Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
I am feeling especially candid this morning, so here goes:
QB: Ideally, Kurt Warner will return and lead the team to even greater heights. As I said in yesterday's post, I think his game is still evolving, as evidenced by the uncanny way in which he got the ball out of his hands this year with more decisiveness and quickness. His play in the red zone remains extraordinarily good.
I am not a Matt Leinart fan, nor have I ever been (as a pro---for it's hard to knock him as a college QB). I question his arm, his inconsistent mechanics which lead to high passes, and I seriously question his toughness and leadership. I do not think he's a fit in this system, and regardless of if or how well he plays this year, there is no way I could see the Cardinals paying him in the neighborhood of $14M in 2011. For all of these reasons, if it were up to me I would try to trade him, to at least get something back in return, rather than get nothing when they release him next year.
Leinart doesn't seem to have the one special aspect about his game that would get me excited. I thought coming out of USC it was his ability to read defenses and manage the team, but I have not seen these two things as particular strengths thus far at this level. In fact, I was dismayed at the several times this year he threw the ball up for grabs, and even more troubled by his lack of presence in the huddle and on the field. Yes, I was encouraged by his second half at Tennessee when he settled down his mechanics and started to throw more accurately, and I do concede that it's possible he will be able to this the more he plays, but I feel doubtful that he will bring enough leadership and skill to the position to be consistent winner.
Brian St. Pierre's back troubles are a major concern. At this point I could only see the team re-signing him as the #3 in order to groom the new QB or QBs, whomever he or they may be...but that's only if he is physically capable of running the scout team. If his back problems are not fixable, I could very well see Whiz hiring him as an offensive assistant, for St. Pierre has a great knowledge of the system and he's a valuable resource in the sideline huddles.
The player I like the best is Tarvaris Jackson of Minnesota. He's got the arm strength and when he beat us last year I thought he showed excellent touches on the fade routes. He's a good athlete. Jackson would have been an unrestricted free agent, but it looks like because of this year's circumstances he will be restricted. He was drafted in the 2nd round, so at the very least the Cardinal would have to give up a 2nd rounder to get him. I would do that. There is no QB in this draft, IMO, whom the Cardinals could get even in the late first round---let alone the 2nd round---as good as Jackson.
I would also like to see the Cardinals take a good look at Chad Pennington, who lacks the big time arm, but is tremendously accurate. I think he would be a valuable asset as a backup and potential starter if needed in that role. He's 34...which seems very young these days!
RB: The trio of Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling is young, diverse and dynamic. The way Whiz used them this year was commendable...he catered their roles to suit their talents, and all of them responded. The main issue this off-season will be getting them even stronger and more focused on ball security.
While I like Jason Wright as a special teams' player, I don't think this year the team will need to keep 4 running backs. However, he is good insurance for depth at the position. I really liked what I saw in Chris Vincent this past pre-season and it would not surprise me if they invited him back to camp.
FB: I am more in favor of the team using a TE as the situational FB. I loved what Ben Patrick was doing as a lead blocker late in the season and I think that Stephen Spach could fit into that role well this year. Plus, Patrick and Spach should be able to catch the ball off play action better than Dan Kreider was able to. I would also be curious to see if Tim Hightower could play some two back sets with Beanie Wells and thus serve as an occasional FB...I absolutely loved the way he emerged as the blocking back in pass protection this year, and talk about a receiving threat, as a spot FB he could be thoroughly dynamic.
TE: I think we are just starting to see the makings of potential star in Ben Patrick, should he stay healthy and in good shape. He's embraced the physical aspects of the position and, as we saw versus the Packers, is a good receiving threat up the seams and in the flats. Anthony Becht played his role well and should be re-signed. Stephen Spach is a feisty competitor who should be much stronger and healthier next year. And I really liked the pass catching and RAC skills on Dominique Byrd. I am very happy to see him back and feel that he has a legitimate shot of playing this year, should he have a big camp.
