On Thursday, the Cardinals lost offensive coordinator Todd Haley to the Chiefs. Today, they're also without a defensive coordinator, but not because Clancy Pendergast got a new gig. Instead, the two sides have decided to part ways. Which, I imagine, is a lot like a mutual break-up in that it never actually happens that way.In any event, the move seemed inevitable after Arizona traveled to Foxboro and proceeded to lay down as the Patriots racked up 47 points back in Week 16. But the Cardinals then won four in a row, including three playoff games, and were 150 seconds away from the franchise's first championship thanks, in part, to a solid second-half defensive effort. (Up 'til that last Steelers drive, anyway.)
No idea what this means for Pendergast, although I'm sure he'll land somewhere, if not as a coordinator (and that seems unlikely since most of those jobs are filled) then certainly as a position coach. As for the Cards, head coach Ken Whisenhunt sounds like he wants to promote from within to find Haley's replacement, but hasn't yet commented on who might take over for Pendergast.
"There's no question in my mind [offensive line coach] Russ [Grimm] can do either (job)," Whisenhunt said, "but I think you also have to be careful about putting too much on his plate and diminishing the effectiveness of both jobs."Whisenhunt mentioned he might talk to outside candidates, but doesn't "necessarily want to go that direction because of all the progress we've made as an offense." Which is a fine point.
Whisenhunt also plans to speak with running backs coach Maurice Carthon, receivers coach Mike Miller and tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens about the position.
Conversely, going outside the organization for the next defensive coordinator makes a lot of sense because, well, there hasn't been a ton of progress made on that side of the ball.
Super Bowl XLIII
Ben Gets Stopped Short: Pittsburgh takes the opening kickoff and drives deep into Arizona territory. On a third-and-goal, Ben Roethlisberger appears to score a touchdown but, after a Cardinals challenge, the play is overturned. The Steelers wind up with a field goal and a 3-0 lead.
Mark J. Terrill, AP
Gary Russell Finds the End Zone: Russell bumps the Pittsburgh lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter, plunging in from one yard out.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
Cards Strike Back: Arizona quickly answers Russell's TD run, driving 83 yards in nine plays and capping that drive off with a Kurt Warner-to-Ben Patrick one-yard touchdown pass.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Harrison's Record-Breaking Interception: With Arizona setting up to take the lead before halftime. James Harrison swings the momentum back in Pittsburgh's favor. He intercepts a Kurt Warner pass and rumbles 100 yards for a touchdown on the longest play in Super Bowl history.
John Bazemore, AP
A Well-Deserved Rest: After outrunning the entire Arizona team, James Harrison sprawls out exhausted in the end zone, where he requires treatment from Pittsburgh's trainers before heading into the locker room with a 17-7 lead.
Al Bello, Getty Images
Padding the Lead: Steelers kicker Jeff Reed accounts for the only points of the third quarter with a short field goal that gave Pittsburgh a 20-7 lead.
John Bazemore, AP
Fitz's First Score: Larry Fitzgerald finds no room to maneuver for three quarters, but Arizona's superstar gets on track early in the third. His leaping touchdown grab pulls Arizona within six with less than eight minutes left.
Al Bello, Getty Images
Arizona's Defense Makes a Play: The collective collar of Steeler Nation tightens even further with 2:58 to play, as a holding call on Pittsburgh results in a safety, making the score 20-16 and giving the Cards the ball back.
Hans Deryk, Reuters
Larry Gets Loose Again: Arizona storms into a stunning lead late in the fourth quarter, with Larry Fitzgerald catching a pass over the middle and going 64 yards to pay dirt.
Al Bello, Getty Images
Santonio Saves the Day: Trailing for the first time all game, Pittsburgh drives the length of the field in the final moments. Ben Roethlisberger caps the heroic march with an incredible TD pass to Santonio Holmes, who keeps his feet inbounds, and locks up the MVP.
Brian Snyder, Reuters
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-07-2009 @ 2:10PM
catsedona said...
it is like losing the superbowl all over again! the excellent arizona boy gets beat up by the egomaniac ex steeler coach in his own back yard. whisenhut is nothing but an arrogant, ignorant bully! clancy added alot more expertise than wiz or grimm. he's been an nfl coach 5 years longer. the bidwell's are backstabbing idiots and the franchise will go completely downhill from here. bye bye glory days!
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2-09-2009 @ 10:06AM
devilstoo said...
I am not sure what you're looking at, catsedona.. While I enjoyed Pendergast's schemes, this defense has left a lot to be desired for the past 5 seasons. As for questioning Wisenhunt's dedication to this team and the great things he's achieved in only two years? Shame on you.
Goodbye and good riddance, Clancy!
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