SB Nation User Blog: Drullin'OverDaCards

Insider Info Needed From Pathers Fans

Drullin'OverDaCards — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:48:38 -0000

Insider Info Needed From Pathers Fans

Anybody heard anything on whether DeAngelo Williams is gonna play or not. I have Stewart and will play him either way, but I could put in Beanie Wells or Correll Buckholter if Deangelo is going to be in street clothes. Thanks for any input.

Can anyone explain why Jay Cutler wears his helmet so low?

Drullin'OverDaCards — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:11:02 -0000

Can anyone explain why Jay Cutler wears his helmet so low?

I realize he may not be the smartest QB in the league, but I truly don't know how he can see like that. I check other game shots, he always wears it that low. Compare it to Peyton Manning or Warner

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4256/photos#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cgetty%3A20050301%3Anfl%2Cphoto%2C8da5d21af4653ae1381a37d44f3469a6-getty-88972062al006_houston_texan%3A1

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4541/photos#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cgetty%3A20050301%3Anfl%2Cphoto%2Ce2a1aeb5453664b2dc7756726361946a-getty-88972055cp024_carolina_pant%3A1

Boldin trade rumors resurface

Drullin'OverDaCards — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:07 -0000

Boldin trade rumors resurface

Apparenlty Boldin was not too happy about how he was, or maybe wasn't, informed that he was inactive for the bears game. So the trade rumors surface again. Here is Whiz's response.

So any thoughts on where this is all going?

Will the Real Arizona Cardinals Please Remain Standing Up?

Drullin'OverDaCards — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:31:48 -0000

Well, as some of you may recall, I asked the Real Arizona Cardinals to Please Stand Up last week that talked a little bit, in no particular order, about some of my thoughts on the game. One of my points in asking the question was to get the team to play up to their potential. The Cardinals responded with a great win at the Meadowlands in NYC, so i decided to continue this week with another post asking the Cardinals to keep being the team we hope they can be.

So regarding this game, my thoughts, again in no particular order (why change something that isn't broken or maybe it is broken but it's working (I'll leave being organized to the able coaching staff of the site)):

The weather & the roof: There is actually an NFL rule regarding the roof and opening or closing it. The Cardinals have a plain English breakdown of the rule here: http://www.azcardinals.com/stadium/a-to-z-guide.html if you scroll down to Retractable Roof Movement. It supposed to warm up over the weekend to around 86 so the roof most likely will remain closed. However, if it is open, the Carolina team and bench, along with a significant portion of the fans sitting on the visitor (east side of the stadium) are gonna get nice and toasty. As we all know the AZ sun can really beat down on you even on a nice day here. I can tell you, I walked over to the sunny side of the stadium once in the first year and there is a huge difference in the feel between the sunny side and the shaded side. The cards website estimates it feels 15 degrees warmer in the sun, but I personally think 25 degrees is probably a closer number as there is absolutely no breeze in the stadium even with the roof open. The Cardinals suggest you can call the Cardinals Roof Hotline at 623-433-7663 on the way to the stadium to find out if the roof will be open or closed (I can only assume that want a passenger to call as they would not possibly want the driver to call while driving!?!?!) SInce I sit on the shaded side of the stadium, I hope we open the roof and cook us some panther meat.

Our Run D - Just like last week I am again real excited to see our run defense against the tandem of Williams and Stewart. If we shut them down and can get a few points on the board, the game gets put into the unsteady hand of Jake Delhome, which is what we want to see and leads me to . . .

Creating turnovers - shut down the run and get after Jake. My fantasy footbal site actually has the Cards D ranked #2 and is predicting atleast one pick six and said the defense could score 30+ points in the game if things get out of hand.

After last week, I'd like to see the offense get off to a quick solid start and build a decent first half lead then HAND THE ROCK TO BEANIE the whole second half and get him a 100 yd rushing game.

If you have never been to a game, try to go some time. The 12th man has really gotten going in the Nest and the defense really does feed off it during the game. I expect the crowd to be especially loud after last weeks victory.

