SB Nation - Ben Graham

49ers-Cardinals: Final Injury Report

Ninjames — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:30:14 -0000

Hey everyone, ~~Fooch~~ James here. We've got the final injury report before the game today and I figured I wasn't TOO busy and I could put this up in Fooch's absence. Right about the time you read this I should be in San Francisco setting up a grill so I won't be making the game threads with you today but don't miss me too much.

New to the injury report (I think) is CB Marcus Hudson, who is questionable along with LT Joe Staley. Staley has said since his injury that he was hoping to return by tonight's game but it's looking more and more doubtful that he'll be able to make it tonight. The Cardinals, however are a rather healthy team this season, which isn't good news but we'll have to deal.

After the jump I've got the transcript of Mike Singletary's post-practice press conference.

49ers
Out
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Doubtful
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)

Questionable
CB Marcus Hudson (back)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)
T Joe Staley (knee)

Probable
WR Brandon Jones (thumb)
S Michael Lewis (quadriceps)

Cardinals
Out
LB Will Davis (knee)

Questionable
LB Bert Berry (illness)
DE Kenny Iwebema (thumb)
TE Stephen Spach (knee)

Probable
DT Alan Branch (ankle)
T Mike Gandy (pelvis)
P Ben Graham (left groin)
RB Tim Hightower (thumb)
RB Dan Kreider (thigh)
K Neil Rackers (right groin)
DT Bryan Robinson (illness)
RB Jason Wright (illness)

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post – Practice – December 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statement:

"Just a bit of information on the injuries: [CB] [Marcus] Hudson – questionable, [LB] Takeo Spikes – questionable, [LT] [Joe] Staley – questionable, [WR] Isaac [Bruce] is out, and [CB] [Nate] Clements is out."

On the possibility that LT Joe Staley will be worked in slowly during the game:

"You just never know with the progress he can show from one day to the next and he’s done a great job this week, but we’re just going to play it and see how it goes."

On whether Staley could be activated as a back-up for Monday night’s game:

"Possibly."

On his impression of Staley’s work out today during team drills:

"I’ll just say that all week he’s done a good job. He’s been pretty sore the next day, but has responded very well. Hopefully later in the week, as of today or tomorrow, we’ll just have to see how he feels, but he’s coming along pretty well."

On agreeing with offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s opinion that Staley would disrupt the offensive line’s continuity:

"The continuity has been going very well. I think the flow has been going very well. I think Jimmy is certainly on to something. The bottom line is that when he is totally healthy he will be our left tackle."

On whether or not he is disappointed in the performance of the defense this year:

"When you look at our defense, I can’t say that I’m disappointed with our defense. I think that there are certain times in a game where you’ve had some break downs here and there. I think the back end of our defense, [CB] Shawntae [Spencer], has really responded well. I think that [S] Dashon [Goldson] has continued to mature. We’ve had to switch guys in and out, whether it’s Nate, whether it’s [CB Terrell] Brown, it’s been a little tough at times on the back end, but we’ve tried to work our way through it. But I can’t say that I’m disappointed in our defense because I think our defense at times played well. I think inconsistency would be the word to use."

On whether the defense has been on the field more than he’d like them to be:

"I think early on that was the case in particular. Not getting third downs, not being able to move the chains or not converting third downs I would say. Defensively, I would say that one of the inconsistencies has been the ability to get off of the field on third down. First and second down have been great, third down, particularly on third down and longer, have been a little tougher. But I think that whenever you look at the stats for our defense and where we’re ranked, it’s not one of those things where it’s lights out where you’ve played well consistently. I just think our front seven has played as well as anybody in the league. I think you have to break it down – the run part of our defense has really done a great job, as good as any I think. Certainly they’ve had something to do with that on the back end. I just think overall it’s not all just the back end, it’s linebackers making sure that they’re getting their drops deeper to help the guys out. Everything effects the passing game and I just think it’s one of those things that we just haven’t been consistent in."

On having an extra day to rest T Joe Staley:

"I think that it’s always nice to have an extra day, but in terms of Joe Staley, it’s the same thing there. Any of our guys that are banged up and you have that extra day, particularly early in the week to rest a little bit more, that’s very helpful. I think for him that just buys him more time."

On whether waiting to play a Monday night game is a disruption or advantage to the teams’ chemistry:

"That’s always a good question to ask after the game. For me, it doesn’t really change. You get up on Sunday morning, you go through that week and you’re not playing that day. Of course you look at other games. Some guys get restless, everybody responds differently, but I think for us it will be a good thing having that little extra time. I really think it will be a good thing for us."

On whether he wants the team to play this game with a sense of desperation on their minds:

"No. I want them to go out and understand that it’s all about winning the game, it’s all about executing. I think that when you’re prepared, you don’t have to sit back and be in desperation mode. I think that when you’re prepared, you don’t have to sit back and be nervous, just go out and do your job. The most important thing for us to do right now and the thing we tried to do last week and every other week, which is to just execute, play flawless football, and don’t shoot ourselves in the foot. That all comes down to just doing your job and it’s as simple as that – go out and do your job. If we do that, then we’ll be fine."

On whether WR Brandon Jones will see more time in the receiver rotation:

"Yes. Brandon Jones and I talked earlier on this week and I talk to the coaching staff about different players and Brandon is one of those players that they’re just trying to see more of him and get a better opportunity to find out exactly what he can and cannot do. He’s had a couple of opportunities and he’s taken advantage of them so far."

On how much feedback he gets from WR coach Jerry Sullivan have:

"I get constant feedback from Jerry, but really it comes down to Jimmy Raye and looking at the overall game plan, the scheme, the match ups and what he feels gives us the best opportunity to win."

On being confident in the team on playing on Monday night:

"I don’t really think it’s so much Monday night. I think it’s just a matter of where we are. I just want our guys to understand that at this time of year, and really any time for us, it’s really important to play mistake free football. As long as we do that, we’re going to be where we need to be. But when we don’t and when we’re not executing the way we know we can and we miss opportunities, we can’t do that. Our margin for error is very narrow. It’s very small. Everything we do, we have to be on. That’s what I really want our guys to understand. So last week, or if you’d ask me a week before then, whenever it is, it’s just a matter of knowing that, ‘Guys, let’s put a clean game together and play together and we’ll be fine.’ I’m just excited about the opportunity, that’s all."

