Lombardi on Pats/AZ game

[SVN]

The National Football Post | National Football Post Diner News

FROM KENT SOMERS OF THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC… “Obviously, in this type of situation, where you have a game two weeks away, you want to make sure you got as many of your guys available for that game,” Whisenhunt said. “That’s got to take priority.” Boldin has a left shoulder injury while Arrington has a right knee sprain “I think that both these guys want to play and if they’re ready to go, they’ll play,” Whisenhunt said. “But I think also, you have to be smart with that situation. If this was a game that for us meant to get into the playoffs, it would be a completely different scenario.” The Cardinals (8-6) have two more regular-season games but already have clinched the NFC West Division. They will play their first home playoff game since 1947 either Jan. 3 or 4. Arrington doesn’t start but he’s an important part of the team’s spread formations. Boldin was selected to the third Pro Bowl of his career. Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James would take over Arrington’s workload, while Steve Breaston would start in place of Boldin.

Weather is going to have a huge effect on the games in the East Coast this weekend. The Northeast is expecting a big snowstorm tonight and will have more snow as the weekend progresses. This is not good news for the road-weary Arizona Cardinals. The Pats are not playing very well on defense right now, injuries have taken their toll and they’re struggling to rush the passer with consistency. They are not a good first-down pass defense, ranking 30th in the NFL, and the Cards are all about passing on first down. The Pats will double Larry Fitzgerald all over the field, and if the Cards do not have Boldin it will help make the Pats’ coverages easier to configure. What the Pats have to do in this game is find a way to play better in the red zone. The Pats have always been a great RZ team, but for some reason they cannot make a play and seem to be giving up touchdowns too often. In fact, in the conference championship, it was the outstanding play of their RZ defense that allowed them to defeat the Chargers. This game will be a tough challenge for the Cards, dealing with weather and the determination of the Pats.

interesting note on cards passing on 1st down.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

hmmm...the piece is by Kent Somers...Arizona Republic...pretty smart analysis of both teams and an objective view of the game...definitely wouldn't get a job at the Herald or ESPN...

 

[BPF]

hmmm...the piece is by Kent Somers...Arizona Republic...pretty smart analysis of both teams and an objective view of the game...definitely wouldn't get a job at the Herald or ESPN...

This part below is Lombardi, the 1st section above is Somers:

Weather is going to have a huge effect on the games in the East Coast this weekend. The Northeast is expecting a big snowstorm tonight and will have more snow as the weekend progresses. This is not good news for the road-weary Arizona Cardinals. The Pats are not playing very well on defense right now, injuries have taken their toll and they’re struggling to rush the passer with consistency. They are not a good first-down pass defense, ranking 30th in the NFL, and the Cards are all about passing on first down. The Pats will double Larry Fitzgerald all over the field, and if the Cards do not have Boldin it will help make the Pats’ coverages easier to configure. What the Pats have to do in this game is find a way to play better in the red zone. The Pats have always been a great RZ team, but for some reason they cannot make a play and seem to be giving up touchdowns too often. In fact, in the conference championship, it was the outstanding play of their RZ defense that allowed them to defeat the Chargers. This game will be a tough challenge for the Cards, dealing with weather and the determination of the Pats.

 

[jmt57]

This is stating the obvious, but whether or not Boldin plays will have a huge impact. Arizona has no running game - they rank dead last in the NFL with 73 yards per game, and Edgerrin James was benched in favor of Tim Hightower and his 2.9 yards per carry. Teams have difficulty scheming for both Boldin and Fitzgerald, and though Steve Breaston is good, there's a huge dropoff from Boldin to Jerheme Urban.

Hopefully Boldin does not play. I'll be interested in seeing what kind of game plan the Pats have to limit the effectiveness of Fitzgerald, and who covers Breaston.

