I cant understand why no one is talking about this game. I think this is a good spot for Arizona.............and the 7.5 is very generous.
Arizona
- Thread starter Don Wallace
- Start date
Good chance Boldin won't play. He's the biggest key to that offense. Didn't practice all week although he did make the trip with the team.
I don't really have a side in this one, but Boldin's status would give me pause about backing the Cards.
I don't really have a side in this one, but Boldin's status would give me pause about backing the Cards.
- Dec 13, 2005
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Its gonna he hard for Warner to pass with a cold, windy and 90% chance of snow forecast. Patriots playing for a playoff spot and Cards just want to stay healthy.
- Mar 19, 2006
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Periods of snow. Some sleet may mix in. High 36F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. 4 to 6 inches of snow expected.
Two key offensive players are likely to miss Sunday?s game at the Patriots because of injuries.
Anquan Boldin has a sore left shoulder and running back J.J. Arrington is nursing a troublesome right knee. Both likely could play this weekend if a playoff berth was on the line. They were listed as questionable after Friday?s practice.
But it?s not. The Cardinals clinched the NFC West almost three weeks ago and coach Ken Whisenhunt?s inclination is to be cautious.
?Obviously, in this type of situation, where you have a (playoff) game two weeks away, you want to make sure you got as many of your guys available for that game,? Whisenhunt said Thursday. ?That?s got to take priority.?
Whisenhunt didn?t rule either player out, but then he rarely does that. He gave strong hints, however, about their availability.
?I think that both these guys want to play and if they?re ready to go, they?ll play,? Whisenhunt said. ?But I think also, you have to be smart with that situation. read between the lines
?If this was a game that for us meant to get into the playoffs, it would be a completely different scenario.?
Steve Breaston likely will start in Boldin?s place with Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James absorbing Arrington?s role.
? The Cardinals have picked an inopportune time to suffer their worst slump of the season, and this Sunday?s game in New England could be pivotal as the club heads into the post-season.
The Cardinals have lost three of their past four games and watched their record go from 7-3 to 8-6. They clinched the NFC West title two weeks, although it had been apparent for weeks they were going to win it.
That has played a part in their recent struggles. They appeared emotionally flat and disinterested in their two most recent losses, at Philadelphia on Thanksgiving and last Sunday against the Vikings.
Before those losses, the Cardinals talked about how anything was possible in the playoffs, pointing to the improbable Super Bowl runs in recent years by the Steelers and Giants.
This week, the conversation has changed. The Cardinals have started referring to the development of the program as a process. Quarterback Kurt Warner said the team is realistic about not being a favorite to win the Super Bowl, and he called this season a step toward success.
?After winning the division, a lot of people were telling us how good we were, patting us on the back, talking about the playoffs,? coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ?That obviously was a distraction and something I didn?t see signs of during the week (of practice).
?But we?re a work in progress and this last game (the 35-14 loss to the Vikings) is a real testament to that.?
The swoon over the last month has many of the players concerned. Everyone knew the schedule toughened in the last half of the season, and the Cardinals have not responded well.
?It?s a concern right now,? said linebacker Karlos Dansby. ?It?s a wake-up call and everybody has to find out what?s going on and get everything right.?
That?s easier said than done. Receiver Anquan Boldin is struggling in big games now. Warner hasn?t been as sharp. The defense has been porous.
The Cardinals had better find the motivation switch fast. The Patriots (9-5) are fighting for a playoff berth, so they will be ready. Will the Cardinals?
?I just want the guys to know what it feels like to lose your home playoff game after you clinch the division title early,? said defensive lineman Bryan Robinson, a 12-year veteran who had that happen to him in Cincinnati and Chicago. ?I?ve been there twice, man, and you sit there like, ?What the hell just happened???
Series History: 12th regular-season meeting. Cardinals lead the series, 6-5, but the Patriots have won the past four. The Cardinals are making their first regular-season appearance at Gillette Stadium, which opened in 2002. The Cardinals have played in New England just three times since 1970. The Cardinals haven?t won a road game against a team outside of the NFC West this year. They also are 0-4 in their past four games against teams with winning records and have lost three of their last four overall.