Last meeting Playoffs Jan. 10 @ Carolina (Divisional Playoff) W, 33-13 You may recall this game with fond memories, but it was the start of the Nightmare for Jake Delhome, who frankly still does not appear to have recovereed from that game. I can't beleive they gave this guy a contract extension in the off season.

Whiz record in regular season against Carolina 0-2, Playoffs 1-0

Cards lifetime versus Panthers 3-6.

Cards in Arizona versus the Panthers 0-3 (Ouch!) This needs to change.

Cards last 5 regular season against the Panthers 0-5 (OUCH!) (Maybe I need to consider stopping with the past record, although it makes me appreciate the team we have now even more.)

Game History:

Oct. 26, 2008, @ Carolina Panthers L, 23-27 (Steve Smith did step out of bounds on that play)

Oct. 14, 2007, Carolina L 10- 25

Oct. 9, 2005, Carolina L 20-24

Nov. 21, 2004, At Carolina L 10-35

Dec. 14, 2003, Carolina L 17–20

Oct. 6, 2002, At Carolina W 16–13

Dec. 30, 2001, At Carolina W 30–7

Nov. 19, 1995, At Clemson Univ. L 27-7

John Fox is likely on the hot seat this season and I think he is likely to take the blame for extending Delhome, if he doesn't turn around his season. This is his 8th and likely last season in Carolina.

So, let's open the roof, light up the panthers and have a great game!

Will the Real Arizona Cardinals Please Stand Up?

Drullin'OverDaCards — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:32:13 -0000

Well, here we are two wins in a row, 3-2 and approaching a big game in last year's dreaded eastern time zone. While it's just one game, I see this as the type of game that winning or possible even losing in a hard fought game would establish the Cardinals as an NFC force. On the other hand losing (ala last years Patriots game) would mean the Cardinals are just a team in the hunt to win the worst divsion in the NFC. Barring a solid win or a dismal loss, this game won't mean any more than any other, but I am hoping the team takes this opportunity to stand up and show us what we all beleive they could be. Will the Real Arizona Cardinals Please Stand Up?

Other thoughts on the upcoming game in no particular order:

The Giants have some injuries that could assist the Cards, but they are also coming off a humbling loss in New Orleans, so they should be primed to play. The Cards have Boldin with a possible injury and Breaston who seems to be playing through his injury quite well.

The Giants are a 7 point favorite.

I am looking forward to seeing the Cards run D against the Giants RB's.

Weather for Sunday at Meadowlands High 53 Low 41, 20% chance of rain, 13 mph winds. Game time temperature should be around 50. Meadowland is known (or at least rumored) to have a wind effect. The wind will not be helpful to the Cards.

Cardinals have been dismal in the Eastern time zone in the past, but this is a night game.

Manning actually has a better road win percentage than at home (interesting). See http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=1447#more-1447 for a rather interesting analysis and theory on why the Jets and Giants have some of the worst home win to away win ratios in football.

Last match up Nov. 23, 2008, NEW YORK GIANTS 37 CARDS 29

Since reallignment of the divisions the Cards and Giants are 2-2

Cards have lost 3 in a row on the road playing the Giants and last beat the Giants in the Meadowlands in 1999 (ouch!).

Previous Meetings (last 10 years) record 4 W - 6 L

Sept. 11, 2005, At NY Giants L 19-42

Nov. 14, 2004, NY Giants W 17-14

Sept. 29, 2002, N.Y. Giants W 21–7

Dec. 15, 2001, At N.Y. Giants L 13–17

Nov. 11, 2001, New York Giants L 10–17

Nov. 26, 2000, N.Y. Giants L 7–31

Sept. 3, 2000, At N.Y. Giants L 16–21

Nov. 28, 1999, At N.Y. Giants W 34–24

Oct. 10, 1999, N.Y. Giants W 14–3

What would you give Andy Reid for Vick?

Drullin'OverDaCards — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:14:23 -0000

With the trade deadline approaching and the Eagles having no real need for Vick, let's say they put him out there as trade bait. Vick is getting $1.6M ($100,000 per game) for this year with a team option for $5M next year. The huge PITA demonstrations have not occurred and there really doesn't seem to be a huge PR hit to the Eagles in having signed Vick. Vick also appears not to be a very good fit for the Eagles.

