“There were nine mistakes made ahead of me, and I’ll make sure over the next decade or so that they’ll know they made the mistakes.” – Josh Rosen
It was a statement made moments after Josh Rosen was selected 10th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and a statement that caused headlines for weeks. Josh would later take a step back and say that he was only referring to the quarterbacks selected before him – so, three mistakes. Well, all three of those “mistakes” are already starting, and Rosen will finally get his shot this Sunday in a week four matchup against the division rival Seattle Seahawks.
If the rookie can knock off one of the most hated teams in Arizona and secure the Cardinals first win of the season, it will at least give fans hope for the future. The minuscule postseason aspirations that existed before the season started have all but vanished – even for the naïve – but maybe Rosen can show enough to convince Larry Fitzgerald to return in 2019. Rookie wide receiver, Christian Kirk, has shown flashes, but if you thought the Cardinals were depleted at receiver this year, what happens when Larry leaves?
The 1-2 Seahawks are coming to town fresh off their first victory in a 24-13 home win against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas had more total yards but Seattle was able to come out ahead by winning the turnover battle 3-0, and converting on third downs. The Seahawks were able to convert on 7-16 third downs while the Cowboys could only convert 3-13.
If Arizona and Josh Rosen want to secure their own first victory, one major thing needs to change. That change is play calling. The Cardinals made the right choice by handing Rosen the keys to the offense, but if they’re the same old keys used to start Mike McCoy’s struggle bus of an offense, nothing will change. Rosen needs a game plan based around his identity, not the identity the coaching staff tried to bring with them. Arizona traded up to draft a quarterback in the first round and the last thing fans want to see is Rosen hand the ball off to a backup running back when the game is on the line.
No disrespect to Chase Edmonds, but under no circumstance should a backup running back be in the backfield when the game is on the line, especially when you have a feature back like David Johnson. If Johnson missed a block you discuss it on film day. If Johnson was tired you call a timeout. If Johnson is injured, you throw. Why give DJ his payday if you really thought both backs were equal?
Last week Fitzgerald had two receptions. The problem isn’t necessarily how many catches he had, the problem is how many targets he had – also two. When Fitz is involved, the Cardinals are a better team and it helps ignite the home crowd. Just as they should with DJ, the coaching staff needs to do whatever they can to get number 11 involved.
Similar to Arizona, Seattle heads in to week four with a below par offensive line which has translated in to a below par ground attack. The Seahawks O-line line hasn’t been good enough to allow Russell Wilson to extend plays with his feet, leaving Wilson with only 21 yards rushing through the first three weeks. Seattle currently ranks 27th overall in rush yards. It looks like Wilson will get his favorite target back this week as wide receiver, Doug Baldwin, appears to be ready to return from injury. No telling how effective he will be, but it will certainly be a boost to a Seattle passing attack currently ranked 22nd.
Once again Arizona heads in to Sunday the underdogs as Seattle is favored by three points.