Notes, Quotes
? Five Cardinals were named to the Pro Bowl, the most the team has had since seven made it in 1977. Quarterback Kurt Warner and his top two receivers, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, will start. It?s the first time since the merger in 1970 that a quarterback and his two receivers have started. ?I think it?s a great day for the Cardinals, because there have been a number of years when they?ve had good players and not gotten the recognition,? said coach Ken Whisenhunt.
? It will be Warner?s first Pro Bowl appearance since 2001. He?s not sure if all seven of his kids are going, or not. ?I remember a few years there when things were going good, my kids would say every year, ?Hey, dad, when are we going to Hawaii again??? Warner said. ?I had to tell them our vacations to Hawaii were stopping.?
? Boldin praised his teammates and the offensive scheme for helping him make his third Pro Bowl in six seasons. He was asked if that makes it more likely he will want to return to the team in 2009. ?Honestly, I don?t know,? he said. ?That?s a situation that will have to be resolved after the season. Right now, I?m just honored to be selected and happy my teammates are going as well.?
? Going this year is different than his other two trips, Boldin said. He went alone as a rookie. The Cardinals haven?t had more than two players named to the Pro Bowl since 1996. ?The best part about this year is you have a lot more to go with it,? Boldin said. ?There is a lot more sense of joy and pride in it than in past years, with us having losing seasons and my being the only one voted into the Pro Bowl.?
? OLB Clark Haggans has his left foot in a cast. He has a sprain of the LisFranc joint and has to be in the cast for at least a month. He is hoping to participate in the playoffs, but that seems a long shot. ?He (the doctor) put this cast on to make sure I didn?t do something stupid and try to go running a 5K Marathon to raise some toys for Santa,? Haggans said. ?I?ll just make a cash donation and chill.?
By The Numbers: 0-4?That?s the Cardinals? record against opponents with winning records since Oct. 12.
Quote To Note: ?After a game like that, there?s no way you can say we?re all on the same page. The one thing we know about this league, though, is winning cures everything.??Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson on last week?s loss to the Vikings.
Strategy And Personnel
PLAYER NOTES
? WR Steve Breaston could be in line to start Sunday. Anquan Boldin is listed as questionable due to a sore shoulder.
? QB Matt Leinart has been wearing a glove on his left hand this week in practice to become accustomed to throwing in cold conditions. Leinart liked how the glove felt, he said, but he?s not going to start wearing them full time like Kurt Warner.
? DE Calais Campbell, a rookie, is gradually getting more playing time as a rotation player along the defensive line. Campbell has produced when given the chance this year. He also plays on several special teams.
? LB Monty Beisel is the primary backup at three of the four linebacker positions and also played in nickel situations last week. Beisel backs up the two inside linebacker spots as well as the strong side position.
? K Neil Rackers is enjoying one of his finest seasons. He?s made 19 of his past 20 field goals and his array of kicks has been beneficial to the special teams. He?s excellent on onside kicks and all three of his kickoffs last week resulted in touchbacks.
? QB Kurt Warner has committed nine turnovers in the past five games. On the road against good teams, those turnovers seem to come early. The Cardinals can?t afford a slow start against the Patriots.
Game Plan: The Cardinals talk a lot about improving their run game but it?s not going to happen. They are a passing team and the Patriots have struggled in pass coverage, so the Cardinals won?t spend a lot of time handing off. The Patriots linebackers are slow and the corners are vulnerable. They?ll keep safeties back to prevent big plays.
Defensively, the Cardinals give up a lot through the air, too. Opponents have 31 touchdown passes against them, the most in the NFL. The secondary was starting to play better until last week when the Vikings had four touchdown passes, including three against Rod Hood. The front seven needs to start making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Matchups To Watch: Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Cardinals CB Rod Hood?The Vikings burned Hood for three touchdowns last week, so expect the Patriots to go at him, too. The Cardinals play more man coverage than most teams, so Hood has to hold up.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald vs. Patriots CB Jonathan Wilhite: Wilhite?s a rookie and the Cardinals love to create mismatches with their spread formations. Fitzgerald is a strong, physical receiver who has become a better route runner and runner after the catch.
