Save the overreaction about fading the Cards because their D played pretty well. SEA played the best D they have all year. One can easily argue that SEA's best defensive showing this year happened yesterday. If someone told the team you back would sack Wilson 7 times and hold "Beast Mode" to under 40 yards rushing, you'd take that any day. However, credit Wilson for doing most of his damage on the ground when he doused himself in grease and made himself very, VERY slippery against the AZ front 7. When the pocket breaks down and Wilson runs, it's extremely hard to contain him.
Unfortunately, the Cards offense made mistakes on the road they typically don't do at home. (This problem was popping up in a few road games earlier in the year, but they came through in the 2nd half in most of instances, so I didn't think much of it - until yesterday. This looks like a pattern, not just a one time thing.) This is something to keep an eye out for when the Cards are on the road. (Meanwhile, in SEA, a team cannot drop an easy TD pass and whiff a very makeable FG in the first half and expect to win the game. Also, plaguing the Cardinals were "shoot yourself in the foot penalties" in the 2nd half while moving down the field against SEA. Blocked punts with only 10 guys blocking, anyone?
Nonetheless - if for any reason AZ cannot beat ATL next week, then the "fading" talk should start.. but they should rebound next week with a W (not to mention cover the ATS easily, as it is only AZ -1 on 5dimes.)
Drew Stanton had his worst performance yesterday for the year, hands down. It's almost like he's regressing, but is it because there's more game tape on him or because the SEA D was that good yesterday? Stay tuned...
Other non-Cardinals notes:
* NE looks like the best team in the league, hands down. Both sides are clicking well.
* Does anyone on pregame want to coach the Falcons? Some of you folks are bright enough to coach the team.
* Any game involving the Eagles or Cowboys should be bet to the over
* The 49ers really are that weak offensively and cannot be trusted to cover double-digit spreads.
* The Lions are really underachieving on offense and Jim Caldwell is having a hard time tactically adjusting in-game. There's no excuse for that offense to not score at least 20+ points a game.
* RG3 - victim of bad offensive line or is he really that bad? Part of me says both.This guy should get the "Most Regressive player of the year" award.
* Something is wrong with Denver's D - but I cannot put my finger on it. Please feel free to put in your two cents on this matter.
* Just when you thought it was safe to fade the Bengals, they bite you in the....