 

[bradydaman29]

The Pats MUST get pressure on Warner - he's a fumble waiting to happen if pressured. If not pressured he can pick you apart. D Line needs to step up this day so they can take advantage in case Santa (Dallas) gives them an early Christmas present.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

The Pats MUST get pressure on Warner - he's a fumble waiting to happen if pressured. If not pressured he can pick you apart. D Line needs to step up this day so they can take advantage in case Santa (Dallas) gives them an early Christmas present.

While I agree, remember that the Pats beat him in the SB without commiting to pressure but by taking Faulk his binky away. Of course those Pats had a better secondary and that's why this year's Warner needs to be pressured.

 

[SVN]

Warren out of practice today. hope he plays.could be huge for the pass rush.

 

[bbabin]

Warren out of practice today. hope he plays.could be huge for the pass rush.

Actually I believe Warren said to the press that he will only be playing running downs for the rest of the year. Something to do with his injury. Of course, though, having him anytime is a great help to our defense.

 

[upstater1]

This game will not only be played in the snow, but the wet snow. Temps will be just near freezing. That means a very heavy ball, hard to throw and catch.

I contend that when it's a bit colder out there and the snow is powdery, passing is actually easier than it will be in Sunday's conditions. With powdery snow, the ball doesn't get as wet, it's lighter (though harder) and a player who knows where he's going can get some space. It's much harder to cut on the powdery stuff because it's slippery.

A big receiver like Fitzgerald could make a few comebacks that are wide open, ala David Patten in the 2001 Raiders game. We need two guys on him, one to bump him on the line short, and another to guard downfield. Otherwise, they'll use the pass as a running game and eat us alive.

Running is actually more difficult in snowy conditions because the RB can't make quick cuts. If the defense holds their ground, they shut down the running game. Defenders can get pushed back because they can't get a grip, and that's why I think our D should be more aggressive than usual. Snow is not good for reading and reacting. It's a momentum game. You take an angle and you just keep flowing that way.

I'm sure our coaches know what to do in the snow.

 

[SVN]

Actually I believe Warren said to the press that he will only be playing running downs for the rest of the year. Something to do with his injury. Of course, though, having him anytime is a great help to our defense.

Well. BB was asked yesterday abt it and said this

Q: Ty Warren indicated last week that because of his injury his effectiveness would be limited to obvious running downs. How has that, if at all, affecting your rotation?

BB: I don't really think it affects it. With all due respect to Ty, when you play football you play whatever they run. They are calling the plays not us. If he is in there, if it is a run, a pass, a screen, a draw, then that is what we have to play. With Arizona, they run some no-huddle. They mix it up. They get in the shotgun on first down. They will run on third down. You don't really know what it's going to be. So if you are in there you play what they run.

 

[SVN]

This game will not only be played in the snow, but the wet snow. Temps will be just near freezing. That means a very heavy ball, hard to throw and catch.

I contend that when it's a bit colder out there and the snow is powdery, passing is actually easier than it will be in Sunday's conditions. With powdery snow, the ball doesn't get as wet, it's lighter (though harder) and a player who knows where he's going can get some space. It's much harder to cut on the powdery stuff because it's slippery.

A big receiver like Fitzgerald could make a few comebacks that are wide open, ala David Patten in the 2001 Raiders game. We need two guys on him, one to bump him on the line short, and another to guard downfield. Otherwise, they'll use the pass as a running game and eat us alive.

Running is actually more difficult in snowy conditions because the RB can't make quick cuts. If the defense holds their ground, they shut down the running game. Defenders can get pushed back because they can't get a grip, and that's why I think our D should be more aggressive than usual. Snow is not good for reading and reacting. It's a momentum game. You take an angle and you just keep flowing that way.

I'm sure our coaches know what to do in the snow.

well if its windy then it might effect the passing along with the snow and sleet. it could end up like the game last yr vs the jets . Regardless, they need to hold on to the ball and hope warner's fumblitis continues.i actually think wisenhunt might put leinhart in this game.

 

[upstater1]

Yup, forgot about the wind. In that case, the only passes you'll see will be of the very short variety. Field position game.