kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
After a 3-13 season, a tie kinda feels like a win, I guess? Here are 5 things I'm going to be looking at in the first big road test for Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray:
1. Fast, Not Furious – There's been a pretty steady drumbeat through the preseason that Kyler Murray takes a while to get up to speed. What I thought through three-and-a-half quarters of last week's game was that Murray's play reminded me of a high-test Jake Plummer: dig a hole and then furiously fight your way out of it. Often, college games start slow until both teams find their stride. Kingsbury and Kyler might not have that luxury on the road and at the next level.
2. Let's Get Physical – The Baltimore offense is built from the inside out — the opposite of what Keim has built in Arizona. The Ravens played most of their snaps in 21 or 12 personnel last week. The Ravens will test how physical the Cards are willing and able to be between the hash marks.
3. Mental Game – John Harbaugh is at the top of the second tier NFL coaches. He can be surprised and outcoached, but not by many. He almost definitely will not be outworked or out-prepared. Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are going to be pushed to the limit this week. Joseph's 2018 Broncos D gave up 28 points in Baltimore to Joe Flacco.
4. High and Tight – Kyler Murray did not use his legs very efficiently last week, with 3 rushes for 13 yards and a lot of dives when much larger men were approaching. If Murray decides to leverage his athleticism more, he's going to have to remember not to hold the ball like a loaf of bread. He's already fumbled once in just a few attempts during the preseason.
5. Truly Special Teams – Special teams made the difference against the Lions. Not only the kicking game, but coverage units that pinned Detroit deep and also recovered turnovers. Harbaugh is a former special teams coordinator, and this unit needs to do more than not make mistakes for the Cards to have a chance. They need to make game-changing plays.
Prediction: Cardinals 20 | Nevermores 34
Here's a little taste of the hottest Baltimore fans:
1. Fast, Not Furious – There's been a pretty steady drumbeat through the preseason that Kyler Murray takes a while to get up to speed. What I thought through three-and-a-half quarters of last week's game was that Murray's play reminded me of a high-test Jake Plummer: dig a hole and then furiously fight your way out of it. Often, college games start slow until both teams find their stride. Kingsbury and Kyler might not have that luxury on the road and at the next level.
2. Let's Get Physical – The Baltimore offense is built from the inside out — the opposite of what Keim has built in Arizona. The Ravens played most of their snaps in 21 or 12 personnel last week. The Ravens will test how physical the Cards are willing and able to be between the hash marks.
3. Mental Game – John Harbaugh is at the top of the second tier NFL coaches. He can be surprised and outcoached, but not by many. He almost definitely will not be outworked or out-prepared. Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are going to be pushed to the limit this week. Joseph's 2018 Broncos D gave up 28 points in Baltimore to Joe Flacco.
4. High and Tight – Kyler Murray did not use his legs very efficiently last week, with 3 rushes for 13 yards and a lot of dives when much larger men were approaching. If Murray decides to leverage his athleticism more, he's going to have to remember not to hold the ball like a loaf of bread. He's already fumbled once in just a few attempts during the preseason.
5. Truly Special Teams – Special teams made the difference against the Lions. Not only the kicking game, but coverage units that pinned Detroit deep and also recovered turnovers. Harbaugh is a former special teams coordinator, and this unit needs to do more than not make mistakes for the Cards to have a chance. They need to make game-changing plays.
Prediction: Cardinals 20 | Nevermores 34
Here's a little taste of the hottest Baltimore fans:
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