Arizona Cardinals: The good, the bad, the ugly

Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) tackles him during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) tackles him during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The bad

It could be splitting hairs about what was bad and what was ugly but here we are.  The Cardinals slow start.  For the third straight week the Cardinals got off to a very slow start.

What are the reasons for that?  I am dismissing the early start time on the east coast.  The FOX announcers talked about it, as they usually do.  Just stop.  They got to Buffalo Friday night.  They are professionals.  It wasn’t why the Cardinals started slow or lost.

They started slow the last two weeks at home.  Can’t blame time of game or location for that.  Is it coaching?  Is it attitude?  Should the Cardinals stop scripting the first 15 plays of the game?

Also bad was the offensive line.  They allowed five sacks of Palmer on Sunday.  The rushing game didn’t really get going until the Cardinals were down by 10.

They offensive line was beat time and time again.  They got bullied.  The Bills defensive line looked much stronger.  The Cardinals were forced into a lot of unwarranted early throws because the holes weren’t opening for the running game.