Arizona Cardinals Dominated in New Orleans, Lose to Saints 31-7

Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) tackles New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) during the third quarter of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It was close for at least a half.  The Arizona Cardinals defense looked good for a while.  The offense looked good – for a drive.  The New Orleans Saints though took total control of the game in the second half and ran away with the game in a 31-7 victory.

Early on, Saints quarterback Drew Brees didn’t seem like Drew Brees at home.  The Saints couldn’t run the ball either.  That all changed in a heartbeat and really it all started towards the end of the first half.  The Saints seem to have some disconnect trying to move the ball into scoring position.  However they managed to get a touchdown near the end of the first half and even in their drive after that they seemed to be turning the momentum.

The defense was able to get to Brees a few times.  Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was able to get to Brees twice.  It had been a long time since Dockett had played that well or at least since I could remember.  However it was not to be.

The Saints offense utilized all of their weapons in the second half.  Tight end Jimmy Graham, running back Pierre Thomas, running back/kick returner Darren Sproles, receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, they all played well.

As for the Cards offense, that may have been even more frustrating than watching the defense.  At least with the defense you knew they would have trouble with all of the Saints weapons.  The offense, after moving the ball right down the field to start the game in an 11-play drive to take a 7-0 lead, it was pretty much all downhill from there.  Quarterback Carson Palmer was rushed all day.  He only went 18-35 for 187 yards and two interceptions.  His timing appeared to be off and the Cards also weren’t coming down with catches they had been the first two weeks.

There is so much to dissect and we will be doing that over the next couple of days, however for now it is a disappointing result and the Cards continue to be a very frustrating team to watch.  Just when they have you reeled in and believing, the go off and play poorly.  I knew it would be tough no doubt, however I expected a much better effort and result.  Now, the team is off to Florida for the next week in preparation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.