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| AP Photo/ L.G. Patterson |
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a three way tie for the NFC
West lead after losing back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Through the first five weeks, the Cardinals were the biggest surprise in the league, due to their dominating defense and efficient play from quarterback Kevin Kolb. In that five-week span, the Cardinals throttled the Philadelphia Eagles and managed to dominate the New England Patriots in Foxboro.
However, in the past two weeks, the Cardinals lost to the St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills, two teams who have not proven that they are playoff caliber teams. How have the Cardinals managed to lose to two inferior teams?
The biggest weakness that both the Rams and Bills exposed was the lack of pass protection for Kolb. When the season first began, there were concerns regarding whether or not the Cardinals offensive line could give Kolb time to throw in the pocket. And in the last two games, Kolb has been sacked a combined 14 times.
Clearly, the team is beginning to be affected by left tackle Levi Brown, who will miss the entire season after tearing his triceps. The Bills and Rams took advantage of the left side of the offensive line for the Cardinals. Kolb has been known for collapsing under pressure quite often. As a result, he is more likely to commit an increased number of turnovers.
While the pass rush was successful for the Bills and Rams, their ability to run the football effectively against the Cardinals defense is worth noting. Jeff Fisher has always built his football teams around running the football, and he has continued this philosophy with Steven Jackson in the NFC West.
Meanwhile, the Bills balanced the carries for CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson, who combined for 33 carries and two touchdowns on the day. The Cardinals defense has made themselves more vulnerable against Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sam Bradford because they were able to effectively execute the play-action pass.
Ultimately, the Cardinals have the talent to compete in the competitive NFC West. Although, with a difficult schedule occurring within the next few weeks, the Cardinals will eventually show if they truly are a contender in the NFC.
Through the first five weeks, the Cardinals were the biggest surprise in the league, due to their dominating defense and efficient play from quarterback Kevin Kolb. In that five-week span, the Cardinals throttled the Philadelphia Eagles and managed to dominate the New England Patriots in Foxboro.
However, in the past two weeks, the Cardinals lost to the St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills, two teams who have not proven that they are playoff caliber teams. How have the Cardinals managed to lose to two inferior teams?
The biggest weakness that both the Rams and Bills exposed was the lack of pass protection for Kolb. When the season first began, there were concerns regarding whether or not the Cardinals offensive line could give Kolb time to throw in the pocket. And in the last two games, Kolb has been sacked a combined 14 times.
Clearly, the team is beginning to be affected by left tackle Levi Brown, who will miss the entire season after tearing his triceps. The Bills and Rams took advantage of the left side of the offensive line for the Cardinals. Kolb has been known for collapsing under pressure quite often. As a result, he is more likely to commit an increased number of turnovers.
While the pass rush was successful for the Bills and Rams, their ability to run the football effectively against the Cardinals defense is worth noting. Jeff Fisher has always built his football teams around running the football, and he has continued this philosophy with Steven Jackson in the NFC West.
Meanwhile, the Bills balanced the carries for CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson, who combined for 33 carries and two touchdowns on the day. The Cardinals defense has made themselves more vulnerable against Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sam Bradford because they were able to effectively execute the play-action pass.
Ultimately, the Cardinals have the talent to compete in the competitive NFC West. Although, with a difficult schedule occurring within the next few weeks, the Cardinals will eventually show if they truly are a contender in the NFC.
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