Cardinals LT Mike Gandy vs. Patriots RE Richard Seymour: Seymour has been one of the best in the business for years, and Gandy is coming off one of his poorest games in two seasons in Arizona. The Cardinals normally don?t give their tackles much help.
Injury Impact:
? WR Anquan Boldin missed practice Friday and is listed as questionable with a sore left shoulder. Steve Breaston would start in his place.
? RB J.J. Arrington (knee) is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision.
? OLB Clark Haggans probably is out for the year with a sprained Lis Franc joint in his left foot. Haggans is wearing a cast and hopes to return for the playoffs but that seems doubtful.
? FB Terrelle Smith returned to practice Thursday after missing most of the past two weeks due to a death in the family.
? WR Sean Morey is dealing with a painful shoulder injury that?s limiting his effectiveness. A key special teams player, Morey is playing through the injury but coaches are trying to limit his snaps.
? WR Early Doucet practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday?s workout with a hamstring strain. He is expected to play against the Patriots. He probably will be the team?s fourth receiver, moving up one spot due to Anquan Boldin?s shoulder injury.
Two key offensive players are likely to miss Sunday?s game at the Patriots because of injuries.
Anquan Boldin has a sore left shoulder and running back J.J. Arrington is nursing a troublesome right knee. Both likely could play this weekend if a playoff berth was on the line. They were listed as questionable after Friday?s practice.
But it?s not. The Cardinals clinched the NFC West almost three weeks ago and coach Ken Whisenhunt?s inclination is to be cautious.
?Obviously, in this type of situation, where you have a (playoff) game two weeks away, you want to make sure you got as many of your guys available for that game,? Whisenhunt said Thursday. ?That?s got to take priority.?
Whisenhunt didn?t rule either player out, but then he rarely does that. He gave strong hints, however, about their availability.
?I think that both these guys want to play and if they?re ready to go, they?ll play,? Whisenhunt said. ?But I think also, you have to be smart with that situation. read between the lines
?If this was a game that for us meant to get into the playoffs, it would be a completely different scenario.?
Steve Breaston likely will start in Boldin?s place with Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James absorbing Arrington?s role.
? The Cardinals have picked an inopportune time to suffer their worst slump of the season, and this Sunday?s game in New England could be pivotal as the club heads into the post-season.
The Cardinals have lost three of their past four games and watched their record go from 7-3 to 8-6. They clinched the NFC West title two weeks, although it had been apparent for weeks they were going to win it.
That has played a part in their recent struggles. They appeared emotionally flat and disinterested in their two most recent losses, at Philadelphia on Thanksgiving and last Sunday against the Vikings.
Before those losses, the Cardinals talked about how anything was possible in the playoffs, pointing to the improbable Super Bowl runs in recent years by the Steelers and Giants.
This week, the conversation has changed. The Cardinals have started referring to the development of the program as a process. Quarterback Kurt Warner said the team is realistic about not being a favorite to win the Super Bowl, and he called this season a step toward success.
?After winning the division, a lot of people were telling us how good we were, patting us on the back, talking about the playoffs,? coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ?That obviously was a distraction and something I didn?t see signs of during the week (of practice).
?But we?re a work in progress and this last game (the 35-14 loss to the Vikings) is a real testament to that.?
The swoon over the last month has many of the players concerned. Everyone knew the schedule toughened in the last half of the season, and the Cardinals have not responded well.
?It?s a concern right now,? said linebacker Karlos Dansby. ?It?s a wake-up call and everybody has to find out what?s going on and get everything right.?
That?s easier said than done. Receiver Anquan Boldin is struggling in big games now. Warner hasn?t been as sharp. The defense has been porous.
The Cardinals had better find the motivation switch fast. The Patriots (9-5) are fighting for a playoff berth, so they will be ready. Will the Cardinals?
?I just want the guys to know what it feels like to lose your home playoff game after you clinch the division title early,? said defensive lineman Bryan Robinson, a 12-year veteran who had that happen to him in Cincinnati and Chicago. ?I?ve been there twice, man, and you sit there like, ?What the hell just happened???
