Fellow Texan Fans: How Disheartening Is Arizona's Success?

[TheLBCoach]

I'm not going to write you a big drawn out article or anything, so don't worry.

Arizona was a league bottom-feeder, even worse than the Texans. The fact that they have leap-frogged us and are now 3 1/2 quarters from the Super Bowl is really disheartening to me. They have made the kind of turnaround in the past 2 seasons that any sub .500 team would kill for, and here the Texans are just trucking along, while staying a .500 football team.

I realize Arizona got blown away by the AFC's New England Patriots at the end of the season, but since that game and since Edge started whining about not getting the ball enough they've become a completely different football team now that they're giving it to him. I'm not buying the AFC/NFC difference level in competition either. There are certain fundamental things Arizona has done that has allowed them to be successful. Having said that, my question to you guys is...

What do you guys think Arizona has done that Houston perhaps hasn't done in the past few seasons to allow them to be so successful in such a short period of time?

[GoldenHolden]

I'm not going to write you a big drawn out article or anything, so don't worry.

Arizona was a league bottom-feeder, even worse than the Texans. The fact that they have leap-frogged us and are now 3 1/2 quarters from the Super Bowl is really disheartening to me. They have made the kind of turnaround in the past 2 seasons that any sub .500 team would kill for, and here the Texans are just trucking along, while staying a .500 football team.

I realize Arizona got blown away by the AFC's New England Patriots at the end of the season, but since that game and since Edge started whining about not getting the ball enough they've become a completely different football team now that they're giving it to him. I'm not buying the AFC/NFC difference level in competition either. There are certain fundamental things Arizona has done that has allowed them to be successful. Having said that, my question to you guys is...

What do you guys think Arizona has done that Houston perhaps hasn't done in the past few seasons to allow them to be so successful in such a short period of time?

As far as getting to the playoff's, the only reason Arizona is in is because of the weak division they are in. If they were in any other NFC division, they probobly wouldn't have made it. They basically have 6 cake games a season just from their divisional games. Now the in the playoff's they have played very well. They have something good going. I still don't think they will beat the Eagles but I didn't think they would make it here either.

[TexasJedi]

Actually, it encourages me. They have underacheived in the past, if they can do it so can we. However, it would help if we played in the NFC West.

[zanth91]

As far as getting to the playoff's, the only reason Arizona is in is because of the weak division they are in. If they were in any other NFC division, they probobly wouldn't have made it. They basically have 6 cake games a season just from their divisional games. Now the in the playoff's they have played very well. They have something good going. I still don't think they will beat the Eagles but I didn't think they would make it here either.

Exactly. And much of their playoff success comes from an aging defense stepping up and the hot play of Kurt Warner.

[elg]

To expand more on GoldenHolden's point, the record of the teams that Arizona has faced in the NFC West have a combined record of 31-65 over the last 2 years. This includes a 10-6 Seattle team, last year, that is the only team Arizona faced in conference with a winning record during that time. In comparison, Houston's opponents in the AFC South over the last two years are 64-32, including Jacksonville's 5-11 mark this year, which is the only team that had a losing record in conference over the 2 years. I sometimes don't think people realize how tough a division Houston is in.

As to Arizona's playoff success, not disheartening at all. As it's been shown in the past, all you need to do is get into the playoffs and then anything can happen.

[Texans86]

However, it would help if we played in the NFC West.

Oh what could have been. When the NFL realigned to add the Houston Texans, the two options for the new team would be to add them to the AFC South or the NFC west. The owner wanted to be in the AFC. The rest is history.

[D Frank]

im rootin for em. i am tired
of seing the same powerhouses
in the playoffs every year. and
just like o boy said, it gives me
hope that if we can just GET into
the playoffs, anything can happen.
arizona 9-7. we were 8-8 ridin a
big wave of momentum.

[claymangarza]

I'm not going to write you a big drawn out article or anything, so don't worry.

Arizona was a league bottom-feeder, even worse than the Texans. The fact that they have leap-frogged us and are now 3 1/2 quarters from the Super Bowl is really disheartening to me. They have made the kind of turnaround in the past 2 seasons that any sub .500 team would kill for, and here the Texans are just trucking along, while staying a .500 football team.

I realize Arizona got blown away by the AFC's New England Patriots at the end of the season, but since that game and since Edge started whining about not getting the ball enough they've become a completely different football team now that they're giving it to him. I'm not buying the AFC/NFC difference level in competition either. There are certain fundamental things Arizona has done that has allowed them to be successful. Having said that, my question to you guys is...

