49ers-Cardinals: Arizona open as 3 point favorite
by David Fucillo on Dec 8, 2009 10:00 AM PST
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintI'd be willing to wager that if the 49ers had beat the Seahawks, this would at least be a pick 'em. The folks at Bodog have laid out their opening lines for next week and Arizona opened as a 3 point favorite over the 49ers at Candlestick Park. The over/under on the game is at 44.5 for now.
While I think the 49ers can most definitely beat the Cardinals, I see this line expanding more than 3 points. Barring any change in Kurt Warner's injury status, I wouldn't be surprised if America's gambling hordes throw down a good deal of money on Arizona. The Cardinals are coming off a huge win over the Minnesota Vikings, in which they looked quite impressive in handling their business at home. The 49ers are coming off a tough, tough loss to a Seattle team that most football fans probably view with much skepticism.
Personally I wouldn't bet against the 49ers (not that I'd be for them at this point) because the 49ers-Cardinals games always seem to end up being battles. However, Arizona definitely has all the momentum at this point. The 49ers did beat the Cardinals to start the year, but this Cardinals team seems a bit different from that one. The 49ers are also 4-2 at home, but that includes getting whupped by Atlanta and struggling against a hot (at that time) Titans team.
Here are some recent trends for both teams (ATS - against the spread; SU - straight up):
- Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- San Francisco is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
- San Francisco is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Arizona
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I'm shocked the line is at 3 points
Than again the 49ers have been playing to the level of their competition the entire season. Arizona has added a few wrinkles to their offense which might make things too tough for the 49ers this time around, not to mention this is the game where Nate Clements usually made his $80 million. One advantage the 49ers can use this time is around is the Cardinals horrendous pass coverage. When they call zone coverage their DB’s turn into pylons.
The Cards tend to play down to the level of thier opponents too..
They are a weird team that still makes a lot of mistakes.
But hey, look at me! I think the 49ers win this game handily.
Well, we're waiting....
I think the Cards have had the 49ers game circled since Week 1
They seemed rather pissed about that loss and changed their passing philosophy based solely on that game. I haven’t seen a division opponent that pissed at the 49ers since we swept the Seahawks in 2006. I see this as a grudge match game for the Cards and they are going to go all out.
I hope the Niners see it the same way
Because I think your opinion on AZ is correct. Funny that as much as Seattle looked forward to that second game in 2006, and the assumption was the SF would get destroyed on a short week, the Niners won handily. SF should view this as a chance to avenge last year’s loss on MNF, as well as establish an attitude these last few weeks and into next season. Let AZ know that though they may win the division, we’re the best team in the West. I’d play loose and take a few chances with play calling. Maybe even a punt reverse..
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I agree with both your assessments
I think the cards will really strap it on for this game and I know Singletary will have your team pumped up as well. I expect a real physical game with guys flying all over the field.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 8, 2009 4:17 PM PST up reply actions
Best team in the West?!?!?
Based on what? Seriously?
The better team, in football, is measured by wins and losses. At the end of the day, nothing else matters.
You play the regular season to get to the playoffs.
You play there, to win it all.
Your team will be watching all of it from home.
Are 9’ers even a .500 team?
The better team wins the division. They don’t make excuses.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 6:12 PM PST up reply actions
Throw the record books out the window
we got this… prediction SF 30 AZ 21… kurt Warner leaves game with concussion after Patrick Willis hit, ends warners career like they ended Steves in AZ…. (please lord answer my prayer)<<<<<< cant believe i just prayed for that lol kurt probably goes to church more than me!
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are"
I thought I'd check in and see what your site was saying about this game.
Praying for an injury to KW may be dangerous. I’m glad I’m not standing next to you. God’s wrath might spill over onto the people around you to. LOL.
Let’s hope this a great game for the NFC west to show its stuff in primetime. I’m so tired of hearing everyone badmouth the NFC West.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 8, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions
Well, the 49ers didn’t do their part to prevent the bad mouthing. The Cards have sure shut a lot of people up. After embarrassing both the Giants and Vikings in prime time I don’t hear any perennial loser Cardinal comments.
Agreed
Hopefully this game resembles any of our past 5 matches and it’ll definitely be a show for all to see.
IM PRETTY SURE
that tebow is higher up there
by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 8, 2009 5:36 PM PST up reply actions
you gotta be desperate...
to want someone injured. that’s messed up. classless. not surprised.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions
Your alien of a god hates sissies
So hurt warner is going to get smashed! P-Willy gonna kill him. warner will never leave the hospital alive. And by the way your cardinals suck, they will always suck, and at least I have seen my team win the Superbowl. Hahahahaha
i dont like kurt warner
but really you shouldn’t wish for an injury to any player. pretty uncool and usually just leads to bad karma
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
In the past two years
The Niners and Cards have played very competetive games, this one will be no exception.
