Cardinals Have a Chance to Right the Ship on Monday Night

December 11, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) runs with the ball against San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Arizona Cardinals have had a rough three weeks, no doubt.  All three games were winnable.  It is a theme we’ve experienced in many years previously.  However this year thanks to the 4-0 start, we can say should of would of could of and still find the Cards in a good position to get themselves back into first place on Monday night against the San Francisco 49’ers.

It is a battle for first place, which for the Cards is amazing considering the losses to injury they’ve had on the offensive side of the ball.  That shows just how well the defense has played to keep the Cards in games over the last three weeks.  The Cards though have had their opportunities on offense as well.

Turnovers and penalties hurt the Cards last week in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  If they come out with the same undisciplined football again tomorrow night, it will be lights out early for the Cards.  The Niners will make the Cards pay for any mistakes.  Granted the Niners have struggled on offense themselves the last couple of weeks, they still have the weapons to make you pay for your mistakes.

It will most likely come down to both defenses though, as we’ve seen the other NFC West match-ups have done so far this season.  This makes limiting penalties and turnovers that much more important.  Both teams may not get a lot of chances to score.  However, if they win, no matter who they get there, ugly or pretty, the Cards will be back in a tie for first place going into the second half of the season and still on pace for a 10-6 record.