Cards notebook - Offense takes step backward

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Cardinals changed offensive coordinators, but the team’s offensive production actually turned out worse Sunday as Arizona fell to Oakland, 22-9. And rookie quarterback Matt Leinart finally looked like a rookie.

“It’s frustrating,” Leinart said. “There’s nothing else you can say.”

Leinart’s 13-for-32 passing day accounted for just 203 yards and two interceptions. His passing rating was a dismal 36.3, and top receiver Anquan Boldin had no receptions in the first half as the Cards fell behind, 17-3.

Asked if anything had changed under new coordinator Mike Kruczek, Boldin was brief: “We had the same offense.”

Boldin ended up with just four catches for 59 yards.

“We were trying to run the football but that didn’t happen,” said Leinart, after the Cards gained just 50 yards rushing. “When an offense is sputtering, it’s tough to get (Boldin) the ball. But we have to get him more involved.”

Kruczek was unavailable for comment.

Leinart said the team had been pleased with Kruczek’s game plan and that the offense had a good week of practice. But other than a starting play with a four-wideout look, the Cards weren’t overly dynamic with their formations. And after all the talk about the Cards being conservative last week, everyone went back to the lack of a run game.

“You’ve got to be able to run the ball,” coach Dennis Green said. “You can’t throw the ball every down.”

WILSON, DANSBY DINGED

Safety Adrian Wilson, who had his third interception of the season, pulled a groin muscle and linebacker Karlos Dansby hurt his hip. Both said they’d be OK, but both left the game and never returned.

MOSS MAKES IT HAPPEN

Raiders receiver Randy Moss had his best game of the year with seven catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. His numbers would have been even better if he hadn’t dropped three passes.

“He’s Moss,” said Cardinals safety Robert Griffith, a one-time Minnesota teammate of Moss. “When he wants to play, he’s one of the best in the league.”

BERRY’S BEST

Defensive end Bertrand Berry had a slow start this season, but he notched his first sack a week ago and then added three more against Oakland and forced two fumbles.

Not surprisingly, he wasn’t in the mood to celebrate afterward.

“We are just trying to improve,” Berry said. “You win as a team and lose as a team so obviously we didn’t take the step we thought we did.

“You couldn’t have told me we’d be on a six-game losing streak at this point. This is extremely disappointing.”

EXTRA POINTS

Neil Rackers kicked three field goals Sunday, but his first try, from 49 yards, went wide left. His longest make was from 45 yards. . . .

The Cardinals’ memory lane road trips continued Sunday when the Raiders honored former coach John Madden by awarding him his Hall of Fame ring. It was the third time in three road trips the Cards have been around for such a ceremony, following players Cortez Kennedy in Seattle and Jeff Van Note in Atlanta.