What do you guys think Arizona has done that Houston perhaps hasn't done in the past few seasons to allow them to be so successful in such a short period of time?

Actually it gives me the confidence that we can also have some success in the next few years..Despite how good the Cardinals are playing right now, I still like the Texans better. I think Slaton gives us something Arizona doesn't have..We just have the misfortune in playing in one of the toughest divisions,having to play Indy and Tenn twice a year..
Having said that, I'm pulling for the Cardinals this postseason.

[Matt_in_KW]

As far as getting to the playoff's, the only reason Arizona is in is because of the weak division they are in. If they were in any other NFC division, they probobly wouldn't have made it. They basically have 6 cake games a season just from their divisional games. Now the in the playoff's they have played very well. They have something good going. I still don't think they will beat the Eagles but I didn't think they would make it here either.

They are making the Eagles look B-A-D, and I mean awful. The Cards are legit...and in 30min or so...I think they are headed to Tampa. Last I looked 21-6 Cards.


EDIT:

Another FG...24-6

[SuperstarII]

I'm not going to write you a big drawn out article or anything, so don't worry.

Arizona was a league bottom-feeder, even worse than the Texans. The fact that they have leap-frogged us and are now 3 1/2 quarters from the Super Bowl is really disheartening to me. They have made the kind of turnaround in the past 2 seasons that any sub .500 team would kill for, and here the Texans are just trucking along, while staying a .500 football team.

I realize Arizona got blown away by the AFC's New England Patriots at the end of the season, but since that game and since Edge started whining about not getting the ball enough they've become a completely different football team now that they're giving it to him. I'm not buying the AFC/NFC difference level in competition either. There are certain fundamental things Arizona has done that has allowed them to be successful. Having said that, my question to you guys is...

What do you guys think Arizona has done that Houston perhaps hasn't done in the past few seasons to allow them to be so successful in such a short period of time?


It makes me angry that they can turn their season around. They are so close to going to the super bowl. When is it our turn? I am tired of the excuses.

[Whiskeyrbl]

It makes me angry that they can turn their season around. They are so close to going to the super bowl. When is it our turn? I am tired of the excuses.
They have waited 61 years to get back to this game. Chill out. They also play in the NFC west. Considerably weaker than our division.

[johndoe]

holy cow!!! the eagles take the lead with 10:45 to go in the 4th

[zanth91]

holy cow!!! the eagles take the lead with 10:45 to go in the 4th

Surprised?

[johndoe]

Surprised?

yea i am. i thought it was over at halftime. i shouldn't be surprized...i was at the texans/colts game this year lol

[blake1776]

When did we get a hall of fame QB tossing the ball to two of the best WR's in the game with a hall of fame RB backing them up?

They play in a cake division, but are still **** good.

If you watched there games you saw all the young guys quit when they realized they weren't getting a bye in the first round.

[IndyTEXAN]

"What do you guys think Arizona has done that Houston perhaps hasn't done in the past few seasons to allow them to be so successful in such a short period of time?"

they play in the NFC

[BornOrange]

I am encouraged that next year we are going to beat the snot out of a team that will play in the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks.

The Cardinals have had a good run, but they are lucky to be in a terrible division in a weak conference.

The winner of the Steelers/Ravens game will blow out the Cardinals.

[blake1776]

Yeah, just like the Running game of the Falcons was gonna run them over, and then there is no way that the Carolina running attack in Carolina could be shut down, and then the Eagles D was gonna tear them up.

Why is everyone still doubting them. I don't understand it.

[Boooyd]

im rootin for em. i am tired
of seing the same powerhouses
in the playoffs every year. and
just like o boy said, it gives me
hope that if we can just GET into
the playoffs, anything can happen.
arizona 9-7. we were 8-8 ridin a
big wave of momentum.

Writing a poem there, boss?

[TexSid]

61 years is a long wait. We are whining at 7. It just goes to show you- get hot at the end of the season and get into the post season. We are close to making that hop. Good luck to the Cards they have suffered long enough....

[CoogBull]

It makes me angry that they can turn their season around. They are so close to going to the super bowl. When is it our turn? I am tired of the excuses.

I agree with some of this, but I find the Cardinals success uplifting. We can do what they did. All it will take is some good coaching and a little luck. We have a much better offense than they do. We just need a little fire.

[Sportswriter79]

I agree with some of this, but I find the Cardinals success uplifting. We can do what they did. All it will take is some good coaching and a little luck. We have a much better offense than they do. We just need a little fire.

