so many disappointing games this season that heat has to start being directed at the coaching.

Ken Whisenhunt doesn’t need to worry about his job this season, but if the Cardinals find themselves in the same position halfway into the 2012 season the question needs to be raised if he is the right man for the job.

Whisenhunt has a few things going for him to position the Cardinals for a respectable 2012 season.

To begin with, the Cardinals will have another top five draft pick.

With the 2011 season effectively over he will be able to play and develop the younger players for the remainder of the season such as O’Brien Schofield and Sam Acho.  And with Dan Williams most likely out for the season David Carter will get the chance to be the starting nose tackle.

Kevin Kolb will be able to finish the season without the murmurs of a quarterback controversy.  John Skelton had a few decent moments, but when he faced a legitimate defense he crumbled.  If the Cardinals are to have any success next season it will be at the hands of Kolb.

For Whisenhunt and the Cardinals, the 2012 season starts next Sunday.