With Two Weeks to Prepare, No Excuses Today for the Arizona Cardinals
By Scott Allen
Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
The Arizona Cardinals last played two weeks ago against the Green Bay Packers. Normally, that should be enough time to figure out what went wrong, rest some injuries, and prepare for the next opponent, the Atlanta Falcons. The only problem with that is, these Arizona Cardinals are anything but normal. They’ve lost numerous players to injury for an extended length of time. They started out 4-0, only to lose the next five. It’s time. Time to win. No more excuses. Go out and beat your man. The Cards know this. Now they just have to prove it on a football field.
We all know about the Cards quarterback situation. John Skelton will be the guy once again this week. They will live or die with him until Kevin Kolb returns, if Kolb returns. Skelton played just ok in the loss to the Packers. He got his yards. He got a TD pass. Could have had more. I know I’m sounding like a broken record here, however he must limit the turnovers and get rid of the ball to limit the sacks.
Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt said this week there would be changes upcoming but would not elaborate. Some of those changes are most likely on the offensive line. I look for Nate Potter to have a big role going forward. He wasn’t half bad against the Packers.
The Cards need balance on offense. It something the Falcons have prided themselves on this season and a huge reason why they’ve put points up on the scoreboard. The Falcons have Julio Jones and Roddy White at receiver. They have Michael Turner, Jason Snelling, and Jacquizz Rodgers at running, Tony Gonzalez at tight end. The list continues. They have depth. That is something the Cards severely lack.
The Cards lack of depth has been a reason why they haven’t been able to endure the losses of Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, and Todd Heap. At least at tight end with the loss of Heap, there should be some depth, but Rob Housler and Jeff King haven’t consistently produced this season yet.
At receiver the Cards should have depth too, however Early Doucet can’t catch – still. Andre Roberts has been inconsistent the past five weeks. It does appear however Michael Floyd is getting more involved and that will most definitely help.
Enough excuses though. It is time to lace them up and beat your opponent. Falcons or not, the Cards can’t afford many more losses. Play with what you got and put forth your best effort. Limit dumb penalties and keep your head in the game. The gameplan should be a simple one for the Cards. Forget who your opponent is and just win.