A much better offense? I don't think that we have near the offensive weapons that they do; especially the RBs.

Warner/James/ Hightower/Bouldin/Fitzgerald are a bit more explosive than Schaub/Slaton/Moats/Walters/Johnson.

But, we will play them next year so we will get to see on the field.

[SuperstarII]

They have waited 61 years to get back to this game. Chill out. They also play in the NFC west. Considerably weaker than our division.


So it is going to take us 61 years to get that good? I think I might go into hibernation if it takes that long.

[A-B]

So it is going to take us 61 years to get that good? I think I might go into hibernation if it takes that long.

I dont think that is what he meant. People are saying that the Cards are having "instant success" and that isnt the case. They have been in Arizona for 20 years and in the league for 61. Their success isnt instant and we have nothing in common with them b.c it wont take us that long to get to the playoffs.


I am happy that they are going though.:)

[SuperstarII]

I dont think that is what he meant. People are saying that the Cards are having "instant success" and that isnt the case. They have been in Arizona for 20 years and in the league for 61. Their success isnt instant and we have nothing in common with them b.c it wont take us that long to get to the playoffs.


I am happy that they are going though.:)

So am I and I hate the Steelers. I will be rooting for the Cardinals.

[zanth91]

So am I and I hate the Steelers. I will be rooting for the Cardinals.

Same.

There sure is something hot burning in the Big Toaster...

[nativetexan]

Two years ago, Arizona had a very good offense, but no defense. They went heavy defense in the first 4 rounds of the last two drafts (5 of 7 picks), and now their defense is getting them over the playoff hump. The Texans are close. A good defensive draft this year, and better play from the existing personel due to better schemes, and the Texans will break through. Also, don't forget that the Texans were the 2nd youngest team in the NFL in 2008.

Smith and Kubiak are building this team for long term success. Next year we will take a big step forward.

[pure_respect]

Personally, I'm having Back to the Future II flashbacks...

"I wish I could go back to the beginning of the season and bet some money on the Cards."

Congratulations to them and the Steelers.

[HoustonFan]

Soon. The Texans will get there soon.

[CoogBull]

Soon. The Texans will get there soon.

I hope so. I just doubt we will do it with the current head coach.

[Texans86]

I hope so. I just doubt we will do it with the current head coach.

Vendetta?

[TexaStaTexan]

It makes me angry that they can turn their season around. They are so close to going to the super bowl. When is it our turn? I am tired of the excuses.

the way i look at it is that as an organization, we had awful decision makers for a long time, you know who im talking about, they took the team in the complete wrong direction. i know that is not an excuse to still be losing/not making the playoffs, but the truth is it takes time to build a great team especially if you are starting with a pretty bad team. they are headed in the right direction but we have had big holes in key spots and you cant win in the AFC south like that. be patient, our time will come.

[CoogBull]

A much better offense? I don't think that we have near the offensive weapons that they do; especially the RBs.

Warner/James/ Hightower/Bouldin/Fitzgerald are a bit more explosive than Schaub/Slaton/Moats/Walters/Johnson.

But, we will play them next year so we will get to see on the field.

I don't know. I would rather have our offense than theirs. I like our WR combo. I just think that Warner is the key. You can't beat the experiance of that guy. Of course I feel like a total jerk because someone told me that he was a fantasy sleeper this season and I laughed them off.

Still they do not have AJ, or as we will one day know him: the greatest WR in NFL history.

[TEXANBRONCO]

actually i hope they win the super bowl:D they are the UNDERDAWG and it seems i,ve rooted for the same my whole life...lmao.... they have a gr8 OFFENSE and have shown it again and again..the steelers are tough....WE KNOW THAT....but i am still takin david to whoop GOLAITH:D

[bugman7star]

I'm not upset because Arizona shows once again that there are no sure things in this league. Anything can happen if you play when it counts. Granted they had a little help playing in a weak division. We play in a tough division and that in itself makes us a tough team. I feel that we have the offensive weapons, we just need to convert in the red zone a little more. Our biggest issue is defense, and the past few weeks have shown how important that is. If our defense gets a little quicker and more aggressive, we could easily see ourselves competing in the postseason.

[claymangarza]

A much better offense? I don't think that we have near the offensive weapons that they do; especially the RBs.

Warner/James/ Hightower/Bouldin/Fitzgerald are a bit more explosive than Schaub/Slaton/Moats/Walters/Johnson.

