Players Who Were Solid/Players Who Struggled

[Mitch]

In Alphabetical order: Those Who Were Solid (Made Plays, e.g.)

RB Baylark-good run

DE Berry-almost got to Brees on TEX stunt on the TD pass

WR Breaston-best reception of the night

DE Campbell-active player

DE Dockett-made presence felt but did not pressure very well

DT Dykes-recovered fumble

WR Fitzgerald-pushed Terrell Smith for a near first down

T Gandy-solid performance (Levi played well too except giving up the sack)

LB Haggans-couple of nice tackles

LB Harrington-same

LB Hayes-best tackler

LB Highsmith-instinctive, around the ball

RB Hightower-great TD and runs...missed a block in protection

LS Hodel-good as always, made nice tackle in punt coverage

LB Holloway-made a couple of nice plays in the goal-line

DE Iwebema-best sack of the night

RB James-good run on sweep left

P Johnson-good distance on most punts--needs more hang time

S Keyes-this kid's a hitter, as advertised

QB Leinart-poised and accurate

G Lutui-solid performance

LB Okeafor-good pressure

TE Patrick-nice catch up the seam

K Rackers-good touchbacks and kicks

WR Rector-nice catch on first series

CB Rodgers-Cromartie-good hit on the TE

S Rolle-good hit on a receiver

C Sendlein-steady

FB Smith-nice catch and run to set up 1st TD

WR Urban-good catches

RT Vallejo-set up was solid---needs to finish off his blocks

G Wells-steady

S Wilson-good red dog blitz to stone a running play early
_________________________________________________________

Those Who Struggled

CB Adams-weak tackle on long TD

RB Arrington-dropped screen--ran hard on one off tackle play, though

CB Bain-looked tentative

DT Branch-didn't do anything to stand out versus 2nd stringers

T Butler-needs to get his timing down-was getting beat on the edge

S Celestin-bad penalty, sloppy coverage

LB Dansby-looked slow, was ineffective

S Francisco-was right there on all the deep passes but needs to locate the ball in order to break the passes up

CB Hood-looked disinterested--did not hustle--yes, bad foot, but don't play

QB Morelli-was pressured pretty well

DE Smith-jumped off-sides, missed tackle on Bush

LB Stewart-had a chance to step up on goal-line and didn't

QB St. Pierre-started strong, finished weak

S Ware-a step slow on a couple of plays

___________________________________________________________

Please comment on anyone missing here. Thanks.

 

[Buckybird]

Every time I see Levi Brown on the field, I think of the RB we could have had. I still not sold on #75.

 

[Mitch]

Every time I see Levi Brown on the field, I think of the RB we could have had. I still not sold on #75.

I know, missing out on Adrian Peterson hurts. But, forget about the one sack tonight. Levi was solid otherwise, and is going to be VERY good.

And...Hightower looks like Edge with speed and a burst, doesn't he?

 

[RugbyMuffin]

In Alphabetical order: Those Who Were Solid (Made Plays, e.g.)

RB Baylark-good run

DE Berry-almost got to Brees on TEX stunt on the TD pass

WR Breaston-best reception of the night

DE Campbell-active player, Seems very quick of the ball as well, his helmet to helmet penalty was a farce. The guys is frickin 6'8"

DE Dockett-made presence felt but did not pressure very well

DT Dykes-recovered fumble

WR Fitzgerald-pushed Terrell Smith for a near first down. And his catch on the quick out was silky smooth.

T Gandy-solid performance (Levi played well too except giving up the sack)

LB Haggans-couple of nice tackles

LB Harrington-same, Almost got a pick too.

LB Hayes-best tackler

LB Highsmith-instinctive, around the ball

RB Hightower-great TD and runs...missed a block in protection

LS Hodel-good as always, made nice tackle in punt coverage

LB Holloway-made a couple of nice plays in the goal-line

DE Iwebema-best sack of the night, and was very active, around the ball alot

RB James-good run on sweep left

P Johnson-good distance on most punts--needs more hang time

S Keyes-this kid's a hitter, as advertised

QB Leinart-poised and accurate

G Lutui-solid performance

LB Okeafor-good pressure

TE Patrick-nice catch up the seam, but also missed an easy catch.

