Buckybird
Hoist the Lombardi Trophy
Well, the long grind of a 16 game schedule is finally over & it's time to win or go home. Does today stay in the minds of our Redbirds or can they overcome adversity & the naysayers like last year?
These questions or concerns may make or break the run to Miami
1) Health-I was concerned headed into next week already with the injuries & play of Dansby & Hayes. Now we must add the names of DRC, Quan & Calais Campbell to the list. Cross your fingers that Boldin or DRC dont have lingering knee injuries or continueing issues if we survive round 1. This moved from concern #3 to the top after today.
2) Oline-Can these guys give Warner the time he needs to make this passing fly as it did last postseason? Thats the $million question. Will Coach Wiz give Jeremy Bridges the help he will need to hold off Matthews & Co. next week? I guarantee you Dom Capers will bring the gas from Kurts left next weekend with CB's, safetys & LB'ers.
3)Turnovers-The Cards are one of the bottom feeders in the NFL at coughing up the football to their opponents, I believe ending up a staggering -15 in the turnover battle. No other playoff team can claim that. If the Cards are to advance to Miami, they must change this trend. Fumbles & picks are on the rise since the Vikes game.
4)3rd down conversions-offensively we have struggled converted 3rd downs all season. We are at the bottom third of the league (around 20). Limiting potential explosive offenses possessions are a necessity in playoff football. 36% wont cut in come next week!!!
5) Big plays-Were not going to Miami unless we start hitting some big chunks. I really believe teams will continue to limit Fitz's 1 on 1 battles so it is imperative Breaston opens this passing game up. Warner must hit Stevie when given chances deep. The Pack basically took Fitz out of todays game & made our QB's hit underneath routes all day, just like most of the season. Trying to drive 10-15 plays on a consistant basis doesn't win in the playoffs.
6) Dline-can this team stop running games. Every since the Vikes game we have been allowing 135 yards a game. The injuries to Hayes & Dansby are a big reason. #58 & #54 must be healthy to keep opponents off the field.
Fire Away!!!
These questions or concerns may make or break the run to Miami
1) Health-I was concerned headed into next week already with the injuries & play of Dansby & Hayes. Now we must add the names of DRC, Quan & Calais Campbell to the list. Cross your fingers that Boldin or DRC dont have lingering knee injuries or continueing issues if we survive round 1. This moved from concern #3 to the top after today.
2) Oline-Can these guys give Warner the time he needs to make this passing fly as it did last postseason? Thats the $million question. Will Coach Wiz give Jeremy Bridges the help he will need to hold off Matthews & Co. next week? I guarantee you Dom Capers will bring the gas from Kurts left next weekend with CB's, safetys & LB'ers.
3)Turnovers-The Cards are one of the bottom feeders in the NFL at coughing up the football to their opponents, I believe ending up a staggering -15 in the turnover battle. No other playoff team can claim that. If the Cards are to advance to Miami, they must change this trend. Fumbles & picks are on the rise since the Vikes game.
4)3rd down conversions-offensively we have struggled converted 3rd downs all season. We are at the bottom third of the league (around 20). Limiting potential explosive offenses possessions are a necessity in playoff football. 36% wont cut in come next week!!!
5) Big plays-Were not going to Miami unless we start hitting some big chunks. I really believe teams will continue to limit Fitz's 1 on 1 battles so it is imperative Breaston opens this passing game up. Warner must hit Stevie when given chances deep. The Pack basically took Fitz out of todays game & made our QB's hit underneath routes all day, just like most of the season. Trying to drive 10-15 plays on a consistant basis doesn't win in the playoffs.
6) Dline-can this team stop running games. Every since the Vikes game we have been allowing 135 yards a game. The injuries to Hayes & Dansby are a big reason. #58 & #54 must be healthy to keep opponents off the field.
Fire Away!!!
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