Fast Start Key To Arizona Cardinals Success
By Scott Allen
Oct 6, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
They say it’s not how you start but how you finish. Well, when you are on the road, especially when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, it’s how you start. They came out to fast start against the New Orleans Saints and did virtually nothing on offense after the first drive, which resulted in a touchdown. They didn’t finish at all. Offensive points have been at a premium for the Cards.
Today against the San Francisco 49’ers, it will be imperative to score early. Not necessarily score often, although that will help, but if the Cards can pick up a couple of scores early and in San Francisco, I don’t care if it is three or six points, it will do something for the confidence of the Cards and moving the ball mistake-free.
It is easier said than done though. The Niners are a very good defensive team. So were the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers as well. The Bucs held the Cards offense scoreless until the third quarter. The Panthers held the Cards to just three points in the first half last week. Those were the number two and three defenses in the NFL though. If the Cards can mix it up, show balance and not go for the home run on every pass play, they may succeed today in putting some points on the board and keeping the game close throughout.