Bird Bits: Cardinals hold tough to beat Seattle
Sep 9, 2012, 11:00 PM | Updated: Sep 10, 2012, 12:34 am
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a football game. So, we will give you Bird Bits providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Cardinals’ 20-16 win over the Seahawks. Final score: Cardinals 20, Seahawks 16.
The Good:
The Defense: Seattle got chance after chance to win this game, and the Cardinal ‘D’ held tough despite two pass interference calls and a botched call by the replacement officials that allowed the Seahawks an extra timeout.
In all, the Cardinals defense allowed just one offensive touchdown and only 254 yards of total offense.
Veteran linebacker Paris Lenon played inspired ball and had two quarterback sacks in a game for the first time in his NFL career, which has spanned 160 games.
Kevin Kolb came off the bench to spell the injured John Skelton and led the Cardinals on an impressive touchdown drive to take the lead back with 4:59 left in the ball game. Kolb completed 6-of-8 passes for 66 yards on the drive, which ended in a six-yard scoring strike to Andre Roberts.
The Bad:
Pass interference calls – Patrick Peterson got flagged for two pass interference calls, including one on a crucial fourth down play on Seattle’s final drive. Then William Gay climbed over the back of Braylon Edwards, extending the Seahawks possession once again and giving them a first and goal at the Cardinals’ six-yard line.
John Skelton’s right ankle injury looked very bad. The Cardinals training staff immediately applied an air cast to his leg. Judging from Skelton’s facial expressions and the reactions of his teammates, this is a long-term injury.
Skelton’s play before the injury left much to be desired, as he threw for 149 yards and a QB Rating of 51.0
The Cardinals’ running game was non-existent on opening day. Arizona “amassed” only 44 yards on the ground, led by receiver Andre Roberts, who had 15 yards rushing.
He Said It:
“We’ll know more tomorrow. We’re all optimistic — all the fans, say a prayer for him and hope it’s nothing serious.” — head coach Ken Whisenhunt to Arizona Sports 620’s Paul Calvisi, about injured quarterback John Skelton.
Noted:
The Cardinals won their season opener for the third straight year — all of them coming against rookie quarterbacks making their first career start.
In 2010, the Cardinals knocked off Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams while last year, they beat a Carolina Panthers team led by Cam Newton.
The last six games at University of Phoenix Stadium have been decided by six points or less — all have been Arizona wins.
Coming Up Next:
The Cardinals head to New England to take on the Patriots next Sunday. The Pats were impressive in taking apart the Tennessee Titans 31-13 Sunday.