Series History: 12th regular-season meeting. Cardinals lead the series, 6-5, but the Patriots have won the past four. The Cardinals are making their first regular-season appearance at Gillette Stadium, which opened in 2002. The Cardinals have played in New England just three times since 1970. The Cardinals haven?t won a road game against a team outside of the NFC West this year. They also are 0-4 in their past four games against teams with winning records and have lost three of their last four overall.
Notes, Quotes
? Five Cardinals were named to the Pro Bowl, the most the team has had since seven made it in 1977. Quarterback Kurt Warner and his top two receivers, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, will start. It?s the first time since the merger in 1970 that a quarterback and his two receivers have started. ?I think it?s a great day for the Cardinals, because there have been a number of years when they?ve had good players and not gotten the recognition,? said coach Ken Whisenhunt.
? It will be Warner?s first Pro Bowl appearance since 2001. He?s not sure if all seven of his kids are going, or not. ?I remember a few years there when things were going good, my kids would say every year, ?Hey, dad, when are we going to Hawaii again??? Warner said. ?I had to tell them our vacations to Hawaii were stopping.?
? Boldin praised his teammates and the offensive scheme for helping him make his third Pro Bowl in six seasons. He was asked if that makes it more likely he will want to return to the team in 2009. ?Honestly, I don?t know,? he said. ?That?s a situation that will have to be resolved after the season. Right now, I?m just honored to be selected and happy my teammates are going as well.?
? Going this year is different than his other two trips, Boldin said. He went alone as a rookie. The Cardinals haven?t had more than two players named to the Pro Bowl since 1996. ?The best part about this year is you have a lot more to go with it,? Boldin said. ?There is a lot more sense of joy and pride in it than in past years, with us having losing seasons and my being the only one voted into the Pro Bowl.?
? OLB Clark Haggans has his left foot in a cast. He has a sprain of the LisFranc joint and has to be in the cast for at least a month. He is hoping to participate in the playoffs, but that seems a long shot. ?He (the doctor) put this cast on to make sure I didn?t do something stupid and try to go running a 5K Marathon to raise some toys for Santa,? Haggans said. ?I?ll just make a cash donation and chill.?
By The Numbers: 0-4?That?s the Cardinals? record against opponents with winning records since Oct. 12.
Quote To Note: ?After a game like that, there?s no way you can say we?re all on the same page. The one thing we know about this league, though, is winning cures everything.??Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson on last week?s loss to the Vikings.
Strategy And Personnel
PLAYER NOTES
? WR Steve Breaston could be in line to start Sunday. Anquan Boldin is listed as questionable due to a sore shoulder.
? QB Matt Leinart has been wearing a glove on his left hand this week in practice to become accustomed to throwing in cold conditions. Leinart liked how the glove felt, he said, but he?s not going to start wearing them full time like Kurt Warner.
? DE Calais Campbell, a rookie, is gradually getting more playing time as a rotation player along the defensive line. Campbell has produced when given the chance this year. He also plays on several special teams.
? LB Monty Beisel is the primary backup at three of the four linebacker positions and also played in nickel situations last week. Beisel backs up the two inside linebacker spots as well as the strong side position.
? K Neil Rackers is enjoying one of his finest seasons. He?s made 19 of his past 20 field goals and his array of kicks has been beneficial to the special teams. He?s excellent on onside kicks and all three of his kickoffs last week resulted in touchbacks.
? QB Kurt Warner has committed nine turnovers in the past five games. On the road against good teams, those turnovers seem to come early. The Cardinals can?t afford a slow start against the Patriots.
Game Plan: The Cardinals talk a lot about improving their run game but it?s not going to happen. They are a passing team and the Patriots have struggled in pass coverage, so the Cardinals won?t spend a lot of time handing off. The Patriots linebackers are slow and the corners are vulnerable. They?ll keep safeties back to prevent big plays.
