Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons Wrap Up

Oct 27, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs for an 80 yard touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons Wrap Up

Let me start this article by saying that I went to the game with a sour taste in my mouth still from the beat down by Seattle. I get to the game and settle down in my seat behind the bench. As “luck” would have it, a black cat runs right in front of me and exits the stands, sprinting onto the field and through the players during introductions. So I’m already uneasy about the game as it is when this black cat then runs onto the field. I’m preparing for the worst here. Thinking to myself “DON’T WE ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH BAD LUCK?!?” I tell my wife the story since she was up getting food while it happened and of course she doesn’t believe me. As it turns out, that bad omen turned out to be for Atlanta instead of Arizona.

This is about as complete of a game that you could get from the Cardinals. Superb rushing, defense making big plays, and the receivers are getting the ball in stride. Minus some picks and sacks, Carson did a good job of keeping a level head and sticking to the plan. The offensive line looked pretty well throughout the game. One play in particular, Carson drops back to pass and Ellington is set to stay back and help block on the left side. The rush comes right towards Paul Fanaika and he just plants and sticks it right to the rusher. Ellington really didn’t even need to be there in that moment. I think this offensive line is starting to gel a little more and for Cardinals fans that can be encouraging to see.

If it wasn’t for a terrible defensive pass interference call (Called on Mathieu, should have been on the offensive receiver ), I think the Cardinals would have held the Falcons to no touchdowns. Also that would have prevented the onside kick which was recovered by Atlanta. The defense picked Matt Ryan off a total of four times, two of which came from Rashad Johnson. Johnson is proving the NFL that you don’t need ten fingers to make an interception. The defense also had four sacks on the day, making for one great showing.

It was great to see Fitzgerald, Floyd, and Ellington all get into the endzone. I also have to mention that Larry getting his 800th reception was great to see. I think that his performance will definitely cool the trade rumors for now, and hopefully long term. The biggest surprise for me was actually getting to see Stepfan Taylor. I am just in awe of these two rookie running backs. I have nothing against Mendenhall, but I think these young guys have to get more touches.

Overall it was just great to see the Cardinals start to play towards their potential.