K Rackers-good touchbacks and kicks

WR Rector-nice catch on first series

CB Rodgers-Cromartie-good hit on the TE, another guy that was around the ball a lot. He showed some promise, and yes, a good hit for the guy with "toothpick legs"

S Rolle-good hit on a receiver, thought his play was the highlight of the night. He seems ready to play FS at first glance

C Sendlein-steady

FB Smith-nice catch and run to set up 1st TD

WR Urban-good catches

RT Vallejo-set up was solid---needs to finish off his blocks

G Wells-steady

S Wilson-good red dog blitz to stone a running play early, looks REALLY quick, like on another leve quick.
_________________________________________________________

Those Who Struggled

CB Adams-weak tackle on long TD

RB Arrington-dropped screen--ran hard on one off tackle play, though

CB Bain-looked tentative

DT Branch-didn't do anything to stand out versus 2nd stringers, UGH

T Butler-needs to get his timing down-was getting beat on the edge

S Celestin-bad penalty, sloppy coverage

LB Dansby-looked slow, was ineffective, agreed. He definately took the night off

S Francisco-was right there on all the deep passes but needs to locate the ball in order to break the passes up

CB Hood-looked disinterested--did not hustle--yes, bad foot, but don't play

QB Morelli-was pressured pretty well

DE Smith-jumped off-sides, missed tackle on Bush

LB Stewart-had a chance to step up on goal-line and didn't

QB St. Pierre-started strong, finished weak

S Ware-a step slow on a couple of plays

___________________________________________________________

Please comment on anyone missing here. Thanks.

Add to struggled:

Leonard Pope - False start AGAIN, IN THE RED ZONE!!!!!!! Jeez when is this kid gonna learn. Plus he got flat out embarrassed in pass protection


From a glance (meaning just throwing it out there based on a meaningless preseason game)

1. We still have a problem at TE. Ben Patrick is the future but he has much to learn

2. Our OLine depth is REALLY scary

3. Mitch, and I had a discussion about "turning it on, and off". Meaning you can just turn on playing football. We agreed on that, but disagree about whether the physical part of the game is that important.
Well, I am not so convince you have to have contact to learn what to do. But you have to be mentally dialed, and sharp. Karlos Dansby was NOT dialed in tonight. That worries me because he has a history of starting slow at the beginning of some seasons.

But it is just the first preseason game.

You seem pretty on point with your quick breakdown Mitch.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Every time I see Levi Brown on the field, I think of the RB we could have had. I still not sold on #75.

What do you think about when he plays well. Like the 3 times he blew his guy into next week on run blocks?

 

[Gee!]

Every time I see Levi Brown on the field, I think of the RB we could have had. I still not sold on #75.

I'll be glad when these comments go away away.. There is nothing we can do about it.. Whats done is done.. Its like your putting yourself thru optional torture and trying to drag us along for it.. Just stop..

 

[ShadowGBQ]

Brown's gonna be fine. You only notice an OT when they make a mistake, in preseason at least. He's probably not in top shape yet, none of the OL ever are at this point.

I am more worried about our CB's. Hood needs to have a great year for this defense to stop a lot of teams. I like the direction the secondary is going in but we are probably a year or two away.

I am not sure if the coaches have the right answer bringing DRC along so slowly, the current plan is to use him at nickel corner. I would rather let him start just have to a playmaker on the field. Green is a tenacious player but he can't cover a lot of guys. We do not have a legitimate #1 CB.

I wouldn't compare Hightower to Edge just yet. He looks terrific, but after 5 NFL carries I think it's premature.

