"With mirrors", "overacheiving" - things which could describe AZ's first three results...only giving them an 0-3 SU record but 2-1 ATS. They are remarkably short on talent as currently constituted on the field.
Game 1's ATS win was a gift courtesy of the now obviously eptless Rams...but give credit to effort and creating TOs.
Game 2 was the standard give 150% to try to knock off the Super Bowl champs. The Pats were a little off and AZ kicked two 50+ yd. FGs early to give them heart.
Game 3 was a Falcon sandwich letdown between the Ram thrashing and the Panther game on-deck, given that they were a 10-11 point favorite at home. But once again, let us give credit to AZ, this time for an old and ancient Oklahoma-style defensive scheme which had Vick and the offensive staff frustrated. Vick is still a work-in-progress with the West Coast offense, so give him rare looks and he can seem bewildered.
NOW AZ actually looks like they have a winnable game. (Note that AZ's success at home last year was mainly the games getting 7+ points.)The Saints will respect them more than the other opponents and have more game film to understand how AZ can surprise you if you aren't prepared. NOR has a great road history under Haslett, particularly as a PK/fav to 6 on the road. They have the talent to be a 10-6 playoff team this year. Their defense goes from facing the Rams to AZs hapless offensive squad. AZ has yielded 11 sacks in the last two games and face a sack-happy squad this Sunday. Bryant is coming on, but Fitzgerald is not healthy and Jones hangs around for pass-protection but can't really handle that task. With the players on the field, AZ is a 3-13 edition. Denny Green is a good motivator, but how confusing does it seem when he's picking up new offensive assistants already?
I think it's hard to be flat when you are 0-3, but relatively-speaking, I think AZ will look that way unless they have VERY good fortune early this week.
Saints 24-10.
Game 1's ATS win was a gift courtesy of the now obviously eptless Rams...but give credit to effort and creating TOs.
Game 2 was the standard give 150% to try to knock off the Super Bowl champs. The Pats were a little off and AZ kicked two 50+ yd. FGs early to give them heart.
Game 3 was a Falcon sandwich letdown between the Ram thrashing and the Panther game on-deck, given that they were a 10-11 point favorite at home. But once again, let us give credit to AZ, this time for an old and ancient Oklahoma-style defensive scheme which had Vick and the offensive staff frustrated. Vick is still a work-in-progress with the West Coast offense, so give him rare looks and he can seem bewildered.
NOW AZ actually looks like they have a winnable game. (Note that AZ's success at home last year was mainly the games getting 7+ points.)The Saints will respect them more than the other opponents and have more game film to understand how AZ can surprise you if you aren't prepared. NOR has a great road history under Haslett, particularly as a PK/fav to 6 on the road. They have the talent to be a 10-6 playoff team this year. Their defense goes from facing the Rams to AZs hapless offensive squad. AZ has yielded 11 sacks in the last two games and face a sack-happy squad this Sunday. Bryant is coming on, but Fitzgerald is not healthy and Jones hangs around for pass-protection but can't really handle that task. With the players on the field, AZ is a 3-13 edition. Denny Green is a good motivator, but how confusing does it seem when he's picking up new offensive assistants already?
I think it's hard to be flat when you are 0-3, but relatively-speaking, I think AZ will look that way unless they have VERY good fortune early this week.
Saints 24-10.