On his conversation with Brandon Jones:

"Every receiver that we have, at some point in time I’ve talked to about playing time and the frustration of wanting it more. So, Brandon is no exception. I think it is just one of those things where, ‘Coach, I can do it if I get the opportunity.’ But, it has to come and he has to earn that. These other receivers have been working their tails off as well, so it’s just a matter of getting in the right package and getting the right opportunity."

On whether it’s fair to believe Frank Gore will get more than nine carries this game:

"I would think so. I would think that would be a fair statement. I think the thing our offense is striving to do is get that balance and find that balance. Frank knows that. There are other ways that we’re using Frank as well. If you just say he’s going to get a chance to touch the ball nine times, we’re going to throw to him as well. There are other ways to get him into the game. But yes, to run the football, that is something we have to strive to find that balance. That’s a fair assumption."

On whether Arizona is a benchmark for the 49ers right now:

"No."

Arizona Cardinals' Road To Elite Status

Undrafteds — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:22:14 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

8 days ago: Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin (81) dives for a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings' E.J. Henderson runs in late to defend in the second quarter during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

As we prepare for the Cardinals-49ers Monday Night Football matchup, with a chance for Arizona to claim its second NFC West crown in a row with a win, lets take a look back at the season to date to see what we have learned. In the name of reader enjoyment, I'll start with my synopsis, with a skimming of the surface breakdown to follow.

What have we learned? I don't have to tell any of you that we can all watch every snap and come away with very different versions of what we saw. So maybe it is more appropriate to say, what have I learned?

I have learned that the 2009 Cardinals are a new improved version of the 2008 Cardinals. Sounds simple enough doesn't it?

More precisely, the 2008 model was good enough to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in team history, but inconsistent and unreliable, especially at the most inopportune times such as the excruciating Steelers' game winning drive.

Last year, the teams primary weaknesses, arguably of course, were giving up the big play way too often, not winning on the road, and general inability to run the ball.

This year the Cardinals are not giving up nearly as many big plays on defense, are 5-1 on the road, and have increased their team yards per carry average from 3.5 last year to 4.1.

But it goes further than the numbers.

This team has demonstrated that they are more mature and resilient. Arizona is more focused and physical.

Additionally, key players have simply gotten better with each passing week. An alarming number of players are playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level. Defensively, Antrel Rolle, Adrian Wilson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett should at least get consideration. Not to mention special teams warrior LaRod Stephens-Howling, punter Ben Graham and kicker Neil Rackers. Offensively, the usual suspects Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald could all be locks for the Pro Bowl.

Forget about the Pro Bowl for a minute though. Calais Campbell, Lyle Sendlein, Deuce Lutui, Reggie Wells and Tim Hightower have all improved.

Don't bother doing the math, I've already done it: that is 13 out of the starting 22 that are either playing at a Pro Bowl level or have in the least improved their game. On special teams, Graham and Rackers have played nearly flawlessly, and LSH has been an upgrade on kick returns and return coverage.

This team has more character, even when they lose. In my not so humble opinion, the Titans game was a huge character win despite the loss. MattLeinart had some things to prove that day, and he did. There were more players making plays in that game than most I've seen. True, the Cardinals again let a QB execute another two-minute drill to perfection—their Achilles heel—and lost the game, but they can't win them all can they?

Finally, I have to talk about head coach Ken Whisenhunt for a moment. He has a methodical, patient approach, and his teams' progress is a reflection of that. In his first season he took an under-achieving talent-laden squad to their first 8-8 record in many moons. Last year they improved to 9-7, but caught fire and made it to their first-ever Super Bowl. This year their weaknesses have been shored up even moreso—defensively they are more consistent and the rushing attack is better—and the Cardinals have cleared yet another hurdle. Now, my fellow Arizona fans, the Cardinals are becoming one of the elite teams in the NFL right before our very eyes.

As I recall the 12 games played to date briefly below, by my count the 8-4 record can be broken down as follows:

Of the four losses, two were respectably played games that ended in a loss (Week 1 vs. 49ers and Week 12 vs. Titans), and two were games that the Cardinals simply laid an egg (Week 3 vs. the Colts and Week 8 vs. the Panthers).

Of the eight wins, all of them had at least two quarters of completely dominating play by Arizona.

The word dominate is used repeatedly on purpose to drive home my point.

1. San Francisco L 16-20 (0-1): Hard fought game, division rival.

It can be said that with the departure of Todd Haley, the flow of the Cardinals' offense wasn't quite in sync with Ken Whisenhunt's first time out calling plays in awhile.

Held Frank Gore to 30 yards on 22 carries.

2. @ Jacksonville W 31-17 (1-1): The Cardinals' nemesis last regular season was winning on the road. In their first attempt, they completely dominated Jacksonville for three quarters.

Jacksonville's 17 points were a little deceiving as it came up against prevent defense.

Held Maurice Jones-Drew to 66 yards on 13 carries, but 36 came on one run.

3. Indianapolis L 10-31 (1-2): After a promising start to the game, this was a poor all-around effort by the Cardinals.

They were flat and out of sorts in all phases for most of the game.

Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Pierre Garçon embarrassed Arizona, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in particular.

4. BYE WEEK

5. Houston W 28-21 (2-2): Arizona again completely dominated for three quarters.

When they went to prevent defense, Matt Schaub and company mounted a comeback.

A goal-line stand by Arizona prevented the Texans from tying to force overtime.

6. @ Seattle W 27-3 (3-2): Arizona completely dominated this game from start to finish.

One of their most complete wins in team history.

Held Matt Hasselbeck to 112 yards passing and Seattle to 14 yards rushing on 11 carries.

7. @ NY Giants W 24-17 (4-2): In a signature win, the Cardinals stymied the Giants who were 5-1 before this game, by forcing four turnovers and holding last year's best rushing team to 107 total yards on the ground.

The Giants could only muster three second-half points.

8. Carolina L 21-34 (4-3): Another poor all-around effort by the Cardinals, who were dominated by the previously stagnant Panthers, in a revenge game.

The Cardinals had embarrassed the Panthers last postseason on their home turf, and the Panthers returned the favor.

Arizona came into the game with the top ranked run defense, but were exploited for 270 ground yards.

9. @ Chicago W 41-21 (5-3): Cardinals rebound nicely by dominating the Bears. It was 31-7 at halftime.

In prevent defense, the Bears got back into the game. Matt Leinart helped them out by throwing an INT on his only attempt, and was immediately replaced with Warner.

10. Seattle W 31-20 (6-3): Seattle gave it everything they had, playing maybe their best game of the season, only to lose by 11 points to a superior team.

