Cardinals Leave Their Heart In San Francisco, Win 23-13
By Scott Allen
First!!!!
That’s what place the Cardinals find themselves in after week one of the 2008 NFL Season. What a difference a year makes. After being swept by the San Francisco 49ers last season, including the opener at San Francisco, the Cardinals put together a good game, fueled by a very strong second half, and leave the bay area with a 23-13 win over the 49ers.
Quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 197 yards and running back Edgerrin James ran for 100 yards in a very controlled second-half offense. Early on, I was thinking here we go again after mistakes cost the Cardinals some early points. Fact in point T Mike Gandy played the role of Darnell Dockett early when he committed a personal foul penalty after the Cardinals had achieved a fist down inside the 10 yard line. Unfortunately, it was third down and the penalty pushed the Cardinals back. K Neil Rackers came in to attempt a field goal, which he pushed wide and the Cardinals not only lose out on a TD, however any points at all.
That was really the only mental mistake though as the Cardinals came up with 5 San Francisco turnovers. The defense gave up a couple of long passes to TE Vernon Davis and one long TD run by RB Frank Gore, but for the most part, came up with the plays when they needed them. It was nice to see Bertrand Berry strip J.T. O’Sullivan of the ball and Adrian Wilson was the defensive stud I expected him to be, coming up with a key 1st quarter interception.
Play of the game: Neil Rackers pooch kickoff in the 3rd quarter that casued the Niners to muff the return. Arizona gained momentum, running to a 10 point lead and never turning back.
Player of the game: This could go to a number of people, however, I’m giving it to LB Travis LaBoy. He came up with two huge sacks and a fumble recovery.
Fantasy player of the game: Kurt Warner, who had a serviceable 197 yards passing and one TD and most importantly no interceptions, something Warner only accomplished a couple of times in 2007.
Next week: home opener against the 0-1 Miami Dolphins. I can’t wait to get out to the stadium!
A nice start. Let’s take this and run with it. It’s only one game, however, you can’t win them all unless you win the first one. Go Cards!!
Scott Allen
AZScott