Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals quarterback (14) Ryan Lindley against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions, losers of five in a row, meet the Arizona Cardinals, losers of nine in a row, on Sunday afternoon. Normally this is where a joke about someone having to win but the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams reminded us earlier this season that games do occasionally end in a tie.
I checked in with Scott Allen, Cardinals blogger and editor at Raising Zona, to get a better read on the Cardinals’ side of things. I think you’ll note a bit of frustration in Scott’s answers…
1. How did the Cardinals go from a 4-0 start to a nine-game losing streak?
Scott Allen: Pretty simple actually. They suck. Bad coaching, bad offense, poor decision making in the front office. You name it, there is plenty fo blame to spread around. The only one not really taking any blame is coach Ken Whisenhunt. He was asked how do the Cards fix their situation and he point blank said he’s already answered that because he’s taken the Cards to the Super Bowl and six playoff games. What a joke.
2. There really wasn’t any other way the Cardinals’ quarterback situation was going to play out, why has it been allowed to get to this point?
SA: Because they’ve allowed Ken Whisenhunt to continue to coach. I was a great supporter of his until about 5-6 weeks ago. He goes back and forth and can’t stick with one guy. He’s been that way the last three years.
3. The Cardinals defense has seemingly played well until last week’s collapse, has the entire team just given up or do you expect some fight left in them?
SA: Well ask fans and media, it appeared they gave up. It certainly looked that way to me. There is no other way to explain a 58-0 loss. Players and coaches said they didn’t give up. Well maybe they didn’t give up. Maybe they never were fighting to begin with. No one loses 58-0. Second worst loss in the modern era of the NFL. It wasn’t talent. They’ve won four games and have been in every game except this one.
4. What do the Cardinals need to do to have success against the Lions?
SA: Score. Football is simple. Move the ball, cross the white line at the end of the field. Most NFL teams know how to do that from time to time. Seriously, play the defense they’ve played most of the season and move the chains. Oh, and get rid of the quarterbacks and since that isn’t happening this week, they won’t beat the Lions.
5. What is your prediction for Sunday’s game?
SA: Lions 45, Cards 6