11. @ St. Louis W 21-13 (7-3): With Kurt Warner at the helm, the Cardinals were cruising with a 21-3 halftime lead.

He suffered a concussion at the end of the second quarter however, and the still rusty Leinart was unable to lead the team to points.

The defense held strong and mopped up, securing the win.

12. @ Tennessee L 17-20 (7-4): Playing the hot Titans, who had won four straight, without Warner.

Leinart improved, and the Cardinals held a 17-13 advantage with two minutes remaining before Vince Young's now instant classic, 18-play 99-yard drive, won the game on the last play of the game for Tennessee.

An all around well-played game by both sides.

13. Minnesota W 30-17 (8-4): Many pundits weighed in and very few gave the Cardinals a chance leading up to kickoff. The Vikings had been anointed the best all-around team by some, with only one loss in 11 attempts coming in. BrettFavre had only thrown three picks, but threw two in this one. Jared Allen was held without a stat, and Adrian Peterson was held to 19 yards on 13 carries. After giving up a 7-0 lead early sparked by Tim Hightower's fumble on the second play of the game, it was all Arizona.

What are your thoughts on the Cardinals season so far? Do you think they have achieved elite status, or is there still more work to be done?

49ers-Cardinals: Friday Injury Report and Coordinator Transcripts

Fooch — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:46:31 -0000

As this is a MNF game, we'll have the final practice report tomorrow instead of today. No major changes in the practice reports for either team. After the jump, enjoy the meanderings of OC Jimmy Raye and DC Greg Manusky.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
DT Aubrayo Franklin (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
SS Michael Lewis (quadricep)
WR Brandon Jones (thumb)

Cardinals
Out (Definitely Will Not Play
LB Will Davis (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
LB Bert Berry (illness)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Alan Branch (ankle)
P Ben Graham (left groin)
RB Tim Hightower (thumb)
DE Kenny Iwebema (thumb)
RB Dan Kreider (thigh)
K Neil Rackers (right groin)
RB Jason Wright (illness)
TE Stephen Spach (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
OT Mike Gandy (pelvis)

Jimmy Raye and Greg Manusky transcripts after the jump...

Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky
Post Walk-Thru - December 11, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On how he evaluates the play of the trio of LB Manny Lawson, LB Parys Haralson and LB Ahmad Brooks:

"I think it's going well. The last couple of weeks, it has been good with the rotation that we've had. You need a couple of pass rushers, and I think those three guys are doing a pretty good job of getting to the quarterback. It's always nice. The more you have, the better of you're going to be."

On whether it's harder to set up the opponent and get into a rhythm as a pass rusher when you're rotating in and out:

"It's not so much a harder situation. Trying to set them up, yes, I think at times you try to. But, you've got to take what the guy gives you, and that have lately. So, it's been good."

On how he intends to defend WR Larry Fitzgerald without CB Nate Clements:

"Yes, he's always played him well. We don't have him right now, but we'll make adjustments and we've got other guys who have got to step up their game and go out there and play to the best of their abilities and do the job."

On whether it will be one defender or different defenders guarding Fitzgerald:

"It will probably be a little mixed from what we've got going in."

On how Arizona's offense has changed from the first week to now:

"A little bit cleaner, a little bit smoother. I think the offense is playing together, with the quarterback the way he is, he brings them all together. They're healthier than they were the first game with the receivers and stuff. They're just getting used to one another like what normally happens in the 12^th or 13^th game of the year."

On whether he can ask a defender who is not normally physical to be physical with Arizona's receivers:

"I think you've got to do what - you know what to do, especially with the veteran players out there playing against them. We're teaching being physical on the receivers in your hands. Of course you always try to do that when you're playing man-to-man situations. Some of are give and take, depending upon who's playing and who they're matched up on."

On how CB Shawntae Spencer has been playing:

"He's been playing well the last couple of weeks. We're expecting him to do the same thing he's been doing."

On why there wasn't a lot of action going Spencer's way during the Seattle game:

"I don't know. Maybe he was playing lights out. I'm not on the offensive side of it."

On whether he was playing lights out last week:

"He was playing pretty well. He's had a couple of good games. Hopefully he'll continue doing that."

On the growth of Arizona's running game:

"Yes, they've got two hard runners, good sight lines, good vision. The offensive line is doing a good job with Russ Grimm coaching them. He's doing a pretty good job. He was a run-type guy when he was playing. So, they're doing well."

On the risk, reward factor in blitzing Cardinals QB Kurt Warner:

"I think with all those veteran quarterbacks who have played in the league a number of years, and the quality that he's played at, you've got to give and take at times. I think at times you should pressure him, and then other times lay back off. Just like I said, with all the good quarterbacks, they've seen all the looks. They know what they're looking at. Hopefully we'll get pressure on him as much as we can. That's the veteran quarterbacks that you face nowadays in the league. They know exactly what they're looking at. They watch tape and they understand the coverage that they have to beat. They know where they're going with the ball. You've got to play a little cat and mouse with them."

On whether he played with Russ Grimm:

"Yes."

On whether that was in Washington:

"Yes, in Washington."

On whether he's surprised that a Russ Grimm offense passes as much as the Cardinals do:

"It's not his offense. It's [Ken Whisenhunt's] offense. He's the head coach."

On how he would evaluate DT Kentwan Balmer's growth:

"There's always need for improvement across the board, whenever you play, especially for young players. I think he played adequately throughout the whole season. Can he get better? Yes. I think every day that you're out on the practice field, I think he did get better and kept on learning and kept on getting better each and every practice and each and every game. So, it was a disappointment to see that he went on IR because we could always use him, but in this business that happens. So, somebody else has got to pick up the slack."

On whether DT Baraka Atkins is likely to be active against the Cardinals:

"It does not look like it."

On where he envisions Atkins fitting in:

"Atkins? Somewhere inside. We're going to look at him. It's kind of hard around the 13^th or 12^th game of the season to see a guy without any pads on and actually going through practice. So, it's kind of a tough evaluation on trying to get the most out of a guy and see exactly what he is. He seemed pretty good yesterday, had some good movement. We'll see where it goes from there."

On whether he's more of a quick player:

"Yes. In a pass rush situation, what I've seen so far, he looked pretty good."

On whether anything changes in preparing for QB Kurt Waner:

"You've got to cat and mouse him, I think, is the most important thing. There's such a good veteran, wiley quarterbacks that they know where they're going with the ball, they know what coverage they're looking at. You've got to sometimes trick them a little bit and disguise a little bit better. We talk about that each and every week, about the disguise."

