THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBAL WEEK 7 SUMMARY

WHAT DID WE LEARN THURSDAY NIGHT?

ARI
This is a Solid Team - Offensively and Defensively. They Just Played a Much more Talented Team.  Wilson vs Palmer, Lynch vs Mendenhall, Add Sherman and SEA was not a hard call. Palmer is not mobile, But his Off Line does a good job of protecting him most of the time. The Defense is also very Solid.

Expect Cardinal to Continue to Win vs Mid Level, and some Top Tier Teams. 

SEA
This is a Football Machine. They are the best team in the NFL. My only Reservations are with the Offensive and Defensive Co-coordinators.  Will they continue to Repeat the Same Mistakes that cost them Super Bowl last year. 

SEA Offense
Wilson is running the Boot more and making the decision to Throw or Run Up Field Quickly. 
However, He Can Not Stand in the Pocket and Hesitate as he did Last Night - Resulting in Two Very Costly Turnovers. Fran Tarkenton never dominated in the NFL. Defenses are twice as fast now.  Wilson can not be stopped with a Quick Release, Boot Leg or Quick Run Up Field. That also opens up the Run for Lynch. Boot left. boot Right. Up the Middle with Lynch for 12. Worked perfectly last night. Stick to what Works!

Also, there is such a thing as Too Careful. Wilson had an Opportunity to put the Game away in the first half with a Gaping hole up the Middle for 30 yards and Chose to Cut Left and Run Out of Bounds. He also laid down on an important 3rd and 1.  A First down at that time would have Ended the Game.The Prevent Offense in the 4th Quarter almost cost them the lead.

SEA Defense 
These Players are Predators. Let them Attack for 4 Quarters. Prevent Defense only prevents wins. Giving up 15-20 yd plays does not burn time. It just gave the cardinals the ball inside the SEA 30 - twice in 5 minutes. They can Not get away with that vs Top 10 Teams like SF or DEN.

The Only Thing that will Keep SEA from Winning the Super Bowl - is Bad Coaching. Clean up the Stupid guys. Your Players Deserve Rings This Year. 

 - Rick Jansen