Oh, Joy!

I watched the game at the new home of our company's owners. They built a home theater in the basement with a 100+ inch screen (front projection), and the view was unbelievable. Of course, I was watching with a normal assortment of Cardinals detractors who, like oh so many people, insist that Bill Bidwill is the reason for the team's troubles over the years. I believe that assessment to be too simplistic.

To blame him for the team's failures, one would necessarily need to credit him for their successes, such as the Air Coryell years in St. Louis, but for those in need of simple explanations, the reasoning is that when things go wrong, it's Bidwill's fault. When they go right, it's in spite of Bidwill. I suggested that if Bidwill was so wrong, how do you reconcile Oakland choosing a former Cardinal head coach for their own team only to see that head coach flounder in Oakland just as he did in Arizona? I also weighed in on the success of Daniel Snyder in Washington. He's no hoarder of money, but his teams have been rather pathetic as well (this appears to be a better year, but being 3-0 for Washington is more an issue of a freak comeback against Dallas, winning in overtime when Seattle should have put them away in regulation, and winning at home against a less than impressive Bears team).

In other words, Bidwill could have made different choices that could have improved his success, but week in and week out, he is never the one putting on the pads.

Indeed, when the 49ers got off to that 14-0 lead, I was dreading hearing the incessant reminders of how stupid I am to be a fan, but a funny thing happened on the way to the NFC West cellar. The team woke up. The defense reminded us of their potential. The offense showed off why they have Boldin and Fitzgerald. And McKown showed why he was worthy as the starter last year. Oh, what a joyful game to watch.

And now, the Panthers get to play a Monday nighter followed by a short week of practice and travel across country to face us. And I suspect that either Seattle or St. Louis will lose (since they're playing each other). Time to move into second place.

Go Cards!