 

[Mitch]

Add to struggled:

Leonard Pope - False start AGAIN, IN THE RED ZONE!!!!!!! Jeez when is this kid gonna learn. Plus he got flat out embarrassed in pass protection


From a glance (meaning just throwing it out there based on a meaningless preseason game)

1. We still have a problem at TE. Ben Patrick is the future but he has much to learn

2. Our OLine depth is REALLY scary

3. Mitch, and I had a discussion about "turning it on, and off". Meaning you can just turn on playing football. We agreed on that, but disagree about whether the physical part of the game is that important.
Well, I am not so convince you have to have contact to learn what to do. But you have to be mentally dialed, and sharp. Karlos Dansby was NOT dialed in tonight. That worries me because he has a history of starting slow at the beginning of some seasons.

But it is just the first preseason game.

You seem pretty on point with your quick breakdown Mitch.

Excellent points, Rugby...I knew I had forgotton Pope, although he is still getting in shape and once he does, he will be much better.

The penalties remain a huge concern...this year all facemasks are 15 yarders...yikes...and the **** out rule for DBs on the sidelines means you really can't throw anywhere close to the sideline. Jemalle Cornelius's catch would have been easily ruled a completion last year.

Interesting that the NFL had adopted the NCAA defer the kickoff rule.

And...you are so right about the o-line depth. Vallejo and Keith show promise, IMO, but reaaly can't be counted on to play yet. I wanted to see what Clifford could do...he's probably a PS player, as may be Satele.

The Cards really have to add some veteran o-line help...Butler struggled some tonight versus 2nd stringers...Elton Brown is pretty solid and is versatile as the 6th man. Pat Ross was decent, but can he start if needed? Possibly.

 

[Buckybird]

What do you think about when he plays well. Like the 3 times he blew his guy into next week on run blocks?

I'm not doubting his run blocking, I question his pass blocking. You can't blow assignments, get your QB killed and expect to win. If you are drafted in the top 5-6 players in the draft, you have to play at a differant level.

 

[PoolBoy]

i was very impressed with DRC's tackling.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I was at the game and there is no way you can draw any semblence of meaningful anything from this game... nothing... What stood out for me is:

- Matty still has issues... If we want our QB to toss 5-7 yarders all game, he's our man. Otherwise, he showed zilcho tonight to make me feel any different than I did last season about him...

- Campbell is frggin HUGE!!! And he's clearly quick! Kid just might prove to be a tremendous pick!

- Hightower looks like the real deal... Strong and "football" quick! Time will tell...

- JJ... still SUCKS!!! IMO, we got rid of the wrong RB... Shipp shold still be here and JJ should've been sent packing.

- DRC seems incredibly smooth and fast, but damm is he one skinny NFL player... He looks like he'll break into pieces if he takes on someone!

- St. Pierre caught my eye. I felt much better after seeing him play... Very athletic...

- Breaston looked very good to me...

- Pope is a dumb *****....

- Patrick should be starting from this point forward...

- Levi is a BEAST!

- Iwebema looks very fast and very strong for someone who also looks undersized.

- Johnson... Where's Player? Johnson SUCKS!

Overall - it seemed to me we will still have issues in our secondary, still have issues with Penalties, and still struggle on special teams...

 

[Shane]

I'm not doubting his run blocking, I question his pass blocking. You can't blow assignments, get your QB killed and expect to win. If you are drafted in the top 5-6 players in the draft, you have to play at a differant level.

Thats just it though. Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that that was his blocking assignment? I know I dont? I know its to hard to tell who was responsible for who via TV. One of the main reasons I think that Lutui gets blasted by coaches but the fans think hes great. He just may be blocking the guy in front of him well. But it just may be the wrong guy and cause some other screw up along the line.

Dont know if true but just saying.

 

[Gee!]

I was at the game and there is no way you can draw any semblence of meaningful anything from this game... nothing... What stood out for me is:

- Matty still has issues... If we want our QB to toss 5-7 yarders all game, he's our man. Otherwise, he showed zilcho tonight to make me feel any different than I did last season about him...

- Campbell is frggin HUGE!!! And he's clearly quick! Kid just might prove to be a tremendous pick!

- Hightower looks like the real deal... Strong and "football" quick! Time will tell...