Several teams are really struggling and need a spark. Several coaches are on the hot seat. Some teams are performing well, but could use a wildcat.

Pick an NFL team that you are the GM or coach of and explain what you would be willing to give up for Vick and why?

Anybody else really tired of that pop-up mudstain add.

Drullin'OverDaCards — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:11:41 -0000

Anybody else really tired of that pop-up mudstain add.

Anybody else really tired of that pop-up mudstain add.

Anybody else really tired of that pop-up mudstain add.

"It seems quiet . . . . too quiet"

Drullin'OverDaCards — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:44:04 -0000

Said the packer fan as he approached the Metrodome right before he was crushed by AD on his way to the endzone or the Williams wall on the way to Aaron Rodgers.

But seriously, I logged on DN thinking there would be a ton of trash talk brewing and sadly haven't found enough fire to start the fermentation process on some good mead. Where is everybody? Are ya'll just saving it for 5:30 (arizona time). Where is REVENGE4FARVE and everyone else. It's only 2 1/2 hours away. I have to leave work early to plant my butt on the sofa for this one. This is the game we've all been waiting for, so let's start a game score prediction thread. Prize is for bragging rights and my belly button lint from wearing my old Fran Tarkenton jersey during the game (er, you have to pay shipping if you really want the lint).

Pick the winning team and the final score for both teams. The winner of contest will be determined first by picking the winning team, second by closest to the winning team's score and third (if necessary) by closest to the losing team's score. Your prediction has to be in before kickoff or it doesn't count.

Packer fans can play (I guess) although I suggest picking the Vikings if you want to get past the first criteria. :-')

I'm going with 24-17 Vikings.

What will make Brett Favre playing for the Vikings a success or failure in your opinion??

Drullin'OverDaCards — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:10:40 -0000

We all have opinions about whether Farve coming to Minnesota is a good or bad thing and frankly I'm getting a little tired of reading about it so I wanted to change the focus of the discussion to what criteria will you personally use to judge whether the Farve deal was a success or failure at the end of the Vikings' season?

For example:

Is wins the only criteria?

Is it making the Playoffs?

Going deep into the playoffs?

Winning the superbowl?

Is it his qb rating?

TD to interception ratio?

Or whatever else you think is a criteria.

As part of your answer, after you list your criteria for evaluating Farve's season give a number that in your opinion would indicate success for Farve and one that indicates failure. I am really curious to see how the Farve lover and Farve hater camps criteria will be different, so if you are definitely in one camp please identify yourself. If you're not in either camp just say Undecided

I will post my take later, but put an couple examples below (not my actual take) for use for a format:

Example 1: Farve Lover

Successful season with Farve = 12+ wins, playoffs with a bye or at least one win

Failure season = 9 or fewer wins and missing playoffs and first round loss

Example 2: Farve Hater

Successful Season with Farve = Passer rating above 100, TD to Int ratio >1.5, >3600 passing yards, pro bowl selection

Failure season = Passer rating below 88, TD to Int ration < 1.4, <3,000 passing yards, no playoffs

Let's have some fun with this.Then we can argue about how our performance criteria for evaluating Brett are not realistic.

Arizona Cardinals # 33 in ESPN Ultimate Standings

Drullin'OverDaCards — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:11:13 -0000

Wow! Playing in the Superbowl and settling in to the new stadium got the Arizona Cardinals a 51 place jump from 84th to 33rd in ESPN's (fairly meaningless and arbitrary) Ultimate Standings of 122 pro sports franchises. You can look at all the teams here.

This years rank: 33

Last Year's Rank: 84
Title Track: 56
Ownership: 82
Coaching: 11
Players: 41
Fan Relations: 65
Affordability: 60
Stadium Experience: 24
Bang for the Buck: 14

The site defines the above categories:

Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.

Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management.

Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.

Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions.

Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.

Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it.

Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership.

Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans.

Nice to see the Cards getting some respect. No more Rodney Dangerfield quotes for us.