Defensively, the Cardinals give up a lot through the air, too. Opponents have 31 touchdown passes against them, the most in the NFL. The secondary was starting to play better until last week when the Vikings had four touchdown passes, including three against Rod Hood. The front seven needs to start making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Matchups To Watch: Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Cardinals CB Rod Hood?The Vikings burned Hood for three touchdowns last week, so expect the Patriots to go at him, too. The Cardinals play more man coverage than most teams, so Hood has to hold up.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald vs. Patriots CB Jonathan Wilhite: Wilhite?s a rookie and the Cardinals love to create mismatches with their spread formations. Fitzgerald is a strong, physical receiver who has become a better route runner and runner after the catch.
Cardinals LT Mike Gandy vs. Patriots RE Richard Seymour: Seymour has been one of the best in the business for years, and Gandy is coming off one of his poorest games in two seasons in Arizona. The Cardinals normally don?t give their tackles much help.
Injury Impact:
? WR Anquan Boldin missed practice Friday and is listed as questionable with a sore left shoulder. Steve Breaston would start in his place.
? RB J.J. Arrington (knee) is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision.
? OLB Clark Haggans probably is out for the year with a sprained Lis Franc joint in his left foot. Haggans is wearing a cast and hopes to return for the playoffs but that seems doubtful.
? FB Terrelle Smith returned to practice Thursday after missing most of the past two weeks due to a death in the family.
? WR Sean Morey is dealing with a painful shoulder injury that?s limiting his effectiveness. A key special teams player, Morey is playing through the injury but coaches are trying to limit his snaps.
? WR Early Doucet practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday?s workout with a hamstring strain. He is expected to play against the Patriots. He probably will be the team?s fourth receiver, moving up one spot due to Anquan Boldin?s shoulder injury.
played em at 8 although Boldin is doubtful, AZ is locked and NE will be playing for their lives.oh and that west to east coast thing 
I understand all the particulars surrounding this play..................but I think Arizona comes to play today.
I think they come to play to. And N Eng is not world beaters this year. I believe it's in the line. If it was under 6 play N E. But at 7 and up no question Arz. For sure 7.5 witch almost makes it 9.
I bit ( not because you guys) on AZ + 8 1/2
They didn't even show up or they sent a high school team to represent them
:cursin: :00x4
They didn't even show up or they sent a high school team to represent them
:cursin: :00x4
WEATHER IS A KILLER :00x4 TAKES EM OUT OF THEIR PASSING GAME & FORCES THEM TO RUN WHICH THEY DON'T.
- Mar 19, 2006
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I feel like a dumb ass for even mentioning the game............Arizona is playing as if they are just content to be in the Playoffs.
And I thought that they had no chance for division.Now its up to the NYJ , and a win @Buffalo.
No matter what happens ,the Pats must be praised for the way they have overcome so many injuries this season.In fact if they do miss out on the playoffs its ALMOST like it doesnt matter cause of the obstacles they have overcome .
I would say Miami looks to be the team to beat,as NYJ just look like classic December chokers .(as usual)
No matter what happens ,the Pats must be praised for the way they have overcome so many injuries this season.In fact if they do miss out on the playoffs its ALMOST like it doesnt matter cause of the obstacles they have overcome .
I would say Miami looks to be the team to beat,as NYJ just look like classic December chokers .(as usual)
beware of New England if they make the playoffs, Arizona on the other hand, ugh
They will get beat in the first round whoever they play
They will get beat in the first round whoever they play
DW,
Don't worry about it. You can't win em all. Don't let knobs on this board bring you down.
Keep hitting your high %.....may the winners be yours.
SPITS
Don't worry about it. You can't win em all. Don't let knobs on this board bring you down.
Keep hitting your high %.....may the winners be yours.
SPITS
No one hits them all,there were a lot of good reasons to look hard at Arizona in this game.I gave it a close look last early week 'til I saw the weather report on Thursday.The weather and locking up the playoffs had a great deal to do with this result,the cards didn't come to play,the coach set the tone saying he was going to be cautious with hurt players 'cause the playoffs loom ahead,so the team mailed it in.They could have been psyched out of their minds and had a bad time with the "conditions" 'cause they can't (or haven't tried) to commit to the run.You called the Denver outright vs the jets,which took balls.Its a percentage thing,not hitting every single game.Its only the inexperienced who don't appreciate this.You posts are interesting and worth reading.