On whether he wants to see DT Ricky Jean-Francois on the field before the season ends:

"Yes, definitely. Rick has made improvement throughout the whole year. I always tell you, the hardest position to play, I think, is the defensive line because there's so much technique involved in a short space and time, but he's improved well. Hopefully he can get a couple of reps in there and see what he's got."

On whether he would be on the left side taking over for Balmer:

"Actually, he would be both."

On what kind of coach LB Jeff Ulbrich would make:

"A good coach. He's a student of the game. He understands defenses and his personality and his type are pretty dang good. He'll make a great coach in the league."

Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye
Post-Walk Thru - December 11, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On whether he wants more balance in the offense:

"I look for a lot more balance. I will amend that by saying it does depend on the flow of the game, but balance will be necessary. It is a two-fold reason. One, we need it to create some momentum in the fourth quarter, and making first downs allows us to stay on the field and keep their offense on the sideline. We are evolving towards more balance as we go and hopefully we can get a good mix going in this game."

On whether TE Vernon Davis has been the most consistent player this season:

"Yeah, I would say if you look at it over the full body of work since we started and evolved and keep traveling toward wherever we are going right now, I would say he has been the one constant in the offense. But, as I said back in August and July when we started, we are tight end friendly so I would expect his level of play to keep escalating and his performance to keep going forward."

On whether it is easier for a quarterback to avoid sacks in the shotgun:

"Yes and no. Some of it, obviously, is by design, but he is quicker from the release standpoint. He is already set at five so he has an advantage in being able to see the rush, plus the types of things we are throwing out of the gun, it doesn't require the footwork coordination. That helps when the ball comes out. We have been better that way in terms of the amount of hits he has taken since he started playing and the number of sacks we have given up."

On whether sacks were a factor in going to the shotgun:

"Well to be honest with you, I never really planned to go to the gun. The gun was a part of our offense, the base part of our offense, and as things have evolved, and you can start with personnel first, injury and the addition of personnel and the change of quarterback, there has been a lot of water that has run under the bridge that has caused us to be where we are at this point. Where we are presently is a product of those things in our attempt to win football games and be a competitive offensive football team."

On whether he was referring to the offensive line's injuries:

"Yeah, it has been the line. It has been the back. It has been a number of things. But you do what you have to do and just keep on keeping on."

On whether the offensive line is playing better as a unit:

"Yeah, I think their coordination has gotten better. The other thing that you have to factor into that, since [T] Joe Staley has been hurt, that same five guys have played together since his injury. There hasn't been another change. The biggest thing with us has been continuity - a lack of continuity - and changing of people. The familiarity with the guy in front, or next to, or behind you, that has been since Staley's injury on the second play of the game up in Indianapolis, we have been okay in that unit. Then we lose [RB] Michael Robinson in Green Bay. That one unit has so far been a constant, and I think that has something to do with the players."

On whether he is concerned that Staley's return will disrupt that continuity:

"Yeah, if he comes back we are back again to change. The one thing I told them Wednesday was the only thing that is constant about the NFL is change. There is no other consistent factor in it. We have to adjust to the change and manage that. If he comes back we have to put on our hard hat and try to get our communication back to where it was when he was the left tackle for all those weeks and see if we can get him and [G] Dave [Baas] and [C] Eric [Heitmann] back and grooved as quickly as possible and go."

On how Smith's mechanics have improved:

"When I got here, it seems like a long time ago, he was coming off of an injury so we were monitoring the number of throws he had and we were careful to avoid a setback with him injury-wise. Basically what we worked on was his drops and footwork. We didn't do very much gun stuff because we weren't at that point. But the fundamental mechanics of playing the position were easier to do with him then because of the relative number of throws he was held to. It was more about footwork technique fundamentals as his shoulder mended. He seemed to grasp the teaching of the drops okay. We have tried, and we continue to try, to get him to play compact and he does a pretty good job of that."

On what he meant by playing compact:

"At the end of the drop, not feeling the rush and getting your feet spread out and anticipating the rush and not having a self-conscious tendency to flight or to run or to move. Just stay within the core, the pocket, and stay compact and play quarterback and still remain a passer. He has embraced that and he has done pretty well with it."

On whether making throws right before getting hit is part of staying compact:

"I think that is part of it, yes. I think that is part of maturity because a couple of those throws he made, I can remember one in particular, the color flashed and the instincts, where if you were watching the rush you would bolt, particularly if it is inside. Most guys can handle the edge-rush pressure if it is clean in the A gaps, but if it flashes inside, your natural tendency is to take your eyes from downfield. He has shown that he has no fear knowing he is going to get a full shot, like he did Sunday in Seattle, and staying compact and deliver the ball."

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers: Injury Report

Hawkwind — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:25:54 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

Arizona Cardinals running back Jason Wright (31) missed practice on Wednesday with an undisclosed illness. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals released their first injury report of the week yesterday and it's still remarkable how healthy this team is this late in the season. Will Davis, who's already been ruled out, and Jason Wright (illness) are the only players who missed practice entirely. Alan Branch (ankle), Ben Graham (groin), Tim Hightower (thumb), Kenny Iwebema (thumb), Dan Kreider (thigh), Neil Rackers (groin), and Stephen Spach (knee) were all limited but no one's injuries are considered serious. Mike Gandy, who missed last week's win over the Vikings, is still listed on the report but he fully participated in practice and will be active for the game on Monday, although Ken Whisenhunt has not made a decision about who will start at left tackle yet. It's also noteable that neither Kurt Warner or Karlos Dansby, who been nursing injuries to both shoulders, are listed on the injury report.

Joe Staley, who has missed the previous five games, has returned to practice and is on track to retun to action this Monday but cornerback Nate Clements has already been ruled out. Considering how well Clements normally plays Larry Fitzgerald, that might be a huge injury for the 49ers. Issaac Bruce and Takeo Spikes also missed practice.

49ers-Cardinals: Thursday Injury Report

Fooch — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:35:19 -0000

Since the game is a day later than normal we're rolling out the injury reports a day later. Nothing huge here, other than Joe Staley getting back to some limited practice. He's still hoping to play on Monday, so we'll see how his practice reps play out. I've posted Mike Singletary and Alex Smith's post-practice press transcripts after the jump. In his intro, Singletary addressed Frank Gore's contributions to the offense going forward, and had several comments about the secondary given the Cardinals impressive receiver trio.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)

Did not Participate in Practice
WR Isaac Bruce (ankle)
DT Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice
SS Michael Lewis (quadricep)
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
WR Brandon Jones (thumb)

Cardinals
Out (Definitely Will Not Play
LB Will Davis (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
RB Jason Wright (illness)

Full Participation in Practice
OT Mike Gandy (pelvis)

Coach Singletary and Alex Smith press conference transcripts after the jump...

