DSFL 6 Week 7 Recap
The 2010’s Cardinals have turned into the cinderella story of the season.
The 2010’s Cardinals had no business joining the NFC West conversation by this point of the season. The dynasty that won just ONE playoff game (2012-2017) is now 3-4 overall and one game back in the NFC West.
Carson Palmer was one of four quarterbacks who delivered game-winning drives in 4th quarter of their week 7 game (joining Houston’s George Blanda, Oakland’s Ken Stabler, and the Rams’ Kurt Warner).
Here’s a recap at two of the best games from week 7 action:
2010’s Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (#11) reels in a long touchdown pass in the final minutes against Seattle.
10’s Cardinals 23, 10’s Seahawks 20
Glendale, AZ - The Seahawks were the best defense in the NFL in both 2013 and 2014. Pete Carroll created that defense (nicknamed the “Legion of Boom”) courtesy of late-round gems Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor along with so many talented players who were mostly in their prime. In the DSFL 6, Seattle ranks 4th in total defense and 5th in scoring defense.
That defense was a shell of themselves in the week 7 visit to Glendale. Carson Palmer carved them up for 272 yards on 80% completions. Larry Fitzgerald overwhelmed Richard Sherman in the week 7 game, to the tune of 6 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. That score effectively iced the game with one minute and 43 seconds remaining.
Arizona was spectacular. But Seattle deserves part of the blame too. The Seahawks don’t look quite like the team that cruised to a 4-0 start to the DSFL 6 regular season, outscoring its opponents by 64 points. In week 5, the 2010’s Seahawks were blanked for the first time since the DSFL 2. Then, after a bye week, Seattle loses again against Arizona. Without their starting quarterback, Seattle is looking for answers. Arizona and Seattle will meet again in week 11.
Rob Gronkowski’s (#87) multi-touchdown effort against the 1980’s 49ers guide the 2010’s Patriots to a week 7 home win.
10’s Patriots 27, 80’s 49ers 20
Foxboro, MA - In Super Bowl 55, Rob Gronkowski was a leading force in the Buccaneer win over Kansas City. He caught two touchdown passes from Tom Brady in that game, setting the all-time record for the most career touchdowns scored by a QB-WR/TE combo with 14. That combination was on full display on DSFL 6 radio when the 1980’s 49ers came to town to battle the surging Patriots.
Tom Brady came out on fire against the San Francisco defense. It took San Francisco nearly the entire first half to force him into an incomplete pass. He finished the day with 25-of-30 completions (83%), 263 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Tom Brady was at his absolute best against the high-powered 49ers.
But vintage Joe Montana wouldn’t go away, passing for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. His furious 4th quarter rally pulled the 49ers within 7 points with 1:42 to go. But San Francisco elected to kickoff to the Patriots after a Mike Cofer field goal. That would prove to be a mistake as James White converts a 3rd down to finish off San Francisco. The 1980’s 49ers have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. Meanwhile, New England leaps into first place with their home win in week 7.
Other Week 7 Notables:
The 1940’s Cleveland Browns needed every big play they could get out of Mac Speedie (#58) in the week 7 win against Cincinnati. His 3 touchdown grabs ties a single-game record with 6 other players in DSFL history.
One of those 6 players is St. Louis WR Isaac Bruce who also caught three scoring tosses in week 7.