Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals mascot Big Red poses for a picture during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports
After a terrific come from behind victory for the Arizona Cardinals in their season home opener at the university of Phoenix stadium. It will be interesting to see if they can take their show on the road and gain some momentum by getting a surprising upset over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints are off to a terrific 2-0 start and seem to be back on track with the return of head coach Sean Peyton. With Peyton back in the fold after last years (one year ban) hiatus. It seems as though the Saints are playing early on as they were prior to Peyton’s one year suspension do to the all too familiar hit to injure scandal.
If Arizona can somehow surprise and come away with a victory, this could give them some momentum moving forward and perhaps set the stage for a promising season. However, in order to defeat Brees and the high-flying Saints a lot of things will need to go right on the road in the “Who Dat Nation”.
In order to defeat the high-flying Saints in the Super dome the Cardinals will need to attempt to take the air out if the football and keep the twelfth man (the fans) out of the game. Although in order to do that will be a monumental task but very possible.
If the Redbirds can continue their momentum established in the second half of last week’s game against the Detroit Lions they have a shot. In the second half (last week), the Cardinal defense pitched a shutout and allowed only four first downs, slowing down Mathew Stafford and the Lions offense.
The Cardinals cannot afford to get off to a slow start this week on the road. They got away with a slow start last week at home but you can be assured if this happens this week in that stadium there will be no come backs.
The only way for them to get a W on the road this week, they must take the air out of the football. They must be able to run the football and use the clock and keep the ball out of Brees’s hands.
Furthermore, if Arizona can play solid defense as they did in the second half last week. As well as play tremendous special teams again this week in their house and play mistake free football. Perhaps they can steal a victory on the road.
I really believe this game against the Saints on the road could be a major spring-board game for them for the rest of the year. If they can somehow come away with a victory in the “Who Dat Nation”, this could very well give Arizona tons of confidence moving forward.
Now let’s see if the Redbirds can earn some respect this week in New Orleans and throughout the NFL by stealing a W and continue the arrow upward to a very successful season.