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk Thru - December 10, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"Good morning. I'll talk about injuries here, try to get that clear. Of course you know, [DT] Kentwan Balmer had surgery yesterday - just basically repaired a torn labrum. [CB Marcus] Hudson, back is a little sore. That will be day-to-day. [CB Nate] Clements, shoulder, is out. [LT Joe] Staley will practice today only in the individual period - just kind of bring him back slowly and see how it goes from day-to-day, and we'll go from there. The other day, just in case anybody asks a question about the officials and all that other stuff, in my mind, Seattle's done. I'm done with them. I'm done with the officials. I'm done with all that stuff. I've said what I said. I stand by what I said, but I move forward, on to Arizona, and that's what I'm going to talk about for the rest of the time.

When I look at our defense, the thing that we have to do this week in order to be successful is we have to be able to put pressure on [QB Kurt] Warner. We have to be able to make him move. He can't sit back there and just throw the ball to his receivers. On the other side of that, our DBs have to make sure that we're physical with their wide outs. We have to get our hands on those receivers to allow our guys time to get there. When they have great success, the quarterback is just able to drop back in 7-on-7, as we do out here, and just throw the ball to receivers. It's all timing, and Kurt Warner is a really bright guy, really smart. He knows where those receivers are going to be. He has the confidence in them. They have a good rapport, and those receivers do a good job of getting open, and he does a great job of throwing to them open. So, for us, we just really have to focus on making sure that we do those two things.

On the other side of it, some of the changes that I've seen in their offense since the last time we played them, they're really trying to focus more on a balanced attack. They're not there yet, but they're trying to focus more on a balanced attack. Both of those running backs are running hard. They're running downhill and they're doing a good job being physical, finishing their runs. I think that's where they are right now as an offense.

For us offensively, we continue to run the offense that we've been running the last couple of weeks and try to include [RB] Frank [Gore] going forward to create balance for us. Maybe that balance doesn't mean 50-50. Maybe it's 35-65, whatever it might be. 70-30 or whatever. But, we're going to go forward with it and continue to have [QB] Alex Smith do the things that he's been doing, trying to continue to get the timing of the receivers down, getting a rhythm for our offense, finding out what is the right balance, finding out - and we really won't know what that is until we get into the game and find out how Arizona plans to attack what we're doing. The first time we played them, their front really put a lot of pressure on our guys, particularly the three-technique, No. 90 [Darnell Dockett]. He got off the ball and really applied a lot of pressure. I think the rapport between [RG] Chilo [Rachal] and [RT Adam] Snyder is better. Hopefully, this time around we do a better job. I just think it's important for us across the board on the offensive line of scrimmage to really communicate well, and we're at home, so the noise will not be a factor. Let's get out there and do a better job and do the best we can to control their front."

On who has the role of stopping WR Larry Fitzgerald this week:

"It may be [CB] Dre' Bly. It may be [CB] Shawntae Spencer. We'll figure it out before game time, and, you're right, [CB] Nate [Clements] has done a great job anytime we've played Arizona. But, I think it's important to see our guys step up, whoever is on him, whether it's Fitzgerald, whether it's [WR Anquan] Boldin, and get our hands on them, do a good job and let's see if we can control what they do."

On whether he thinks the 49ers cornerbacks have the ability to play the press coverage and be physical:

"I think the last couple of weeks we've done more man coverage. I think we've done more in challenging the receivers since the Green Bay game. I don't think they've played off as much. Do you mean the last couple of weeks as well?"

On the press coverage in the Green Bay game:

"OK. I think our guys are better at pressing than they are at playing off. I think the last couple of weeks, I think have shown that. We'll continue to do the things that I think will help us be successful in the game, and really, we have to mix it up. You can't get up there and put your hands on them all the time. We just have to make sure that in the game, at those times we feel we can do it, we've got to get up there when we're up there and do a good job."

On whether Bly or Spencer can play that type of coverage:

"They have to. It's not a matter of can they do it. They have to because if we don't, we'll get run out of the stadium. We have to get up there. Any team that does not play physical on their receivers and not get their hands on the receivers will not be successful winning the football game. So, we have to."

On what he saw on film from Arizona last week disrupting Minnesota QB Brett Favre:

"I think for Arizona, I think they really did a good job scheming and blitzing Brett Favre. I think they did a good job at times of just really mixing up the coverage, being disciplined in their coverage and making Brett Favre work a little bit more, realizing he is a veteran-type guy. They just got after him. I think the other thing is they really controlled the running game pretty early and made Brett Favre a little more predictable."

On whether he has to redefine the goals for the team for the final quarter of the season:

"I think the goal that I had for our team at the very beginning of the season was to be the best team, at this time of year, that we could possibly be. I think, in terms of redefining the goal, in my mind it's not over until it's over. So, we're going to go out Monday night, and as far as the playoff hopes, yes, it's very frustrating where that is. It's nobody's fault but ours. For our guys, it's just a matter of going out there Monday night and let's just play the best game that we can play. We're not going to sit back and, ‘If we win, if we lose.' No. We're going to go out, and we're going to play. So, for me this time of year, the most important thing is we're playing our best football, and that's really what I want to strive to do before the season is over."

On whether he's close to doing that:

"I think we're better. I think the closest we came to it was the Jacksonville game, and I think last week we took a step backwards simply because of the penalties, simply because of the turnovers. That's something that we have to do a better job at. This time of year, really any time of the year, the thing that I really want to strive for our team to be, is a smart football team and a team that does not turn the ball over, and we didn't accomplish that last week. Hopefully, the next four games, starting this Monday night, we can reestablish that, what we came out of Jacksonville with, and go forward with that."

On how many of the drops from last week he holds the receivers responsible for:

"Because this is the professional level, I think any time that a ball is in the area of a receiver, he needs to catch it. Hopefully that answered your question."

On whether the Seahawks going away from CB Shawntae Spencer's side was a sign of respect:

"I don't really know. If it's respect, it's great. If they felt they could go at Dre' Bly more because of [WR T.J.] Houshmandzadeh, that matchup - if they felt they could get more over there. I thought Dre' held his own pretty well. I think Shawntae has done a pretty decent job all year, and, hopefully we can finish that way."

