Friday, September 4, 2009

0-4 preseason cause for concern?

Over the last two weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have hit the lowest of preseason lows.

First a blowout, now a shutout.

Arizona finished an 0-4 preseason with a 19-0 loss to the Denver Broncos Thursday at Invesco Field.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was two for seven for 48 yards and zero touchdowns and an interception. Arizona was held to 244 yards of total offense. Arizona also mixed in four turnovers.

The Cardinals' offense, in the preseason, hasn't looked like the 2008 version. The first-team offense scored just one touchdown during the entire preseason. It gained just 104 yards in the first half against Denver.

"I never really felt I got into a rhythm, for whatever reason," Warner told The Arizona Republic. "I don't know if guys were pressing, trying to do something (because) of last week, but I don't leave really excited about what we've done in the preseason."

Are teams beginning to figure out the Cardinals' attack?

It hasn't been nearly as potent. Arizona's first-team offense has struggled to find a rhythm and Warner hasn't looked good. He finished the preseason with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions.

In the Cardinals' defense, they have had injuries to players at key positions. Receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston, who both caught for over 1,000 yards a year ago, were slowed by injuries. Arizona's top draft choice, running back Chris "Beanie" Wells just returned from an ankle injury two weeks ago. Warner has been without his full arsenal of weapons and the Cardinals' coaching staff hasn't fully implemented all of Arizona's packages.

The defense, other than its performance in last week's 44-37 loss to the Green Bay Packers, has been solid. The offense, surprisingly is the unit with the most question marks going into the Cardinals' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 13 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Is it something a little health and practice can fix?

Arizona will need enough time to come together as a unit once its injured players become healthy and return to form. Arizona hopes it can gell quickly, before all hopes for a quick start are dashed.

The Cardinals would like to find some answers sooner than later.

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