Tommy Knights’s Weekly Cardinals Report - Week 11
Calling All Sports Cardinals analyst and former NFL cornerback Tommy Knight breaks down the Cardinals in our segment “Wednesday Morning Cornerback”. Each week. Every week.
AZSH: The Cardinals finally drew up an impressive win when it counted. What was the difference maker this week?
Tommy Knight:
The Cardinals were playing with intensity and were in front of their home crowd. Sounds strange to say it but the Cardinals now enjoy what other NFL teams have for years, home field advantage. The University of Phoenix Stadium is loud and causes problems for opposing teams, especially offenses. As far as intensity, this is the first time this team has looked inspired since the Pittsburgh game. Taking nothing away from the previous efforts, or lack thereof, this a different team when playing at home. The good news? 4 of the next 7 games are @ home.
AZSH: How much of a driving force is Karlos Dansby for the Cardinals? Can we expect more of the same from him going forward?
Tommy Knight:
Karlos Dansby definitely contributes to the success of this defense. His presence forces offenses to account for another play maker on the field. It does not hurt that his excitement is contagious. Although, most would be excited when seeking a new contract. With that being said, there is no reason to think that this effort will not continue. The main thing is his ability to remain healthy. However, this is football and some of that is out of his control. At this point in the season, every player has something “wrong” physically, even if it’s just swelling. Getting through an entire NFL season, if the off-season preparation was accomplished, has less to do with toughness than luck. Let’s hope that he remains healthy for the rest of the year.
AZSH: Do you like how the Cardinals are using Tim Rattay?
Tommy Knight:
The Cardinals, under Ken Whisenhunt, have utilized the backup QB but it is more from necessity. Kurt Warner was used to employ a “No Huddle” scheme that played to his strengths early in the season. After becoming the starter due to Matt Leinart’s injury, we then see Warner’s injury impact the new backup QB, Tim Rattay. Rattay is being utilized in Goal line situations because of the difficulty for Warner to hand the ball off in close quarters. Simply put, the running back, when lining up, gets closer to the line of scrimmage the closer the team gets to the end zone. Cannot run a “FB Dive” or “HB Lead” from the same depth at the one yard line that you would in the open field. Things happen far too quickly. Need to keep Warner’s injured arm/elbow from taking additional abuse. Rattay has thrown a few TD’s so I guess it has been effective.
AZSH: The defense this week held Detroit to an NFL record negative 18 yards rushing. How underrated is this defense?
Tommy Knight:
I don’t think this defense is underrated, but they are definitely respected. The great defenses create havoc for offenses, the Ravens and Bears defenses of years past. The Cardinals are moving closer to becoming one of the more feared units in the NFL but they are far from there. If this unit can remain together under the guidance of Clancy Pendergast, then that may become reality. The word here is “consistency” as the need is for the same players and coaches to remain together long enough to trust one another and understand the strengths and weaknesses. Example? Calvin Pace. Coming into his own and understanding this system. Wouldn’t it be a waste to have invested the time to get him to where he is now only to see him find success in another uniform at this point in his career? It takes time. However, using that “C” word again, this is where the Cardinals, in the past, have “consistently” let these players go elsewhere. Let’s hope for change. As far as the negative 18 yards rushing and NFL record, let’s thank Mike Martz as well. We talked last week about the need for Edgerin James to get more than 9 carries. This week, we see the Detroit Lions’ Kevin Jones get 4 carries and collectively, the Lions had 8 rushing attempts. What? Great Defense Cardinals, horrific play calling Mike Martz!
AZSH: Next weekend the Cardinals travel to Cincinnati. What is your
prediction for this game? Can the Cardinals overcome their road woes?
Tommy Knight:
This one is easy. The Cardinals have no choice here. At this point, it’s win or stay home for the playoffs. If you want to be a playoff team, you’ve got to start putting together wins. Prediction? Not a true East Coast trip but headed in that direction. Cincinnati is not playing well this year but this team is still dangerous. Head Coach Marvin Lewis of the Bengals is on the “hot seat” and needs to salvage his job. Remember, Ken Whisenhunt was in the AFC North while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That means the Bengals are familiar with the style of play calling that Ken Whisenhunt utilizes. It works both ways but this will be a tougher game than you think. As for my winning team prediction? You’ll just have to wait until Friday when I make them on “Lunch with McCabe and Friends” from 11am to 1pm. Not a shameless plug either. Rather, in the NFL, so much can happen before then and I would like to know who’s playing and who’s not. Seriously!
Don’t forget to listen to Tommy Knight on Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch on Monday’s only on AM 1060 The Fan.
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Posted by Tommy Knight
A Former Arizona Cardinal first round pick and an NFL cornerback Tommy Knight brings hard hitting analysis to Calling All Sports on AM 1060 The Fan. He weighs in on AzSportsHub.com with our Wednesday Morning Cornerback segment.
http://azsportstalk.com
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