Update: Marshawn Lynch scored his TD, making it 28. Sorry folks. That's what happens when you let some low-profile TE score twice in a game.
Give props to SEA.. Russell wilson still wasnt contained, and the other Willson made some good catches over the safety and linebacker,
Sharpbettor - you are as classless as they come.. And gutless. Go finish your can of di-ck for chastising my pick during the game. It's funny how you weren't runnin your mouth earlier in the game.. even as late as half-time.
I did pick SEA -5 at 2nd half, but being that you're a pri-ck you probably called me a "homer" on that, too, and "can't be trusted as a result."
Greetings, Pregamers, and Merry Christmas to you (or Happy Hanukkah)! Time to capitalize again on another Cardinals matchup as I offer a stocking stuffer for this weekend:
Extended write up:
Here are the relevant numbers to look at regarding the Cardinals:
17
14
20
20
14
6
14
The above numbers are the amount of points the Cards gave up in each game at home in 2014. (AZ played, in order with the above list: SD, SF, WAS, PHI, STL, DET, KC.)
So, here's my rationale on why SEA won't score over 21:
* The Cardinals are generally better defensively at home than on the road; a lot of that has to do with the fact the UoP Stadium gets rockin'.. especially in the 4th. Whereas the SEA D was the beneficiary of playing the Cards at the "Clink", AZ will get the same benefit of playing at home.
* That said, given the list above, one can make a strong argument that SEA's offense is NOT and will NOT be the strongest offense AZ has played at home this year. Their offense is very simple: run Marshawn 25-30 times a game, and let Russell Wilson complete some play action passes, with a few options sprinkled in between. Of course, if hell breaks loose, Russell Wilson scrambles and makes a play out of his **** repeatedly (a la Roethlisberger) - but that is not game planned by either SEA or AZ.
* AZ has proven they can shut down Marshawn, but historically the Cardinals had problems with running QBs. Last year, AZ had their speedster LB Daryl Washington (he ran a 4.2-4.3 40!) to spy on Russell (which resulted in an upset win in SEA since DW contained RW), but this year, that "spy" will be Deone Bucannon, who acts like a hybrid linebacker/safety. As well as he hits the opponent, he is not nearly as fast as DW was. (DB runs a 4.5 40).Due to this lesser speed, I expect Russell to make a few houdini plays to extend drives.
* It should be noted, despite the score in AZ/SEA game last month, I'd estimate that RW made about 40-50% of his yards off of broken plays or runs where the pocket collapsed and he took off past the pass rushers. (READ: plays that just occurred out of thin air that cannot be really game-planned for on either side of the ball.) If the Cards can make RW only make about 20-30% of his yards off or broken plays, you'll see a lot more 3 and outs instead of first downs.
* I expect the Cards to run the ball a lot, and if the Cards can just move the sticks one or two times between the 20s, it will slow down the ability for SEA to score. I like what I see from Kerwynn Williams so far, but I do wonder how effective he will be with their 2nd best lineman Jonathan Cooper inactive due to a wrist injury (and Paul Fanaika is back). Was it Cooper that helped AZ run for 100+ yards the past two weeks, esp. against a tough STL defense on the road? Or is KW that good of a runner? Both are valid questions that will be answered tonight.
* Under the radar fact: The Cards WRs are good at drawing PI/defensive holding flags at home. I expect to see a few today against SEA, which in turn helps AZ keep the ball out of the hands of SEA on offense.
* Meanwhile, I expect Lindley to throw some picks, but I don't think they'll result in pick 6s because odds are he'll throw a pick as the ball goes down the field, not in short crossing patterns where a DB is in position to run it back for a quick pick 6.
* Of course, another factor on why SEA will not be gliding down the field on AZ: Russell Okung and Max Unger are out. The running lanes will be clogged, so if AZ can contain RW when SEA's pocket collapses, they will at least get the +7.5 cover. (If some how, magically, Lindley can even throw just ONE stinkin' TD, it might be enough for the Cards to win outright! Of course, I am not anticpating it - but I sure am hoping for it, just like when you play the lottery. Nonetheless, Lindley is so bad I'd rather see Derek Anderson at QB.)
In all, I take SEA u21.5. Good luck to all and let's cash! Here's to a good stocking stuffer for the Pregame community.
MY PICK FOR TONIGHT:
Seattle team total = u23
(Updated the total since it is now available on 5dimes at -105!!)