- JJ... still SUCKS!!! IMO, we got rid of the wrong RB... Shipp shold still be here and JJ should've been sent packing.

- DRC seems incredibly smooth and fast, but damm is he one skinny NFL player... He looks like he'll break into pieces if he takes on someone!

- St. Pierre caught my eye. I felt much better after seeing him play... Very athletic...

- Breaston looked very good to me...

- Pope is a dumb *****....

- Patrick should be starting from this point forward...

- Levi is a BEAST!

- Iwebema looks very fast and very strong for someone who also looks undersized.

- Johnson... Where's Player? Johnson SUCKS!

Overall - it seemed to me we will still have issues in our secondary, still have issues with Penalties, and still struggle on special teams...

LMAO.. JUst found it funny you said nothing meaningful could be made of this game, then you went on to give meaning in your own way.. IE rip Matt..

BTW - You suck, Matt rocks!

 

[82CardsGrad]

LMAO.. JUst found it funny you said nothing meaningful could be made of this game, then you went on to give meaning in your own way.. IE rip Matt..

BTW - You suck, Matt rocks!

Ha!! I'm cracking up about that too!!! Buddy of mine bought me way too many Bud Lights...

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I'm not doubting his run blocking, I question his pass blocking. You can't blow assignments, get your QB killed and expect to win. If you are drafted in the top 5-6 players in the draft, you have to play at a differant level.

If it makes you feel any better I don't think he blew his assignment as much as he just got plain beat.

I will agree that did not look pretty.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Ha!! I'm cracking up about that too!!! Buddy of mine bought me way too many Bud Lights...

NICE! Glad to hear you you enjoyed the game to its highest potential.

 

[Buckybird]

Thats just it though. Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that that was his blocking assignment? I know I dont? I know its to hard to tell who was responsible for who via TV. One of the main reasons I think that Lutui gets blasted by coaches but the fans think hes great. He just may be blocking the guy in front of him well. But it just may be the wrong guy and cause some other screw up along the line.

Dont know if true but just saying.

you're right, only time will tell. The overall line play still has me concerned. I still think it is this teams weak link, specifically the the depth at tackle. Very concerning.

 

[Shane]

I was at the game and there is no way you can draw any semblence of meaningful anything from this game... nothing... What stood out for me is:

- Matty still has issues... If we want our QB to toss 5-7 yarders all game, he's our man. Otherwise, he showed zilcho tonight to make me feel any different than I did last season about him...

- Campbell is frggin HUGE!!! And he's clearly quick! Kid just might prove to be a tremendous pick!

- Hightower looks like the real deal... Strong and "football" quick! Time will tell...

- JJ... still SUCKS!!! IMO, we got rid of the wrong RB... Shipp shold still be here and JJ should've been sent packing.

- DRC seems incredibly smooth and fast, but damm is he one skinny NFL player... He looks like he'll break into pieces if he takes on someone!

- St. Pierre caught my eye. I felt much better after seeing him play... Very athletic...

- Breaston looked very good to me...

- Pope is a dumb *****....

- Patrick should be starting from this point forward...

- Levi is a BEAST!

- Iwebema looks very fast and very strong for someone who also looks undersized.

- Johnson... Where's Player? Johnson SUCKS!

Overall - it seemed to me we will still have issues in our secondary, still have issues with Penalties, and still struggle on special teams...

For someone who cant draw any conclusions you sure came to alot of conclusions.

 

[82CardsGrad]

NICE! Glad to hear you you enjoyed the game to its highest potential.

O yea... crappy day at work... Capped by sitting in traffic FOREVER to get to the damm game. And it's a BORING, Meaningless game... What's one to do??

 

[Shane]

O yea... crappy day at work... Capped by sitting in traffic FOREVER to get to the damm game. And it's a BORING, Meaningless game... What's one to do??

Get drunk.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Get drunk.

Uh huh...

 

[ajcardfan]

If the gameplan was to defuse high expectations, then it was executed brilliantly.

