Sun not setting in the desert, as Arizona rise
It should be no surprise that the Arizona Cardinals have jumped out to an unbeaten start. This is a team loaded with individual talent that behind Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt, has become an industrious unit in all phases of the game.
They’ve had recent success of course, the Superbowl XLIII run in 2009 was exciting and fun to watch, a season which made wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald a household name.
That was a Kurt Warner inspired franchise that since then has found it hard to adjust to life without the former NFL MVP, and has shown only flashes of its potential. Last year they finished strongly after a poor start. After beginning 1-6, they then went 7-2, winning five home games in a row, a streak that has carried on a further two games into this season. Also in 2011 they won an NFL record four games in overtime. in fact they made a habit of playing in close games. 13 were decided by 7 points or less, and eight of those by 3 points or under. Again a trend that has continued into the start of this years campaign.
During the off season there was a quarterback battle, which was won by John Skelton. However despite some smart play in the opening game against Seattle he went down to an ankle injury, backup Kevin Kolb took over, and he eventually scored the game winning touchdown in that home opener. The Cardinals defense still had to withstand a late rally but the Seahawks failed to score in the last few seconds, ensuring a 20-16 victory.
Week 2 saw the most extraordinary victory as after going toe-to-toe with the Patriots on the road, they again had Kolb to thank for engineering a go ahead drive with minutes remaning. Tom Brady led his troops downfield for what seemed like yet another comeback win, but the attempted field goal was wide giving the Cards a huge 20-18 win.
Back home they then went 3-0 after the visit of Philadelphia, a game in which the special teams and defense were the stars as they hounded and hit QB Michael Vick all day on route to a convincing 27-6 scoreline.
Going into this weekend’s game against the woeful Miami Dolphins, the 7 game home win streak should be extended.
Looking beyond this week they play the Rams and Bills so its easy to see how this lively team could be 6-0. It does get tougher for them and they are in a competitve division. No one though is doubting their ability, the only thing they have to overcome is being a victim of their own success. Once you have earned the tag of favourites in a matchup you are there to be shot down.
As long as the sun shines in the desert I can only see bright things on the horizon.
Read more from Gary on his Dallas Cowboys blog
