The Cardinals have been living well keeping a balanced offensive attack over the past three games in defeating Atlanta, Carolina, and Philadelphia. The resurgence of Edgerrin James and the rise of the star that Larry Fitzgerald wears on his chest has a lot to do with where the Cardinals are today, preparing for their first Super Bowl.
However, where do you think the Cardinals would stand today without the implementation of trick plays?
First there was the Flea Flicker in the Atlanta game. Although not widely considered a “trick” play, it still remains as a play that you rarely see in the NFL these days. There was the long throw it up for Fitzgerald play in the Carolina game that offensive coordinator Todd Haley drew up on the plane ride to Charlotte. That too, not necessarily a “trick” play, however if you are drawing it up on paper during flight the night before the game, you can call it anything you want. Then there was Warner-to-Arrington-to- Warner-to-Fitzgerald play in the Eagles game. Of course these plays illustrate the Cardinals willingness to go outside the box and do whatever it takes to catch the opponent off-guard.
It’s worked so far.
So, what do you think is in store for the Steelers come next week? I’m sure coach Ken Whisenhunt will have a say in whatever is drawn up. Although the Pittsburgh play book has changed since he left, he still knows the tendencies of many of the current Steelers. I am looking forward to hearing about the quadruple reverse play that the Cardinals pull off in Tampa and how it was drawn up by crayon in the wee hours of the morning of the Super Bowl.
Let’s just hope the box of crayons include red so their is no confusion come game time.
Go Cards!
Scott Allen
FanSided
12th Man Rising
Niner Noise
Ramblin Fan
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I’m hoping the coach doesn’t forget to use all of his tools on offense as well as on defense. There are so many playmakers out there that I’m sure you can forget to use all of the tools in the toolshed and for the Super Bowl, these details cannot be forgotten.
The Cardinals have been using the running game a lot with the James, Hightower one-two punch bringing in a great deal of yards. They’re also using Boldin, Breaston, Urban and Fitzgerald to pick those balls out of the air from Warner. On defense lets not forget to use Rogers-Cromardie, Rolle, Dockett and Okeafor to force turnovers and create sacks. This game is going to be fantastic and I’m behind the Cardinals 110%. Fan since 2004!
Thoughts from Steeler Country….
I’m a lifelong Steeler fan, and first of all let me say that nobody here is taking the Cardinals lightly. They certainly have a shot to win, and the Steelers know that. They’re not going to do it with the running game, but Kurt Warner and Boldin/Fitzgerald have to be enough to make anyone a little leery. Above all else, both teams have got to take care of the football. The Steelers excel at creating turnovers and converting them into points, but they do go on turnover sprees themselves at times. Ask both the Steelers and Ravens how important turnovers have been to both teams’ successes and failures this season. QB protection and stability is the other key factor. The Steelers have had streaks where they were unable to protect Roethlisberger this season, and they paid for those episodes. But likewise, they have been able to rattle other QBs with sacks/fumbles.
We don’t have any kind of rivalry whatsoever, and even Whisenhunt/Grimm and the Steelers’ organization have a lot of mutual respect. I think for the most part, Steeler fans are just not sure what to make of the Cardinals, because we haven’t faced many teams like them. We’re used to grind-it-out contests against physical teams, but this one could be more like the 32-25 Cardinals-Eagles game.
All in all, it just feels like the Great Unknown. I really don’t know how the teams will respond.