On whether the best defense against Arizona's offense is to keep them on the sidelines:

"I think the biggest thing for our offense is to go out and execute. I think if we just execute, whether we're passing the ball, whether we're running the ball, I think we'll be fine in this game. Certainly, we want to continue to move the chains. Certainly, we would like to keep their offense on the sideline. But, I just think the biggest word this week for us is execution, on both sides of the ball."

On whether the fact that Arizona can clinch the division with a win is a part of the talking points this week:

"No, the only thing I'm talking to our team about is winning. It's not about all the other stuff. They can clinch, they can - no. We're just going to go out and do the very best job we can of winning the football game."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Walk Thru - December 10, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On the offense using more ball control as a game plan against Arizona:

"Absolutely, I think that ball control comes in many different forms. I don't think that it necessarily means grinding it in on the run. I think that ball control is about moving the chains, so whatever way you can get that done, getting first downs run or pass, that's what is going to keep the opposing offense off of the field."

On the teams poor third down completion percentage in last week's game at Seattle:

"There's probably not just one thing, it's probably a lot of things, lack of execution. We did put ourselves in some difficult third downs at times. In a few of those backed-up situations, you're kind of limited on third down as well. It was probably a number of things to why that statistic ended up coming out like that."

On whether the third down statistic got his attention when looking at the stat sheet at the end of the game:

"That jumped out at me, absolutely. In fact, I didn't even necessarily get that impression out there on the field. I guess I really had no idea. It felt like we were moving the ball well at times. I know that we struggled there a little bit in the third quarter, but didn't realize that it was that bad."

On looking to prove critics wrong from his last Monday night game at Seattle in 2007:

"To tell you the truth, I haven't really thought about it. Every week is such a big week in the NFL. The fact that, all of a sudden, this one is a little different in the sense that this one will be played on Monday, so the weeks change. But other than that, I haven't put much thought into it. We played a couple of weeks ago on Thursday night, and we already had a taste of the national TV spotlight so to speak. We're just trying to go out there and play good football."

On his past issues concerning his throwing fundamentals and how he has improved since then:

"I think that there were a lot of things going on at that time. I think that there was a lot of compensation going on throughout that whole process and the weeks leading up to that with me. So, absolutely, I guess that looking back, there probably was a lot fundamentally that wasn't right, but I didn't necessarily go back and study it or anything. I think moving on from there, it was a matter of getting healthy and getting right. I imagine looking back that it wasn't right, you start to compensate, so you start to adjust, and things change."

On working with different QB coaches throughout his career:

"You start there from building your fundamentals and when you take a chunk of time off from throwing and you come back in a controlled environment and come out here on the practice field and get to really start from scratch and you get to build those fundamentals and basically start over from there."

On whether his fundamentals are where he wants them to be at this point:

"I'm getting there. I think I've definitely improved in some areas. You're never finished with it. It's one of those things you're constantly working on. Either they're improving or they are getting worse. It's one of those types of things, you constantly have to work on and harp on it to keep those fundamentals where you want them."

On whether he considers himself a different player than before his injury:

"Yes, absolutely - I'm the same player but there's been a lot of growth and change since then. I've learned a lot, I've been through a lot. I think I see the game better. A lot of things that we've talked about, I feel like I react better. I have improved in a lot of areas out there."

On finally finding somewhat of a groove and tempo to his game:

"Yes, I think so. I really felt that I was heading in that direction a couple of years back and yes, got sidetracked and in a roundabout way to where I am now. I definitely am seeing things the best that I have ever seen them, reacting to them, understanding what I am getting, what it is that we're trying to do, all of those things that go into playing quarterback and decision making. This is probably the best that I've felt."

On whether production is what it really comes down to:

"Yes it is, and that's something that you want to look at, productivity and statistics, but at the same time, you're not living in the statistical world either. In the end, it's about going out there, playing football and trying to win a game. I think if you get caught up in the stats too much, it can actually be harmful."

On facing Arizona's defense for the second time this season and the concerns:

"They're pretty solid all the way around, I think. They have a lot of good players across the board. The thing I see on film is that they play tremendously fast. They give a lot of different looks in the secondary. They disguise well. I think they are very solid up front. They get off the ball and I think both corners are playing pretty well right now. I think they are a good test for us. I think they're going to challenge us and we'll have to challenge them as well."

On the team's concern of Arizona winning the NFC West with a win on Monday night:

"At this point, it's a must win anyway, so it doesn't really change anything. I guess that comes secondary to the fact that we've got to win the game."

On how a quarterback builds in a game when throws are dropped:

"I try not to get into it. I try not to think about it. Those are things outside of your control. That's one thing

you learn over the years. It does no good, especially during game situations, to really worry about things like that. Do your job to the best of your ability. Go out there and try to execute it. Give your team a chance to win, give us a chance to score some points. Those things are going to happen, dropped balls are going to happen just like errant passes are going to happen. You try to minimize them as much as possible."

On whether he is aware of how he reacts to a dropped pass:

"I guess sometimes you don't always realize what you might do, but as a quarterback, obviously, you are always trying to keep good body language out on the field."

On the offense scheme changing throughout the season and similarities to Arizona's offense:

"I don't know, I guess I haven't had time to really compare. I think that if you looked at the run-pass ratio the last couple of weeks, teams might say that. But I think we're striving to be unique in our own way. I think, and I go back to this it really needs to be balanced to do what it takes to win, do what it takes to score points, to be productive."

On saying anything to the WR on the sideline after dropping a pass:

"If I say anything at all, it's encouragement. Those guys have enough to think about. They make plays and catch balls sometimes that shouldn't be caught so, I know they're working at it and they don't need to hear anything from me, as far as catching the football. They know, we're all professionals, they know when they made a mistake or should have made a play."

On why TE Vernon Davis has become a more productive tight end this year and how vital he is to the offense:

"I think time is probably a good answer. He's had time to grow and understand and develop his game and he's worked hard at it. Over the course of that time, as he's made plays, you get more and more confident ok about what he can and can't do. I think right now, he's playing really well, playing fast, making a lot of plays for us. I think you gain that confidence by doing it, and that does take time."

On whether the only way the team can achieve balance is by forcing the defense to go into nickel:

"Potentially, it's the same the other way. If you're running the ball, and you're heavy run, you're running enough to get them to overload the box, you can throw the ball. It's either way, and it changes over the course of the game depending on the situation, third down, red zone - all of those types of things constantly change over the course of the game. It's a give and take, absolutely of what you're doing."

