Let's not overlook a key element in our success

CardShark · November 2nd, 2008, 08:19 PM

For so many years of tears, we have watched high pick after high pick, heralded collegiate playmakers and even celebrated athletes wear Cardinal Red. Almost all of them looking like busts, contract players or paramedics trying to prolong the life of their dying careers. We've witnessed these same players move on to enjoy stardom with other teams, never justify their huge F/A contract or deliver their own eulogy.

Do I even have to take you on the coaching carousel? No I don't feel like getting sick.

Now we are priveleged to be seeing quality football being played by the Arizona Cardinals. We are witnessing the the transformation from being the "armpit" of the NFL into the most likely to win the division, head into the playoffs and be a real contender. No longer are we the butt of the NFL, but what has been the key element in our newfound success?

The changing of the guard in control of the front office? No. I personally don't think that any of this would ever came about if Michael hadn't stepped in. In fact the Cards might have left Arizona if it wasn't for him, but he doesn't play the game.

Our coaching staff? No, but I do think that this has been the best decision ever made by the organization since they moved to Arizona. These coaches have instilled discipline, direction and confidence that has to be carried onto the field of play, but they must remain on the sideline.

Is it our playmakers? No. We are seeing great play out of these guys, some of it record setting or garnering words not associated with Cardinal football such as MVP or the best in the league. Yet as I elluded to in the beginning, we've had those types of players pass through here before only to leave without enjoying success.

So what is the key element that has been so sorely missing around this team? What is the difference made that allows all other areas to shine? What has elevated this team to one of the most potent offenses in the league? What allows the defense to rest? If you haven't figured out where I've been going with this, here it is;

Let's give props to the offensive line of our Arizona Cardinals. Under the tuteledge of Russ Grimm they allow Kurt Warner the time to get the ball out. They just showed that they can open holes up for a 5th round RB to carry for over 100 yards in a game while still maintaing a solid passing game. We may be getting wrapped up in the play of our playmakers, but they would most likely be looking for the fastest way out of town if the line wasn't making it happen.

This is not to say that they are now an elite unit. Warner continues to take hits and it's unlikely he'll survive a full season of being a tackling dummy, but the league gameplan is to rattle Warner into making mistakes, so maybe they have to deal with more pressure than most lines. They've not had a successful running game, which makes it even harder to provide protection for Warner. Hightower gaining 100 yards does not a season or running threat make, but it is a start. Hopefully it does announce that the Cards line can run block for a back that has the speed , moves and power and the Edge is now more suited to be a short yardage back.

Assface · November 2nd, 2008, 08:29 PM

Not too long ago 2 of the worst offensive lines in the league were the Chargers and the Giants. The invested in fixing those lines with draft picks, free agents and coaching and now have 2 of the top lines. The Giants won a Superbowl last year and are strong favorites to go to another this year. The Chargers have been one of the better offenses the last few years and LT has never had less than 1200 yards rushing. Dallas, on the other hand has stars all over the place but their over-hyped line has been a disappointment allowing Romo to get knocked out and Marion Barber is almost a full yard per carry below his previous 2 seasons average.

SuperSpck · November 2nd, 2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardShark

I personally don't think that any of this would ever came about if Michael hadn't stepped in. In fact the Cards might have left Arizona if it wasn't for him, but he doesn't play the game.

These coaches have instilled direction and confidence that has to be carried onto the field of play, but they must remain on the sideline.

Let's give props to the offensive line of our Arizona Cardinals.

This is not to say that they are now an elite unit. Warner continues to take hits and it's unlikely he'll survive a full season of being a tackling dummy, but the league gameplan is to rattle Warner into making mistakes, so maybe they have to deal with more pressure than most lines. They've not had a successful running game, which makes it even harder to provide protection for Warner. Hightower gaining 100 yards does not a season or running threat make, but it is a start. Hopefully it does announce that the Cards line can run block for a back that has the speed , moves and power and the Edge is now more suited to be a short yardage back.

Valid points, but the word I think of is "serviceable".

The unit still makes way too many mistakes to make every game a nail biter.

I think Levi may be a good replacement for Deuce, and Wells is still a tackle playing guard, but that's just me.

RugbyMuffin · November 3rd, 2008, 03:35 AM

Our offensive line is good, servicable, and solid.

It still lacks depth tho, and we are starting to see that it is clear we need an upgrade at guard, and maybe even center.

Lutui is starting to wear down my patience.