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AP: a0afb0c0-bc17-42d3-91e7-7cf2c0fd47e0
Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison, left, in the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Andy King)
The Cardinals offense needed to come out and make a statement. It needed to score on its first possession -- preferably a touchdown. So after getting the ball on the Vikings 48 following a bad punt, John Skelton led the Redbirds on an incredible three-play, two-yard drive that took all of 80 seconds off the clock leading to a punt.

Nice job.

Following a Vikings' 88-yard touchdown drive, the Cardinals offense came back with a legitimate 13-play drive that should have led to a score, but apparently John Skelton forgot that he had 1) a bad offensive line and 2) an internal clock. He fumbled after taking a hit from Brian Robison.

Fortunately, Paris Lenon intercepted Christian Ponder's next pass, ultimately leading to a LaRod Stephens-Howling short touchdown run.

That score came at the 12:41 mark of the second quarter. Arizona's next score came with 2:08 left -- in the ballgame -- and the Vikings up 21-7.

What was most frustrating about the 21-14 loss was that despite another hideous performance by the offensive line (seven sacks allowed), the Cardinals actually outgained the Vikings 356-209. They also had 21 first downs compared to just 12 for Minnesota. They even had a 10-minute edge in time of possession.

Unfortunately, they couldn't capitalize. Even though Jay Feely missed a field goal right before halftime, I thought Ken Whisenhunt's decision to go for it on 4th and 2 at the Minnesota 18-yard line in the 3rd quarter sent the wrong message on several fronts:

1) I thought it showed a lack of confidence in Feely after two straight missed field goals (dating back to last week).

2) I thought it showed panic. Sure, the Vikings had a two-touchdown lead, but there was still eight minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

3) It was an awful play-call. For the first time all season, you actually had some semblance of a running game, and you called for Skelton (who can't run) to roll out with a glorified backup fullback as his option. Reagan Maui'a was well covered and Skelton was leveled for no gain.

The Cardinals defense, despite allowing Adrian Peterson to rush for 153 yards and a touchdown, played well enough to win. They also held Ponder to 58 yards passing and picked him off twice. That's unacceptable. It's unacceptable that your defense continues to make plays and do its job, while the offense stumbles around all over itself. It's unacceptable that arguably the best receiver in the league is held to four catches for 29 yards.

I'm not saying it's time for Cardinals fans to panic. They're still 4-3 and only a game behind the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers with four division games left. The defense will continue to keep them in games.

The Cardinals next game is a week from Monday against the 49ers. It's a home game. It's Primetime. It's also a must win.
12 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Japricka_Joe wrote...
    And Now
    October 21, 2012 5:09 pm
    The Excuses of how the team didn't "EXECUTE". That's seems to be the word this year. From 4-0 to 4-3 and soon to be 4-6 in no time flat. Started out like a house on fire and it quickly burned to the ground. Better luck in 13
    J.Joey
  • Abuse
    Bigtymefan wrote...
    Us against the world mentality.....
    October 21, 2012 8:12 pm
    It just seems to me that this team has lost a little bit of focus and isn't playing with a chip on their shoulder. It seems when everyone doubts this team..(national media) they seem to play lights out on defense and offensively good enough to get the job done. They need to stop believing the hype and get back to being humbled. Coaches need to do a better job at getting these players ready to play....dropped balls...dumb penalties...lack of focus...They need a fire lit under their behinds!!
  • Abuse
    JW L. wrote...
    Ever notice
    October 21, 2012 10:35 pm
    ..how ASU seems to have gotten better with the new coaching staff? It seems apparent that Russ Grimm needs to be shown the door and a good offensive line coach brought in. I don't think you need five first round picks on the offensive line...just some decent linemen and a great coach.
  • Abuse
    cardinalpowers wrote...
    Derek Anderson 2.0
    October 21, 2012 10:39 pm
    Skelton will never be a viable QB. He throws behind Doucet wide open, poor pass, stumbles out of bounds. More than once he hit the cleats of Fitz and Housler. Put Lindley in and bring back Bartel. This is not a personal attack on Skelton fans, he just isn't accurate. He has thrown as many touchdowns to opposing players, as Cardinals.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    technically the d kept them to 14
    October 21, 2012 11:18 pm
    Because Skelton fumbled (Skelton turnover #1). Commentator was right, he should have a clock in his head telling him how fast the defender chasing him from behind will close in on him. He threw a pick six (turnover #2). And he couldn't throw a pass on target consistantly throughout the game! Usually I bag on the line, but, LSH got 100 yds. Enough to take pressure off Skelton. But Skelton couldn't throw accurately when it mattered. Can't blame the line, even with 6 sacks, that 100 yards kept them honest. Inaccurate passes lost them the game. WE NEED A QB.
  • Abuse
    frazzini wrote...
    Play Calling is pathetic
    October 22, 2012 1:32 am
    The game may not have been a total flop if the play calling was not pathetic again. Run the 165 pounder up the middle, again and again. It is not 1968 and the Cards are not the Packers. Get into this century with the play calling and give the offensive a chance. What? you were trying to set up the pass with no gain runs up the gut? It worked for the Vikings but will not with the Cards with the RB they were using. Does the guy calling the plays know Wells and Williams are not playing?
  • Abuse
    Jim R. wrote...
    Well.......
    October 22, 2012 4:17 am
    We know what we have with Kolbhead. We know what we have with Skelton. Let's check out Lindley.
  • Abuse
    Kreedos wrote...
    Spot on @Fitz
    October 22, 2012 7:14 am
    I kept thinking how Skelton was to blame for those 14 points. Seeing him throw the ball at the feet of our receivers was terrible on the eyes. With all that said, we still have a shot on Monday night based on the Defense alone. But I dont believe in Skelton at all. At all, at all! Terrible decision making skills.
  • Abuse
    Sect113rw10 wrote...
    Miller needs to go
    October 22, 2012 9:56 am
    Miller is clearly showing that he doesn't have what it takes to coordinate an offense. He has missed on SO MUCH this season. They didn't draft well for the offense. They didn't get the right FA for the offense (missing on Snyder, a div rival, is really bad). He can't call plays that match they players on the field. It appears as if LSH was tired of slamming the middle and decided to kick it outside and get in to open space where he dominates. And, Miller is getting 0 production out of Grimm.
  • Abuse
    OpinionH8d wrote...
    Come on People
    October 22, 2012 12:35 pm
    Let's put the blame where it belongs- Whiz and Grimm. It's not the QB, it's not the play calling, it's not the O linemen- they can't help that they aren't starter caliber players. Whiz resigned Gretzky errr Grimm (HOF player who can't coach), he constantly tries to bring in 3rd tier FA's and hope they improve and he refuses to use his top picks on OL even when everyone in the world agrees he needs to. Conclusion- Whiz is the problem.
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