Arizona Cardinals Return to Seattle A Much Better Team
By Scott Allen
Dec 9, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) on a kickoff return at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
It was a year ago the Arizona Cardinals went to Seattle to play the Seattle Seahawks in the debacle that was 58-0. We all remember it. Some say we’ll never forget. I say you have to. That was then and this is now.
The Cards are a different team. More than half the roster is different. Last years result has no bearing on this Sunday’s game at all. Does that mean the Cards will win this Sunday? Heck no. I’m not saying they won’t win because I believe they have a shot. I’m just saying it won’t be 58-0. The New Orleans Saints were drubbed there a few weeks ago. The San Francisco 49ers were destroyed there earlier in the season. It is hard to play there. I look to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs held a 21-0 lead on the Hawks in Seattle earlier this year before eventually falling in overtime. They lacked the personnel and the mental toughness it takes to play a full 60 minutes against an elite team like Seattle. However, that was game was also a blueprint on how to start fast against them in that stadium. I think. Let’s all not forget the Cards blew a 17-point fourth- quarter lead last week in Tennessee and an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in St. Louis to start the season.
This is a much better Cards team than one year ago. They are more disciplined. The offensive line is playing better. They have a better quarterback. Michael Floyd has grown up at receiver. Oh, and they have head coach Bruce Arians.
Everything before this Sunday is history though. History has no part in what happens in the 60 minutes of play this week. The only thing the Cards need to do is keep doing what got them into this position in the first place of playing for the chance to go to the playoffs. No small task but an attainable one. Believe.