Save your money and buy Christmas presents for your family
Just another wasted season— again.
by More False Hope on Dec 8, 2009 12:52 PM PST reply actions
Your comments
are as depressing as your screen name, but that might be because you’re right.
Too bad we'll never know what people think nationally
Had the Niners finished off Seattle, this game would receive more hype and we’d find out just how much (little) people who follow the NFL know about the Niners. For example, do they know that these two teams always play each other close, including four overtime games? Or that the series has ended as a one team sweep in every season since 2002 except one? That would lean toward the Niners, who also happen to be at home.
Seems if you’re a gambler, taking the Niners on the spread is a good idea.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
by SpurredOn on Dec 8, 2009 1:00 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
true
The ‘sweeps issue’ is what is raising my tension level. This has seemed to have been a one-sided competition for the last several years. Not certain why, but an interesting stat anyway.
Having acknowledged it, however, I feel like game 1 this year was ‘advantage 9ers’. Haley was gone and Whiz was calling plays. Warner never looked like he was comfortable with the offensive strategy or what might be coming in on the next call. The 12 games that have elapsed have solved that problem. The Cards D is playing well, or at least played well at home versus MIN following a good 55 min performance in TEN. Should be interesting…
Cards by 4…taking the final lead late…but hopefully not Vince Young in Nashville Week 12 Late…
Niners are also better on offense since then
At QB and WR, with Richal also playing better. And have a higher ranked run defense which is impressive after what the Cards D did to the Niner running game in the opener. The missing x-factor may be Clements. He has always contained Fitzgerald and also matches up well with Boldin. The Niners have already missed his containment support on outside running and screen plays and will very much miss his man-coverage skills this game.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
the cards....
pass game and run game have both improved since the first game, as well, breaston is back, so yes, things have changed…. like, us winning 5 of the last 7, and 9’ers losing 5 of last 7.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 12, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions
I'd take the 49ers...
Because Kurt Warner, or no Kurt Warner, the ‘Stick has always been kryptonite to the Arizona Cardinals. So here’s hoping that rundown heap of a stadium can work her magic once again. Here’s also hoping that the City finds a couple million dollars to fix the water fountains, sinks and toilets on the upper deck.
always kryptonite?
like last season? short memory.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions
hate to say it but
These are not the same old Cards, the culture has changed and they had been in our current situation for yeeeeeaaaarrrrrs, change the culture and change the outcome. Our division will soon have two Good teams in it.
Black Sand Ninja Here!!
Ban the Trolls, FF find a new home!!
you...
make sense… anyone can see 9’ers are on the rise. doesn’t mean they’re there yet. but on the way.
i’d much prefer that we have a strong division, than a weak one. i hate all the nfc west bashing.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 6:16 PM PST up reply actions
Can we filter out
All these cynics (you can figure out who I’m talking about)?
Anyway, the only reason why I wouldn’t want to bet on this game is because of how closely these teams have played in recent years. But I really hope the Niners will pull it out and make this another game to grow on, meaning they will continue to work out their offensive and 3rd down efficiency issues. And I don’t have anything major against Warner, but a couple of years ago I do recall him supposedly having said something about wanting the Niners to be their first opponent on their new field because a win would virtually be guaranteed.
not to mention the fact that we've played within a TD in half our games this year
too close for a bet…
and...
losing 5 of your last name, by a td, or 1 points, simply means: YOU CAN’T FINISH GAMES.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 7:00 PM PST up reply actions
Arizona favored by 3 points???
IF they couldn’t beat us in their house earlier during the season w/out Crabtree…what exactly is their advantage this time around @ Candlestick other than the difference in the win-loss columns?
But I guess there may be some good to come out of their being 3 pt. favorites…it becomes a trap game for them because they just beat ‘Father Time’ & the Minnesota Vikings. Niners do not roll over and they’ll be sorely mistaken if they think that’s gonna happen on Monday night.
It happens so often in the NFL
That the favored (supposedly better) team on paper sets itself up for a letdown and ends up losing i.e., the OAK-PIT game this past weekend.
this
they have made changes, we have too. we’re both better teams now. Their record doesn’t mean they’re going to win. Raiders upsets anyone? And they didn’t even have the talent to win those games.
We hang onto the ball and play our game and we’re in this game for sure.
You’ve lost 5 of your last 7. Learn2Win.
We’ve won 5 of our last 7.
So, with crabtree, how much better are you?
