Cardinals vs Colts Fascinating Story Lines
By Walter Mitchell
1. Jonathan Gannon vs Shane Steichen --- one would think that having competed against each other every day in practice for two years in Philadelphia would give them a head start in game preparations. NFL head coaching records to date: Steichen 21-18; Gannon 14-25. (Note: it may be that Michael Bidwill's quid pro quo with the NFLPA and NFL with regard to the Cardinals fining Jonathan Gannon $100,000 for his altercation with Emari Demercado on the sidelines last Sunday, is what has enabled Gannon to avoid a suspension and be able to coach in this game).
2. Marvin Harrison Jr.'s nostalgic return to Lucas Oil Stadium, the house that Peyton Manning and Hall of Fame dad, Marvin Harrison Sr., turned into an NFL Shangri-La.
3. Jacoby Brissett's return to the stadium where he had two of his best three years of football as a starter:
--- 2017 --- 3,098 yards passing, 13 TDs, 7 ints., 81.7 RTG
--- 2019 --- 2,942 yards passing, 18 TDs, 6 ints., 88.0 RTG
His third being with Drew Petzing as his QB coach in Cleveland:
--- 2022 --- 2,608 yards passing, 12 TDs, 6 ints., 88.9 RTG
4. Potential revenge games for two former Cardinals' head coaching finalists --- Colts' linebacker coach James Bettcher (2018) and defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo (2023). Which team's defense will play better? Jonathan Gannon's and Nick Rallis'? Or Lou Anarumo's and James Betcher's?
5. The Cardinals' efforts last season to acquire QB Daniel Jones from the Giants at the trading deadline remains a topic of curiosity.
6. What kind of a bounce-back game will the Cardinals get from RB Emari Demercado, who obviously didn't learn a thing from Jonathan Gannon's showcasing of Adonai Mitchell's dropping of the ball before the goal line of an easy TD which was a contributing factor in the Colt's only loss to date, 27-20 to the Rams at So-Fi Stadium?
7. What kind of a hangover might the Cardinals have from their unfathomable 22-21 loss to the 1-4 Titans, whom the Colts beat 41-20?
8. When the Cardinals held joint practices with the Colts in 2024 at Indianapolis, they were summarily thrashed on both side of the ball, during which QB Anthony Richardson was en fuego. Curious on that occasion because Jonathan Gannon was devoting that majority of his time to watching the Cardinals' offense.
Colts' Top 5 on Defense:
1. Will Johnson --- 84.5 --- #2 CB
2. Josh Sweat --- 77.3 --- #19 ED
3. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson --- 76.3 --- #14 S
4. Calais Campbell --- 76.1 --- #13 DI
5. Zaven Collins --- 73.1 --- #36 ED
1. Paris Johnson Jr. --- 76.1 --- #11 T
2. Trey McBride --- 76.1 --- #5 TE
3. Kyler Murray --- 72.1 --- #15 QB
4. Hjalte Froholdt --- 72.1 --- #4 C
5. Marvin Harrison Jr. --- 62.5 --- #53 WR
Team Rankins (through 5 games):
Records:
IND: 4-1 (1st place in NFC South)
ARI: 2-3 (4th place in NFC West)
I don't expect it, but if the Cards bounce back and are competitive and maybe even win this game, after last week's complete humiliating meltdown, it will be this coaching staff's best/most impressive effort/win yet. This squad and season so far have all the makings of a complete and total disaster. "Culture Change" ?
ReplyDeleteI am doubtful as well but if they were to win this week, last weeks debacle would be the very thing that galvanized this team and could be the best thing that happened to them. It would be the only positive thing I can think of from last weeks game and maybe, just what they needed.
DeleteI have lowered my expectations after the first 5-weeks in the wake of the 4th meltdowns and lack of a balanced offensive attack. I now expect 4-wins and top-ten draft selection. My confidence in the coaches has reached all-time low. I actually felt better about Kliff in Yr 3 than I do Gannon in Yr 3.
DeleteIf you're correct about the 4 win season, what should Bidwill do?
DeleteKK was 5 - 0 right now in his 3rd year
DeleteSince:
DeleteBidwill should first take self-assessment. What has HE been doing wrong? He after all is where the buck stops, he has micro-managed personnel and football decisions that he should have honest assessment (something I feel he is incapable on his own, and he turns to 'yes' which never works). From there what changes can HE make to right the organization. The problems of the organization go back 50yrs and span generations of owners with same losing mentality.
If they actually beat the Colts, that will pretty much be equivalent to the shock of many seeing the Giants beat the Eagles.
DeleteOn that note, man, look at Dart. It's early, but he looks like the real deal. MO, take note.
What Bidwill should do is hired an experiences head coach or coordinator who will hire experienced coordinators and senior advisors.
ReplyDelete* hire
DeleteExactly Walter. Bidwill needs to hire someone who knows what the heck their doing and hand him the reins and get out of the way. Until then, I have zero hope in this team doing anything more than letting fans down early in the season.
DeleteNone of the these newbie coaches have ever coached a losing squad that was supposed to be a contender. The most exoerienced football person in the franchise who understands losing is the Owner. He just might be the most experienced loser in the NFL
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the type of game the Cardinals usually win. When everyone gives up and thinks all is lost the Cardinals usually win.
ReplyDeleteI still have some faith in the coaching staff. I think they are figuring out that prevent Defense ajd running the football without enough passes doesn't work. I also think seeing a different QB in the offense will tell us if KM is the issue. Based on what I have seen I think a semi good QB who can see the field and deliver the ball on time would be a better fit. Is JB that guy, we will see.
Part of me wants to believe Brissett can give us a chance, but Brissett/Petzing is no McCoy/Kingsbury.
ReplyDeleteBrissett passes for 400 yds, 4 passing TDs and Petzings offense hums on all cylinders against the Colts. Do they, should they bench Murray next game, rest of the season?
ReplyDeleteSince 61 I have to admit the offense looked much improved even with the supporting cast of player. If I’m being honest it appears the offense isn’t designed for a QB of Kyler’s statue and I don’t think the coaches trust him to open the play book and pass 4 something times. I still believe Kyler will be a great addition to the right team, the right coaching staff, the right fan base. For his sanity and the sanity of the fans it’s time to move on.
ReplyDeleteStill the defense can’t hold a led. No matter the QB no matter the situation no matter the dynamics. I’m very disappointed with all the injuries to the draft classes. Appears in the new culture mentally strong is not one of the desired characteristics. Especially with the new players. There is a saying if you can’t get on the field and can’t stay on the field your tour of duty in the NFL is NFL. I’m not a hard ass but the status of our rookie classes for the last three years is pathetic. We have some rare jewels but too many misses. And what has happened to Xavier Thomas. He looked explosive in pre season?
But back to the defense, if you can’t stop opposing teams at the end of the game you ain’t going to win very many games no matter who’s at QB. And our safeties look a shell of themselves. The two highest paid safeties in the NFL if I’m correct.
And finally I truly enjoyed the game on Sunday. It was a profile in courage for the players who fought through adversity and injury.