The traffic in Phoenix was so horrible, I missed all of the first string. I heard the penalties on the radio though and just wanted to . I sure hope Whis isn't calling practice early next week. Jeez, we have the next two and a half days off!


Actually, every single draft pick (except for Doucet obviously) and Highsmith caught my eye during the game and made me think, "Hey, we might have picked a winner!" That is pretty damn unusual. I usually write off half of our draft picks doing anything meaningful the first year by preseason game number 2. I have a lot of hope for these kids right now.

On the other hand, our veteran pickups and holdovers among the 2nd and 3rd string were pretty lousy overall.

 

[Shane]

If the gameplan was to defuse high expectations, then it was executed brilliantly.

The traffic in Phoenix was so horrible, I missed all of the first string. I heard the penalties on the radio though and just wanted to . I sure hope Whis isn't calling practice early next week. Jeez, we have the next two and a half days off!


Actually, every single draft pick (except for Doucet obviously) and Highsmith caught my eye during the game and made me think, "Hey, we might have picked a winner!" That is pretty damn unusual. I usually write off half of our draft picks doing anything meaningful the first year by preseason game number 2. I have a lot of hope for these kids right now.

On the other hand, our veteran pickups and holdovers among the 2nd and 3rd string were pretty lousy overall.

Your a season ticket veteran and are in your 3rd season of going to the new stadium. Traffic is no excuse for being late sir

Did you REALLY like that Hightower kid?

 

[Pariah]

I actually thought St. Pierre looked pretty poised most of the night. I was impressed.

The biggest thing the team needs to work on is A) penalties and B) tackling. Whoever had the last shot at Mecham during the TD catch/run probably ought to be cut tonight. That was an embarrassing attempt at a tackle.

 

[Mitch]

I was at the game and there is no way you can draw any semblence of meaningful anything from this game... nothing... What stood out for me is: contradiction??? LOL

- Matty still has issues... If we want our QB to toss 5-7 yarders all game, he's our man. Otherwise, he showed zilcho tonight to make me feel any different than I did last season about him...THIS IS A GREAT POINT!!!...especially since Warner's strength is vertical passing up the seams, on deep in routes and sidelines.

- Campbell is frggin HUGE!!! And he's clearly quick! Kid just might prove to be a tremendous pick! Agreed.

- Hightower looks like the real deal... Strong and "football" quick! Time will tell...standing next to Edge they looked like carbon copies...the dreads, the thick bicepts, etc. And Hightower has the burst that Edge lacks...although few RBs can match Edge's stamina and toughness.

- JJ... still SUCKS!!! IMO, we got rid of the wrong RB... Shipp shold still be here and JJ should've been sent packing. Don't give up on J.J. just yet.

- DRC seems incredibly smooth and fast, but damm is he one skinny NFL player... He looks like he'll break into pieces if he takes on someone! He has added upper body strength...and looks very determined.

- St. Pierre caught my eye. I felt much better after seeing him play... Very athletic...in the first half and I am very glad you pointed this out. Playing behind that 2nd o-line was a different story, although I wished he would have taken more shots down field. can't stand the three yard dump pass on third and seven.

- Breaston looked very good to me...next to DRC, he may be the fastest man on the team. Man did he look fast running up that sideline.

- Pope is a dumb *****....cheap shot here. Yes he jumped off-sides, but it didn't wind up costing the team...and he's trying to work his way back into playing shape after his rehab.

- Patrick should be starting from this point forward...I agree...did Tuman play much. Didn't notice much of him, did you?

- Levi is a BEAST! I agree. Providing he stays healthy, he will be our best o-linemen by the middle of the year, if he isn't already.

- Iwebema looks very fast and very strong for someone who also looks undersized. Quick and agile indeed.

- Johnson... Where's Player? Johnson SUCKS! Weren't you impressed with his distance? Rackers loves him as his holder, thank goodness.

Overall - it seemed to me we will still have issues in our secondary, still have issues with Penalties, and still struggle on special teams...

You've got it in a nutshell.
Real good post, save the Pope comment. I rate this PON (Post of the Night!)