The advantage is, our running game is much improved. Our passing game is much improved. Our QB has over 120 passer rating the last 4 games, only 2nd person to do that since Mr. Unitas.
Any other questions?
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 8, 2009 6:42 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, why does Matt Leinart suck so much?
Hypothetically, he should roughly be as good as Aaron Rodgers by now.
"For the love of god drop the FF talk everyone."
by Fearless Frog on Dec 8, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions
That was a serious question, by the way.
I was really high on Leinart during the draft and I am still stymied why he hasn’t been anything notable at QB yet, especially considering his receivers.
"For the love of god drop the FF talk everyone."
by Fearless Frog on Dec 8, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions
Her's my kinda sucky answer about Matt sucking
I don’t really feel like I know if Matt sucks or not yet (except when he is in the hot tub with a bevy of chicks in which case he and they seemed to do all the sucking they could).
Warner, a qb with 3 SB appearances, beat out Matt for the starting job two years ago. Warner has played pretty well since, except for a game or two here and there.
Matt actually looked ok against Tenneesse, especially when you consider he had no practice reps that week as Warner was expected to start.
Looking back at the games he played years ago under different coaches and coordinaters doesn’t really tell me much either. I think he has potential and has matured some over the last few years. So, I don’t know if he sucks or not is the best answer I can give – I know that was probably not very satisfying.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 9, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions
but...
it was pretty accurate. he lost his started job to a future likely HOF QB. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. He’s grown up, resolved all the off the field issues that cropped up, and agreed to come back and play backup.
He had no snaps in practice, and it showed when he filled in for an injured KW at halftime. In his full game vs. Tennessee, we had a chance to win against a very hot Titans team. When Kurt’s done — and Matt’s the starter, we’ll know more.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 9, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions
I read his split the reps 50/50 with Warner
Leading into both the Titans and Vikings games.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
No, that was only into the vikings game
Warner took all the first string snaps the week before Tenn. When KW woke up Sunday morning he had blurred vision. The decision to play Matt was made @ 10:30 am eastern for a 2:15 start. I know this for a fact as I have both qbs on my fantasy team and have to turn in my lineup @ 10:00 a.m. eastern time.
Whiz did not want to get burned a second time so they split snaps leading up the the vikings game.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 9, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
you know....
if you watched the Sunday night game, so many of the passes between Kurt and his receivers are all timing-based, with great routes. Q turns around — there’s the ball. It takes a lot of snaps and game time to get that down, too, and Matt just hasn’t had those.
In preseason vs the packers, he brought the team back from a huge deficit and we nearly won. He led several impressive drives.
I’m hoping we see a lot more of him in blowout games to give him more game time experience. My gut says he may not be great, he’ll get the job done.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 9, 2009 2:23 PM PST up reply actions
You gotta admit
When you’re hanging on to what a QB did in the 2nd half of a pre-season game against scrubs, he must have some problems.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
lol that sounds familiar
CoughNateDavisCough
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
even matt....
would tell you he’s no warner. but matt’s shown flashes of playing well.
i’m not “hanging on” to anything — i’m looking at the available playtime for the guy this year, and there’s not much, since kurt’s stayed so healthy.
i mean, i could consult tarot cards and psychics, but i’d rather look at what he’s done on the field, personally.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 12, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe the question you should be asking is
What would SF’s record be this year if matt was your QB?
My guess is most GM’s would take Matt before either of your starters if those were the only three choices. Put your GM hats on and let me know what you think.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 9, 2009 8:28 PM PST up reply actions
personally I wouldn't take him over Alex
but would almost definitely take him over Swan Hill
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
Same or worse
If he struggles after being in the same system for three years, having had some starts, good health and receiving weapons like AZ has, he’d have been awful here when the season began. So I’m betting worse overall record.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
He
still holds the rookie record for passing yards in a game, I believe.
He’s certainly had some trangressions tho. With VYoung making a comeback, tho, I’m not willing to say he’s done just yet. Heck, Alex Smith is playing again, so why would you even start this line of questioning?
I got a question
you do realize we aren’t actual 49ers players and stuff right
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
I got an answer...
You do realize I’m not an actual Cardinals player, right?
It’s not uncommon to discuss teams with such terms as “you” and “we”.
For instance, when a fan says “We’re gonna crush you”, he’s not actually suggesting he’s going to suit up and take the field.
Apparently this distinction has been lost on you, but perhaps now it is clarified.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 9, 2009 5:43 AM PST up reply actions
wow awesome come back
You do realize I’m not an actual Cardinals player, right?
very very original….it’s not so much the use of the phrases, as the amount of times you used them. It’s not that hard to type Niners or Cards in place of we, us, our.
