Burns: The Cardinals make me giddy
At times it was sleepy. At times it was undisciplined. At times it was alarming. And in the end it felt more like relief than a victory.
But the one thing, the main thing, I take away from the Cardinals 31-20 win over the Seahawks on Sunday is a sense of…….giddiness.
Kind of like that feeling you get when you turn 16 and get your drivers license for the first time. The whole world is out there. The possibilities are endless.
Specifically I’m giddy about 6.5. That’s how many yards – on average – Beanie Wells gained every time he touched the ball. 16 carries for 85 yards. Two catches for 32 yards. 18 touches, 117 yards. 6.5 per touch. I simply do not know how opposing defenses can stop the Arizona Cardinals if he’s going to average 6.5 yards every time he has the ball in his hands.
That fact alone eclipses all the other stuff (good and bad stuff) that happened Sunday. Wells’ stupid personal foul. Adrian Wilson struggling again in coverage. Kurt Warner’s decidedly drowsy beginning (overthrows, throws that were behind guys). The 11 penalties and the 136 yards and five first downs the Seahawks gained because of them. The Cards inability to convert a 4th and goal early in the game.
So while the game wasn’t the most satisfying contest, it did give you a glimpse of what could be. After all, once Seattle tight end John Carlson’s touchdown gave Seattle a 14-0 lead, the Cardinals next six possessions went something like this: Touchdown, field goal, touchdown, punt, touchdown, and touchdown.
The defense got mad and then got even, stiffening as the game wore on.
And don’t forget a healthy Anquan Boldin, or at least a healthier version of Q. He looked fresh, strong and motivated after getting last weekend off. Just too many weapons to account for if you’re an opposing defensive coordinator.
So yeah, it wasn’t perfect. When you’re 16 and get your drivers license, it’s not going to be perfect. You have to pay for gas. Insurance. Friends are bummin’ rides off you. You have to drive your dorky kid brother to school. None of that matters though. Because you, like the Cardinals, can now go wherever you want to.
Sports 620 KTAR’s Craig Grialou contributed to this report.