Where the Arizona Cardinals Stand in the NFC Pro Bowl Balloting (Part II)

Hawkwind — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:40:18 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner offers a signed football or full sized helmet to anyone and everyone who votes for him to go to the Pro Bowl so GO VOTE!! (AP Photo/Matt York)

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The NFL has released it's second update (check out the first one here) on the fan voting for the Pro Bowl and the Arizona Cardinals still have quite a few guys in the top five at their respective positions. As we all know the fans don't get the final say, in fact their input accounts for just a third of the overall process, but it's nice way to judge the popularity of players on a national level. We've started a segment here campaigning for some deserving Cardinals (check out Dockett's, Warner's Fitz's and Graham's story) and we've got more to come but for now we all need to go vote, early and often.

Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Wilson: Nothing's changed with these two guys as they both lead their respective positions and Fitz is still among the top five overall vote-getters. Both Fitz and A-dub seem like a lock to represent the NFC as starters again this season.
Antrel Rolle: Rolle actually dropped a place to third among NFC free safeties.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: DRC still sits fourth among NFC cornerbacks.
Darnell Dockett: Nine-0 remains unchanged, at fourth, despite racking up six sacks and 15 tackles in the past four games.
Kurt Warner: Ole Grey Beard moved into the top five and currently sits at fourth overall.
Ben Graham: The Aussie punter is finally getting some recognition as he's moved into fifth overall among his NFC counterparts.

It still seems like Anquan Boldin and Karlos Dansby have the chance or at least ability to make some headway in the voting but neither rank in the top five at their position so far. LaRod Stephen-Howling is also starting to get some recognition among NFC special teamers, but it should be noted that rookies are rarely rewarded at this position.

If you're looking for something to brag about to any fans of NFC West teams, the Cardinals have seven players who rank among the top five at their postions while the 49ers have three (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Patrick Willis), the Rams have just one (Steven Jackson) and the Seahawks have a big, fat goose egg. Don't get too cocky though because this weeks opponent, the Vikings, have 23!

Send This Arizona Cardinal to the Pro Bowl: Ben Graham

Andrew602 — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:16 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Ben Graham has been a steal after the Cardinals picked him up late last season.

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In honor of Ben Graham's 5 punts inside the Titans 20 yard line on Sunday, he is up next for Cardinals Pro Bowl consideration. After the Cardinals shuffled through a several punters last year (and year before!) they settled on the former New York Jets Ben Graham. He immediately provided better punting, something the Cardinals needed down the stretch of the season and in the playoffs. This season he's had a full year under his belt and has had career bests in punts inside the opponents 20 and net average after 11 games. In 2006 Graham had 26 punts downed inside the opponents 20 yard line, while this year he has 30. In 2005 he recorded a 37.9 net average but he's already punting for a 41.1 average going into the Vikings game.

Let's see how he stacks up to the NFC competition.

Punters	Team	Punts	Net Yards	Net Avg	In 20
Andy Lee	SF	66	2,747	41.6	20
Ben Graham	ARI	62	2,546	41.1	30
Donnie Jones	STL	56	2,289	40.9	18
Mat McBriar	DAL	53	2,147	40.5	29

A mere 0.5 yards is what separates San Francisco's Andy Lee's net average from Graham's. Graham, however, has ten more punts downed inside the 20 while attempting four less punts then Lee. Donnie Jones has a slim chance considering he's on the 1-10 Rams and bad teams rarely send many players to the Pro Bowl (Steven Jackson goes before Jones!). The biggest competition on the list is Mat McBriar from the Dallas Cowboys as he already has made the Pro Bowl with Dallas; he is having another solid year after coming off of foot surgery. Graham has slowly been improving over the coarse of the season. Some consider that Graham doesn't have a chance to make the Pro Bowl in Miami but it's likely he will if he can keep up this same pace and the Cardinals defense can utilize the field position he creates (with ample help from LaRod Stephens-Howling et. al.). Do you think Ben Graham can be the first Cardinal punter in the Pro Bowl since Scott Player in 2000?

Grading the Defense: Arizona Cardinals vs Tennessee Titans

Andrew602 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:11 -0000

by Wade Payne - AP

Arizona Cardinals' Calais Campbell (93) and Bertrand Berry (92) stay on the field after the Tennessee Titans scored a touchdown in the final moments of an NFL football game Sunday.

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Arizona Cardinal punter Ben Graham had just pinned the Titans back at their 1 yard line with 2:37 remaining on the clock. With two timeouts left Vince Young and the Titans offense marched down the field, with Young completing 9 of 16 passes for 94 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The Titans also were 3-3 on 4th downs, including the touchdown pass that sealed the Cardinals fate. That itself should sum up the Cardinals defensive effort on Sunday.

Defensive Line - The Cardinals defensive line played an intense game, containing Vince Young and sacking him 4 times after the Titans offensive line had only allowed 7 sacks on the year(season low). Darnell Dockett was the constant force of pressure, bringing down Young 3 times, giving him 7 sacks on the year. They also did a respectable job of limiting Chris Johnson, until he was able to break the big one in the second half for 85 yards. The problem on the day was that the Cardinals may have not forced enough pressure, as Vince Young was able to throw for 387 yards and had his way with the defense.

Linebackers - The Cardinals linebackers were already banged up before the game, with Chike Okeafor, Karlos Dansby, and Gerald Hayesall being limited in practice the last few weeks. It's no surprise that one of them was going to leave the game(Dansby) by injury. They also were particularly solid at slowing Chris Johnson, but running is running and at the end of the day, the Cardinals allowed 154 rushing yards to Johnson. The Cardinals linebackers also had a hard time covering the flats and Young exploited that when they were playing zone coverage. The Cardinals linebackers need to get healthy fast with Adrian Peterson coming to town on Sunday night.

Defensive backs - Vince Young - a quarterback who's known for making plays with his legs - threw for 387 yards for 1 touchdown on Sunday. In all fairness, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had a good game, limiting the receivers he covered and batting away 3 passes. Adrian Wilson also played well against the run and did a good job spying Young. Bryant McFaddencontinued to struggle and missed the ball when the Titans faced 4th down for the first time on their game-winning drive. McFadden has had tough showings the past three weeks and teams seem be targetinghim more. It's difficult to put your finger on what exactly the problems with the secondary are. Whether it's personel or coaching, Bill Davis needs to put together better game plans against teams that can pass the ball.

