What outstanding hustle, supreme read/react technique and keen swing plane precision can do to help a team win
It was great to see the Cardinals regain some of their pre-bye week mojo. Their 30-17 runaway win versus the Patriots was chock full of highlights and question marks (both of which I will expound on in today’s Red Rain Podcast).
Here are my nominations for the Cardinals’ top plays in all three phases:
Offense:
Kudos to Drew Petzing for dialing up a more creative game plan this week, as illustrated by this nifty jet sweep for Greg Dortch. What happened at the end of the play is at first regrettable, but then absolutely remarkable.
Jonah Williams first touchdown anyone? pic.twitter.com/cMy4NKHzIi
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) December 15, 2024
Greg Dortch owes Jonah Williams a dinner. pic.twitter.com/3xNj81pNI6
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) December 15, 2024
Yes, Greg Dortch, call Steak 44 to book your reservation and text the rez to Jonah Williams!
What’s so special about this play was Jonah Williams’ pure hustle on a play that is about the farthest away from his right tackle position. Talk about being a Johnny-on-the-spot! Plus, Jonah’s fumble recovery technique is impeccable!
Who knows what could have happened if this play resulted in a touchback with the score 3-0.
Defense:
A TD for the Patriots here with 5:00 left in the 3rd quarter could have cut the Cardinals’ lead to 16-10.
wrapped him up like a 4th down present pic.twitter.com/mYvruBF1A9
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 15, 2024
Talk about the Cardinals’ “Desert Swarm” defense! Do yourself a favor and rewatch the play keying in all the way on #51 Krys Barners from his right inside linebacker position —-> everything he does from a read/react/tackling technique perspective here is textbook as is the swarm of help Barnes got from his teammates.
Special Teams:
This a great read from this morning’s Boston Globe.
Talked to Chad Ryland after Sunday’s game about his odyssey over the last year, one that took him from struggles in New England to success in the desert.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said, speaking over the booming bass that rattled the Cards’ locker room.https://t.co/D8Dq1swE44
— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) December 16, 2024
Chad Ryland versus the team that drafted him in the 4th round (#112) of the 2023 NFL Draft:
- 3/3 FGs (49, 35, 40 yards) plus
- 3/3 XPTs
- With a new holder in Matt Palardy.
Current Standings in the NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals on a collision course for another HUGE game in Week 17 against the LA Rams.
Final 3 games the top 3 NFC West teams:
Cards: CAR, LAR, SF
Rams: NYJ, AZ, SEA
Seahawks: MIN, CHI, LAR pic.twitter.com/2l8GfeYaW4— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) December 16, 2024
THE PATH! Shhh, don’t say anything, just keep all eyes on the Cardinals’ game this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.