For example “The Niners have lost 5 of their last 7 games” or “How much better are the Niners with Crabtree”
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
Well, I'll give it to you....
when your team sucks, and everything else fails, pick apart grammatical choices!
Pick a fight that matters. Seriously.
Perhaps I prefer the shorter option? I’ve been a cards fan since I moved here in ’95. We sucked. We got better. Part of being a fan. Coach Whiz regularly refers to the 12th man. Closing the roof. All of that.
If you wish to distance yourself, however, from the 9’ers, I can totally understand it.
However, I’ll continue to use us/we/you, etc, as much as I like. Should give you plenty of practice counting, and keep you occupied.
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 9, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions
I hear plenty of Niners fans when our team travels to AZ
Actually, I hear a lot of every other teams fans down there, so the 12th man routine may be denial from Whiz than truth.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Actually, this has changed since the new stadium opened
When you guys get your new stadium, you’ll understand they really do make a big difference for the fan expereince. Happy fans and a winning season go a long way toward building the 12th man.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 9, 2009 8:31 PM PST up reply actions
I am talking about your new stadium
Lots of Niners fans there, especially the MNF game last year and the opener this season. And it seemed, at least from TV, that your crowd was 40%+ Cowboys fans when Dallas came to town and over 30% Vikings fans during their visit late last season.
As a long-time Niners fan I am quite aware of the 12th man. Candlestick has been sold out since 1981 and, though spoiled during the glory years, our crows always vocally showed up for the big games.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
lol I never said you had to stop using us/we/you, nor was I trying to pick a fight
I was merely pointing out that you were talking to us like we were players on the team, which we aren’t.
Also I am not distancing myself from the 49ers and I don’t even know what that means. I’ve been a 49er fan since I really got into football in 1988 and I will always be a proud 49er fan whether we win or lose. Yeah the last 10 or so years haven’t been that great, but like you said that’s part of being a fan.
Please, continue using whichever grammatical choices you want, I was just suggesting that maybe you could tone down the us/we/our stuff, but to each his own.
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
no -- it wasn't...
a suggestion… it was a sarcastic/rude comment. Perhaps you should re-read what you wrote initially…
cards by 17 in 4th quarter, win by 10 on a late meaningless SF TD.
Kurt just goes past the 120 passer rating to break unitas 4 game streak of 120+ games, with 5 of his own
by CardsRoll9'ers on Dec 14, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
I will hate Arizona
As long as Darnell Dockett is on their team.
That dude just talks way too much smack.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
They seem to have that cockiness
That you love if you’re a fan, but if you’re not you end up flipping them off through the TV on a regular basis. I personally am not a fan of it (smack talking, showboating) on any team, fan or not. Do it when you’ve won a championship! :)
I agree Dockett is a thug on and off the field, but like several players
being a thug is what drives him. It kinda a weird game, we want players to be warrriors on the field and then just shut it off when the whistle blows. Most can’t do it. Your coach is one of the best examples of a guy who could turn it off when the whistle blew.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Dec 8, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
Again your right
I went to the Grand Opening of your stadium against the niners a couple of years ago, and I saw that Dude Dockett, and he’s scary, definitely a thug, but good.
I gained new respect for Dockett after he straight up punked Steve Hutchinson one-on-one Sunday night.
He may talk way too much, but he’s a ridiculously good player.
"For the love of god drop the FF talk everyone."
by Fearless Frog on Dec 8, 2009 7:26 PM PST up reply actions
Justin Smith did that to Hutchinson too
If fact I think the ref through a flag it was such a zOMG punking . . . ok, not really . . . Justin Smith ran Hutchinson over and Hutchinson being a {site decorum} went to take down move while falling flat on his back launching Smith into Farve’s legs. Ya, Singletary wrote the league a letter about that one too.
Two Directions
After reviewing the defensive stats, the beloved Niners are heading in the wrong direction. They started strong but seem to have lost it. I cann’t quote exactly the correct numbers but overall the stats are showing the lack of intensity
The Cards on the other hand, are starting to come on. 5 interceptions and tons of tackles against Minn ? It may have been a fluke, but somehow the defense came up with the big plays. Whether they continue, I don’t know but, with 4 weeks to go, maybe they’ll start that run for the playoffs like last year, only sooner.
Perspective on the defense stats
Playing Manning, Rodgers & Cutler the past six weeks don’t help in passing yards given up. Also, as our offense is passing a lot more, it’s difficult to maintain a high TOP and thus our defense will be on the field a great deal, especially when the offense is 1/13 on 3rd downs. I would focus more on what has been a strong point all season: rush defene and points allowed. Then I’d see if they improve in two areas that have been all or nothing: turnovers forced and sacks.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
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