But, we will play them next year so we will get to see on the field.
I'm not sure about that..their backs are bigger but don't have the break away speed that Slaton does. I'd take Slaton any day. We just need to add a compliment at the RB position. I like our receivers and tight ends alot better..I'll take Andre, Walter,Andre Davis and Owen Daniel over what they got.

[Heresy]

I'm happy for the cardinals. I'm pulling for them to beat the steelers, mostly because I think pittsburgh's last superbowl against the seahawks was tainted by a number of horrible calls against the hawks.

Casserly drafted a lot of mediocre players, even trading draft picks for some of them, and the Texans had four lost seasons because of that, at the start of the franchise. The Texans have become consistent, now it's time for them to take another step and NOT LOSE 66% OF THEIR GAMES IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON! Pardon the caps, but I felt I had a point to make.

[A-B]

I'm happy for the cardinals. I'm pulling for them to beat the steelers, mostly because I think pittsburgh's last superbowl against the seahawks was tainted by a number of horrible calls against the hawks.

Casserly drafted a lot of mediocre players, even trading draft picks for some of them, and the Texans had four lost seasons because of that, at the start of the franchise. The Texans have become consistent, now it's time for them to take another step and NOT LOSE 66% OF THEIR GAMES IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON! Pardon the caps, but I felt I had a point to make.

I agree.

The caps are fine. Atleast you didnt go start another thread to make your point like some on here do.:rolleyes:

[Se7en]

I do not see how people can look at a 9-7 team and say that they are better than us. I am sure we could beat the cardinals if we played them and we will have the chance to do that nexts eason. As many people have stated, they play in an easy division which allowed them to slide into the backdoor of the playoffs.

The Texans just need to get into the playoffs and this division does not make that an easy task.

[spurstexanstros]

I do not see how people can look at a 9-7 team and say that they are better than us. I am sure we could beat the cardinals if we played them and we will have the chance to do that nexts eason. As many people have stated, they play in an easy division which allowed them to slide into the backdoor of the playoffs.

The Texans just need to get into the playoffs and this division does not make that an easy task.

Logic here.....really I think you need to drink more Koolaid because your are making sense.


I do not begrudge the organization because they have had 3 decades of futility. What pisses me of is their fans. biggest bunch of front runners. It was widely know that Arizona was the 9th home game for the Cowboys...in fact this season there were more boys fans in the stands during that game.

It makes me sick to see the stands full of cardinal red when it is usually blue. Hmmm they must have found their old jersies....you know from the 1-15 seasons and have alawys been cardinals fans. Where have I heard that before? I bet they just put aside Cowboys gear in favor of the better team and will be out next year. Hmmmm yup sounds like Cowboy fan.

[Texan Naija]

The Cardinals success doesn't do anything for me, except say dang Fitzgerald is looking good.

Outside of their passing game, their offense isn't that much better then ours and their defense has only come alive in the last couple of games. Their running game has only gotten up because defenses are now so concern with the WRs, even regular season duds like Hightower are able to get some decent plays in.

Any Texans fan should know that outside of some defensive gaps, which hopefully will be addressed this off season, we are as good if not better team then Arizonia. I'm sure people are upset that we haven't done much in the post season since the franchise's conception but over the last three seasons we've made a ton of progress going from basement dweller to a middle ground team on the verge of breaking that playoff seal.

[Yosarian]

It's not disheartening at all. They are playing their hearts out and now all they have to do is not embarass themselves in one game.

They have had excellent game plans in the playoffs. The first playoff game everyone expected them to throw the ball. But what did they do...they ran the ball and kept running it. They win because the game plan was opposite what their opponent planned for.

Then the next game they use the run even when it did nothing all game long. Yes they utilized the pass more. How about that flea flicker and the lateral to Warner for the bomb...these coaches in Arizona might have dropped the ball during the end of regular season play but they stepped it up bigtime in the playoffs and the players came out and performed.

I find it esxciting to see a team that is one dimension, come into the playoffs, redefine themselves and surprise their opponents. Not too many teams can do that. Shows why you need veterans on a team. Young players couldn't have pulled off those game plans.

Plus i can't stand the steelers. The way i hate the titans now is the way i used to hate the steelers. I hope they have one more good game plan in place for the big show.

[ubecool454]

It took them 61 years and we have had the Texans since 2002. I would say more power to the Cards and no, its not disheartening.

[Sportswriter79]

Congratulations to the Cardinals and especially to Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. It's great to see a new team in the Super Bowl.

I hope they win it. I would like to see Fitz get a well-deserved ring.