My defensive grade: D

They held the Titans to 6 points in the first half and limited Chris Johnson until the 85 yard run. They're failure to get just one stop on 4th down is what really hurt them and ended the Cardinals chanced of improving to 8-3. What grade did you give the Cardinals defense and why? What should Bill Davis be doing differently?

Poll

How would you grade the Cardinals defensive effort on Sunday?

A

7 votes

B

17 votes

C

61 votes

D

73 votes

F

43 votes

201 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinal of the Week: Week 11

Andrew602 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:52 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

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As difficult as it was to watch the Cardinals allow a last-second touchdown pass to end the game, there were some silver linings in the game and players that stepped up. The Cardinals now stand at 7-4 after they were unable to make a stop on the Titans final 99 yard drive. For now we'll stick to the positives and break down the game later today. As for last week, Tim Hightower won COTW with 39% of the votes, and he's back on the list of candidates again this week.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, 99 yard return TD, 1 ST tackle, 3 punts downed inside 5 yard line - LSH had his best game as a Cardinal and deserves to be nominated for NFC Special Teams Player of the Week as well. He layed a big hit on kick off coverage and also down three of Ben Graham's punts inside the Titans 5 yard line. The biggest play of the game by LSH was his 99 yard kick off return for a touchdown following the Titans first touchdown. The touchdown swung the momentum back in the Cardinals favor.

Tim Hightower, 11 carries, 55 yards, 5.0 avg, 1 TD, 3 catches, 23 yards -Tim Hightower had another solid game, as he was the only running back to consistently run for positive yardage all game. Hightower also scored the only offensive touchdown of the game to give the Cardinals the lead. He continues to improve in all aspects of the game, bringing dependable rushing, blocking, and receiving to the Cardinals offense.

Darnell Dockett, 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 TFL, 4 QB hits - Dockett was another player to have quite possibly have his best regular season game as a Cardinal. Dockett recorded three sacks on the day, and almost had a fourth sack in the last seconds of the game. Dockett has been on a tear lately, recording 6 sacks in the last 4 games. He leads the team with 7 sacks on the year.

Ben Graham, 5 of 6 punts inside 20, 49.7 avg - There's really nothing that Graham did differently this game, because he's been booming punts inside the opponents 20 yard line all season. Graham deserves to head to the pro bowl this year, and it's unfortunate he doesn't get any recognition outside of Cardinal fans.

Those are the nominees for COTW, but if you feel anyone else should be added to the list, just leave a comment below. Who did you vote for and why?

Poll

Who is the Arizona Cardinal of the Week?

Tim Hightower

3 votes

LaRod Stephens-Howling

159 votes

Darnell Dockett

22 votes

Ben Graham

18 votes

202 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Defense Faulters on Final Drive as Tennessee Wins 20-17

Pyromnc — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:17:06 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

15 days ago: Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young tosses a 10-yard touchdown pass in the final moments of an NFL football game to beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 20-17. From left are Titans offensive tackle David Stewart, Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (90), Young, and Titans center Kevin Mawae. (AP Photo/John Russell)

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The title says it at all as the Tennessee Titans would need every second to win this game. The Arizona Cardinals offense was not as good but that was because Kurt Warner sat out this game despite practicing all week. This would mean Matt Leinart would be getting his first start since 2007 when he got hurt against the St. Louis Rams. With Leinart getting the start, with virtually no practice time, the defense and run game would need to step up and help win this game. The run game was almost nonexistent and the defense did not play well when they needed to the most.

The Good

Matt Leinart was much better than most will give him credit for. He did start this game off pretty slow and some of his passes lacked some zip, but he would start to show some life in the second quarter. Through the first quarter and a half Leinart would complete just three of his nine passes (33.3 completion percentage) for 27 yards. For the rest of the game he would complete 18 of 22 passes (81.8 completion percentage) for 193 yards. Clearly he was rusty in the beginning of the game but after a few passes he helped this team move down the field. He would only help lead the team to one touchdown and one field goal but key drives would be held up because of penalties or dropped passes. Overall, Leinart had a pretty good performance despite having just ten percent of the practice reps during the week.

Tim Hightower also had a pretty decent game even though he did not get many touches. Hightower had 55 rushing yards on 11 carries (5 yards per carry) and the team's lone touchdown on offense. This can be added to one of his good performances he has had over the last four weeks compiling 279 rushing yards on 50 carries (5.6 yards per carry). He has also had 11 catches that went for 60 yards. Hightower has been overlooked this season because of rookie running back Beanie Wells but if you look at him run he is a very good back.

Special teams had another very good week as they continue to do everything right. The biggest spotlight has be put on LaRod Stephens-Howling. He not only returned his first regular season kick return for a touchdown he also helped in pinning the opposition deep in the own territory on punts by Ben Graham. LSH has had a solid season on special team and in my opinion should go to the pro bowl as a special teamer. Graham also continued his great season as the Cards punter by having five of his six punt pin the Titans inside their own 20. He also averaged 48 yards per punt, his longest being a 64 yarder.

Darnell Docket would have seemed to start the season off very slowly, as he had just one sack in his first seven games. This would be misleading as he was getting constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks but was coming up short of the sack. This has changed however as he has had six sacks over his last four games. Three of those six sacks came against the Titans. He was consistently making big plays against them. The Cards will need him to continue to do so the next few weeks with big games against the 49ers and Vikings.

The Bad

The defense played well enough to win most games they play but this game was different. The offense was missing the key player that has made them among the best in football, Kurt Warner. That meant the defense was going to have to step up and play well. For the most part they did play well, except for when it mattered the most. The defense would allow the Titans with, just around two and a half minutes to go, to drive 99 yards down the field and score the winning touchdown. The biggest problem surrounding the comeback was the fact that they allowed them to convert 3-3 fourth downs. Can't really get mad at them if they allow just one of those to be converted but to allow three conversions on one drive? That is just sloppy and cannot happen, especially when you're trying to get the division locked up.

Beanie Wells had been rolling along the past few weeks looking unstoppable; he looked anything but unstoppable in this game. Beanie had just 20 yards on eight carries (2.5 yards per carry) and to top it off had another fumble on a botched pitch. These games will be expected, especially in a rookie season and is ultimately why he was not in the ugly section.

Overall, the Cards pretty well even though they lost. The only thing they really did wrong in this game was the fact that they could not stop the Titans on any of their fourth down conversions. Hopefully they can rebound against the 10-1 Minnesota Vikings next week. Thoughts?