Cardinals Lose the Monday Night Duel Against the 49ers
Jeremiah O. Sarkett |Sep 11,2007
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 Cardinals Lose the Monday Night Duel Against the 49ers
The Arizona Cardinals held Alex Smith and Frank Gore in check for the majority of the game and played surprisingly well on defense. The Cardinals secondary is thought to be one of the worst in the league this year and ranked in the bottom half of the league last year in pass defense but showed signs of improvement.
The Cardinals new defensive scheme in general looked to be gelling already and this alone has most Cardinal fans feeling somewhat optimistic even after the loss. Gore, the NFC's leading rusher from a year ago was shut down. Gore had 18 carries for just 55 yards. The secondary and defensive pass rush proved frustrating for Smith as he ended the game 15-of-31 for just 126 yards with no touchdowns.
How did the Cardinals loose this game after playing so inspired on defense and shutting the 49ers offensive weapons down? The Cardinals held the 49ers to 194 total yards and just 30 in the second half until the 49ers final drive that covered 86 yards. The Cards had too many stupid penalties, especially in the second half and Matt Leinart failed to ignite the high-powered Arizona passing game- it never got off the ground.
Leinart finished the game just 14-of-28 for only 102 yards with a touchdown and two costly interceptions. "I'm very disappointed in myself, the way I played as the leader of this football team," Leinart said. "It starts with me getting the ball to the right guy and making the plays. I didn't do that. That falls on me. We're not going to win football games if I play like that at quarterback."
One bright spot did emerge from the Cardinals offense. Edgerrin James was able to find running holes behind the newly formed and managed offensive line. James helped Arizona control the pace in the second half and gave the Cardinals the opportunity to utilize the play action pass, something I think they could have done more. James finished the game with 26 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers were primarily concerned with the Cardinals passing game and this is why the Edge found some gaping holes but give him credit as he was the only Cardinal player to BRING IT on offense.
The game went back and fourth in the second half and Arizona took the lead with 6:40 to play when Leinart found Anquan Boldin in the end zone for a five- yard touchdown. Smith looked as bad as Leinart did for the majority of the game and never got the pass game going, until the last drive. Smith came up big on numerous plays. On fourth and one, Smith had a huge 25-yard scamper that may have been the play of the game. The third year quarterback then found Arnaz Battle on a crazy play at the one-yard line that setup Battle on a wide receiver reverse for the game winning touchdown with just 22 seconds left. "Offensively, we saved our best for last, which is the best thing I can say for us," said 49er coach Mike Nolan.
"The defense held up the whole game until that last drive," Arizona cornerback Eric Green said. "You can play great the whole way, but if you mess up one play, it's like you didn't play well at all." Green had a chance to steal the victory for Arizona as he failed to collect or knock Battle's fumble out of the end zone after the ball was jarred loose around the one-yard line. The 49ers got the ball back and Battle found the left pylon for the game winner.
"We had a chance at the end," Whisenhunt said. "We hung in there, we fought, but we just didn't get it done. Just a disappointing loss for our football team." Arizona needs to shake this loss and start preparing the offense for a huge battle against Seattle on Sunday. The Cardinals have to find there passing game or this will be another long season in the Valley of the Sun.
From My Note Pad
• The Cardinal secondary looked impressive. Adrian Wilson was his normal self, swarming Gore and disrupting Smith. Roderick Hood, Antrel Rolle and Eric Green played better than expected- a great sign for the Cardinals defense.
• The defensive front four also played well lead by charging Darnell Dockett who had big sack.
• Karlos Dansby added 11 tackles a sack and a forced fumble- Dansby should have a monster year in this new Cardinal defensive scheme.
• James had a sweet game and looks much more durable this year coming in a few pounds lighter. Look for the Cardinals to ride James until they figure out how to pass the ball again.
• Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin were bottled up all game by Walter Harris and Nate Clements. Harris had an early pick that set up a Gore touchdown. Fitzy and Boldin have to do a better job at getting open- they have to help Leinart more.
• Leinart needs to find his groove and fast. The Cardinals need to get there high-priced offense producing. Look for a better performance from Leinart and the receiving corps again Seattle.
• The Arizona offensive line was actually performing. Leinart was rushed on numerous occasions but overall, the Cardinals line held up and helped James hit 92 yards rushing- as a team the Cardinals had 161 yards rushing, compared to only 92 from the 49ers.
• Arizona lost new center Al Johnson with a left knee injury- he will be evaluated this week and is doubtful for Sunday's game.
• Patrick Willis is an absolute animal- the rookie middle linebacker had 11 tackles (9 solo) and pressured Leinart all game. Can anyone say rookie of the year?
• Give credit to Smith for sticking it out and helping guide the 49ers to the win. His stats were weak but where in the stat sheet does it say leadership and poise?
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