Cardinal offensive Line Getting Beat On The Outside Early
By Earl Burnett
Sep 22, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette (93) in the first quarter of their game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
After a very great start on an 11 play 80 yard drive for a touchdown by Alfonso Smith, the Cardinals have hit an offensive wall. This was mostly due to the offensive lines inability to block the outside rush. Once again it has been a bad day for left tackle Levi Brown so far and it is getting worse as the day goes on.
The o-line has already giving up 3 sacks and it has quarterback Carson Palmer a little jumpy in the pocket.
If the Cards want to win this game its going to take a better effort from the O-line to get Palmer back in his comfort zone.
At the half the Saints are leading 14-7 and it could have been worse, if it were not for the good play of the defense this would get ugly real quick.
Carson Palmer as a veteran quarterback has issues with the play clock and had to burn two quick time outs, and that should never happen to a seasoned veteran. This means that his focus is off and he may have his mind on the outside rush, and the Saints crowed is loud and disruptive.
Something has to be done to slow down the rush and help Palmer get more time.
Coach Bruce Arians had balance of pass and run going on the first drive and has went more to the pass the rest of the half. The run game has been effective as the Cards have carried 11 times for 57 yards. The run will be the key to getting the offense back on track.
Palmer has already thrown the ball 24 times and Drew Brees 25, this has turned into a pass happy half of football. Look for both teams to try and wear down each other on defense with all the passes, then turn to the run to finish the game, and the team that is able to do both without mental mistakes will win this game.