Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; The Arizona Cardinals defensive line squares off against the Detroit Lions offense during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With the Arizona Cardinals 25-21 victory on Sunday over the Detroit Lions, they moved up in ESPN’s Power Rankings from 25th to 21st. It was a nice four spot increase, moving ahead of teams like the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. While they moved up in the rankings, all ESPN could focus on though was the negatives.
Every team gets a comment about their placing in poll. Since the Cards moved up four spots, you’d expect some nice comments about running back Andre Ellington or receiver Kerry Taylor or running back Rashard Mendenhall. Nope. They preferred to comment on the Cards pass rush or lack thereof.
The Cards only have one sack in the first two games after getting multiple sacks in 10 of 16 games in 2012. Sure it is troubling that the team has just one sack but I find it rather ridiculous the Cards win and all anyone can focus on is the negatives. It seems to be the mindset of the analysts though. The Cards probably could win the Super Bowl and they’d still find something negative to point out.
As long as they continue to get the great fan support though and they are winning, I say just let people say what they want to say. What matters are the wins and losses. The Cards are one of 16 teams at 1-1. How’s that for parity? Now it is time to find out how good they really are on the road the next two weeks.