Big Red Blog: Cardinals have hit rock bottom

The Cardinals hit rock bottom last week following a 58-0 loss in Seattle. With little left to play for how will they respond against the Lions?

Cardinals have hit rock bottom

Posted by Brad Wilbricht
Thursday, December 13 - 9:30 AM

Not much new can be said about the Arizona Cardinals as they’ve now dropped nine consecutive outings. The team hit rock bottom last week in a 58-0 loss against the Seattle Seahawks and questions of a complete overhaul have surfaced for a franchise that’s headed in the wrong direction.

This week, the Detroit Lions head to the desert – another struggling team with a record of 4-9. Coming off a playoff berth in 2011, with playmakers such as QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson, the team had high expectations in the NFC North division. The Lions, however, have suffered through a self-destructing season similar to what’s happened in Arizona.

Detroit has a five-game losing streak of its own but a quick look at the schedule shows the team could be in a different spot had the breaks gone its way. The Lions dropped a Week 13 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on the final play of the game and should have won a Thanksgiving-day loss against the Houston Texans. Furthermore, seven of Detroit’s nine losses have come by a touchdown or less.

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Lions. The Cardinals are coming off an embarrassing loss in Seattle and QB Ryan Lindley will be back under center. Detroit has a tremendous advantage at the skill positions and in the trenches, but has found a way to lose games it should have won all season long.

John Skelton got what could have been his final chance to prove himself as a starting NFL quarterback a week ago and failed miserably. Kevin Kolb was recently placed on injured reserve, leaving Lindley to clean up for the rest of the season.

Lindley, a sixth-round draft selection out of San Diego St, has played like a rookie during his time on the field. Lindley has yet to throw a touchdown while tossing five interceptions en route to a dismal 42.6 QB rating. The Lions’ defense will be licking its chops to force him into more mistakes.

With both teams sporting 4-9 records, it will be interesting to see who comes more interested in getting a victory.

During last week’s blowout loss, the Cardinals looked to have thrown in the towel and the only thing left to play for may be the job security of coach Ken Whisenhunt. Meanwhile, the Lions square off against the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears in the coming weeks and this could be the most winnable game left on their schedule.

Given the superior playmakers and overall talent of for Detroit, it will be a difficult proposition for Arizona to snap its current nine-game skid. Even though the Lions won’t necessarily be dialed into to Sunday’s contest they’ll find a way to win against an underwhelming Cardinals team – particularly with Lindley back at quarterback.

Prediction: Detroit 30 Arizona 13

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Questions or comments? Contact Brad Wilbricht at

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Questions or comments? Contact Brad Wilbricht at

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