Fall break for college and high-school students is always a much anticipated bonus, as well as a chance to release some of the mounting pressures of everyday school life. Comparable to the fuel tank of an engine, when the fuel tank is out of gas, the engine can no longer perform. For students, the extended time off from class work assists in regaining necessary focus levels, to assure that they can drive mentally non-stop into November and on into the Holiday season.
After enjoying the pleasures of their own little fall break (10 days), the Arizona Cardinals will be back at work on Monday night to face the visiting New York Jets. Last Thursday night, the Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 33-21. Maybe the recuperative time off after such a victory is just what the Cardinals needed to help beat the Jets, and initiate a winning streak.
Arizona Cardinals Week Six Keys to Victory
Now at 2-3 so far for the season, the Cardinals find themselves in a bit of hole and in a “must win” situation, to bring their record back to an even 3-3. Regardless of the NFC West division standings, a team that ends the season at 8-8 (or .500) is not and should not be considered a play-off contender. If the Cardinals lose to the Jets on Monday night, they will fall to 2-4. Any team with four losses this early in the regular season really has no chance of making it into the post-season. Of course, this is the NFL and stranger things have been known to happen.
Jets head coach Todd Bowles is a long time friend of coach Bruce Arians and he is very familiar with the weather here in the valley. Besides the common friendship that has lasted over thirty years, Bowles was also defensive coordinator for two years under Arians before accepting the head coaching opportunity with the Jets. Coach Arians will be more than happy to see his old friend, chew the fat, and rehash old memories, but when the game starts on Monday, the gloves are off and their special friendship is out the window.
“With a guy who taught me almost half my football life, you try not to let him down, and in order not to let him down, I have to win the game,” Bowles said, with a laugh.
Setting the Table
The Jets are desperate for a win. With a 1-4 record, they have slid down to third place in the AFC East division. If the Jets lose on Monday night, it would most definitely seal the deal and cancel any hopes the team might have had of a winning season. Also, a Jet’s loss could lead to a potential firing of Coach Bowles. Reportedly losing wide receiver Eric Decker for the season does nothing to ease the strain for the desperate coach and his team.
Coach Arians feels his team is ready to play. Quarterback Carson Palmer missed last weeks game against the 49ers due to being in the league’s concussion protocol. Palmer has done everything in his power this week to be ready for game day. Linebacker Kevin Minter was also injured late in the game against the 49ers. Both Palmer and Minter are a go on Monday night. Also available is rookie defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (high-ankle sprain). For the most part, the table is set and the Cardinals should be able to pull this victory off.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Protecting Carson Palmer
The Jets like to blitz a lot. If the front line can hold defenders back just long enough, Palmer should have no problem finding open receivers and completing passes. The Jets back-field is about as porous as a cheese-grater. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis doesn’t appear to have the same stuff that made him such a shut-down defender in years past.
The Running Game
Running-back David Johnson is an impact player for the Cardinals. Earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors last week against the 49ers, Johnson ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns. His 157-yard game sets the record for most yards in a game so far this season. The Jets defensive frontline is solid, but only for about three quarters. Johnson should have plenty of running room, especially late in the game. Also, the Cardinals have re-signed running back Kerwynn Williams to the 53-man roster.
Red Bird Nation
University of Phoenix Stadium will be packed. It is proven, the Cardinals have the loudest, most raucous, and most obnoxious fans in the entire league. Cards fans need to bring it on Monday night against the Jets.
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