Arizona Cardinals vs. Houston Texans: Preseason Game Recap

Arizona Cardinals vs. Houston Texans: Preseason Game 2 Recap

Arizona Cardinal head- coach Ken Whisenhunt is still looking for his first win-- Arizona lost their second preseason game 33-20 against the Houston Texans. This time around, the offense looked more fluid with Matt Leinart leading the way. However, the Cardinal defense and special- teams were another story.

The Cardinals defense was merely a speed bump as the Texans scored on drives of 85, 73 and 82 yards in the first half. The Cardinals had some glaring issues and Matt Schaub was able to expose most of them. Matt Schaub finished 9-12 for 108 yards but made numerous key throws on third down. Arizona had issues with the run game as well-- the Texans had 143 rushing yards and were able to pound the ground game with ease in the second half against the second and third team defenses. Antrel Rolle was again beat on a big play when Schaub found Kevin Walter for 39- yard gain. Rolle plays too aggressive and bit on a double move allowing Walter to roam free down the sideline. Rolle again, was whistled for a big defensive pass interference call that again hurt the Cardinals. Last week he had a big pass interference call against the Raiders. Saturday was another unnerving sequence from Rolle.

Leinart and the first team offense looked much better in game number two under Coach Wiz. Leinart went 7-7 for 70 yards and had a 5- yard touchdown pass to Edgerrrin James. Leinart received a lot of tough love this week at practice and knew he needed to come out quickly with the first team offense. "I was a little upset at the way I played against Oakland. I need to play better and lead this team." Leinart did this against the Texans but the Cardinals defense did not slow the Texans down enough to get the win. Coach Wiz opened the game up with a flea- flicker from Anquan Boldin to Larry Fitzgerald that resulted in a huge pass interference call. Leinart and Fitzgerald also hooked up on a beautiful seam route that resulted in a big Cardinal pass play. The offense was there Saturday but the defense was a no show.

The game was officially over when Jacoby Jones torched the Cardinals special- teams for an 80- yard punt return for a touchdown with just over one minute remaining in the third quarter. At the half it was 13-10 Houston but the Cardinals came out flat in the second half and scored just a mere 10 points as the Texans shelled the Cardinals for 20.

Whisenhunt thought the team's intensity level dipped in the second half and you know this will be addressed heading into the last week of Cards camp in Flagstaff. "In two games, we have had a chance to swing the momentum, and we couldn't finish it off. We need to understand the situation and finish it in the fourth quarter."

From My Notepad

• Edgerrin James managed only 11 yards on five attempts. James has only 14 yards in two preseason games. James was also stuffed at the goal line on fourth down-- Arizona needs to get him on track before the regular season starts.
• Kurt Warner continues to play smooth-- Warner was 7-9 for 89 yards. Good news in case Leinart stumbles or is injured.
• Arizona had a big penalty game again with 10 penalties for 94 yards, ouch!
• Steve Breaston has emerged as the starting return man. Breaston had a nice catch on a difficult punt and ended the contest with 92 return yards-- Breaston also had three grabs for another 37 yards.
• Boldin looks very comfortable throwing the ball-- is Bolding Coach Wiz's Antoine Randle- el-- look for more trick plays in game three and four of the preseason.
• Ahmad Merrit who is making an NFL comeback, dislocated his ankle and will miss the 2007 season. Merrit was a lock to make the 53- man roster and had a solid afternoon prior to the injury with 4 catches and 61 yards.