The Dude

I left this game actually feeling more optomistic about this season than I was before it started.
The Cardinals are a very legit team with a very legit defense and Palmer is a much better than average QB than given credit for when he is healthy. Many have them picked to win that division. They were my sleeper team last year until Palmer went down. When it was all said and done they made it to the playoffs with their 3rd string QB. I think they make it to the NFCCG this year.

Our defense is better than most thought. Once they settled down our rookies played some very acceptable football. Too many mistakes and Breaux needs to work on the PI but all in all MUCH better than I thought. After that first drive by Arizona I thought we didnt have a chance. We did manage to get a little pressure and the Cards line is not near as bad as some thought. When we start getting some of the vets back from injury this defense might actually be easy to watch.

Payton did not completely abandon the run. Yes way too many screens but I feel like last year he would have had Brees just start airing it out mid way through the first quarter. Again that was a tough defense and they are going to be hard to run against. I doubt many other teams will put 20 points on them.

Hocker-Do we have a kicking game again? Guy looks focused and confident. When the Cards kicker was trying for FGs and XP you could noticeably see the "oh ****" look on his face. I like what I see from this guy.

The team looked focused and showed tremendous effort I thought compared to last year. They were quick to the ball and following through with their plays with passion. I dont think it will take too much for these guys to get their swagger back.

All in all not a horrible first outing. HAVE to clean up that red zone offense. Offensive line played well I think comparatively speaking.

Anyhow I did pull some positives away from this game and I think there is hope for them yet. I was convinced of another 7-9 season but I think the team we saw today can go 10-6 sneak into the playoffs and make some noise.