WR: Because of the team's defensive needs, the team needs to trade Anquan Boldin, either for a player or a draft pick or both. As we all saw, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet stepped up admirably in Q's absence. Breaston and Doucet are very nice compliments and bring different skill sets to the unit. This year, I think we will see a faster, stronger and more determined Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz, by his own standards, was not entirely pleased with his play this past season and will be more focused than ever this off-season. As for WRs #4 and #5, it would appear that Jerheme Urban won't be re-signed and that as of right now PS holdovers Onrea Jones and Edward Gant will have legitimate chances to make the team. I think that because of age, health issues and roster considerations, it will be much harder for Sean Morey to stick.
For the #4 WR my hope is that the Cardinals are able to sign Jason Avant or Kevin Curtis of Philadelphia, who don't seem to figure in the Eagles' plans anymore due to the youth and depth they have at the position. Acquiring one of these guys would be huge in accounting for Q's loss.
At #5 WR, I am hoping the Cardinals draft a true burner who could also help in kickoff and punt returns.
One WR I love in this draft is Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard. I think this kid is special. If the Cardinals wind up with two picks in the 2nd or 3rd round, I would be ecstatic if they were able to come away with Gilyard, assuming other needs have been addressed and accounted for.
T: I think the Cardinals should rely on their recent drafts and go with the switch of Levi Brown to LT, where I believe his drop step in coverage will be much more natural, sudden and balanced, and starting Brandon Keith or Herman Johnson at RT. Keith is such a good athlete for his size, and can be a mauler in the running game. And if he shows the right amount of agility and flexibility in his fan blocking he could be a very good player on the edge. I was also pleasanty surprised by Herman Johnson's play at RT in the pre-season. After getting toasted in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl practices last year, I would never have guessed he could look that comfortable, confident and natural at RT. It goes to show you what good coaching and preparation can do. Now we need to learn how he can hold up versus starting DEs.
I think it's imperative that the Cardinals re-sign Jeremy Bridges as he adds valuable depth at tackle and at guard. His late season starts at LT could motivate him to vie for a starting position at one of the tackles this year, which would make the competition and depth all the more attractive. I also would be in favor of the Cardinals re-signing Mike Gandy at a contract slightly above the veteran minimum...but, this time I'd like to see him challenge Reggie Wells for the LG spot, and act as a quality depth option at LT if need be.
I am also curious to see what the Cardinals have in the late season PS acquisition, Tom Pestock (6-6, 317, NW Missouri St.).
G: Apparently the Cardinals' coaches were a little disappointed with the inconsistency in Reggie Wells' play this year. I thought he looked pretty solid week after week. He looks much more physcially suited for the position than he did a couple of years ago, when at times, he was getting blown off the ball. I especially like his technique in pass blocking, as he sets up with a strong well-balanced base and gets well under the pads of the DTs. His pulls of the G Power looked pretty strong...he did on occasion stop a little in the hole when the opponents crashed on it, but on most occasions he singled out his block well and did a nice job leading or sealing off the play.
At RG Deuce Lutui is emerging as perhaps the Cardinals best and most aggressive offensive lineman. His mistakes were down this year, which was great and he did a much better job of initiating and sustaining his blocks. His weakness in the past technique-wise was in his fan blocking in pass protection as his setup wasn't quick enough and he tended to do a lot of reaching and grabbing as a result. This year he was much more skilled at getting into his base and stopping the DT in his tracks. Notice how many times Kurt Warner was able to step up comfortably into the pocket this year. The front three of Wells, Sendlein and Lutui were consistently effective walling off the inside.
If the team re-signs Bridges and/or Gandy the depth at guard should be solid, especially seeing as both Keith and Johnson can contribute there if needed. In addtion, the team has a young prospect in Jonathan Palmer (6-4, 336, Auburn) to consider.
C: Lyle Sendelin got my vote for Most Improved Player on Offense. To begin with he was much healthier and stronger this year. The consistency of his play was one of the major reasons why the Cardinals had such a good, and more balanced attack. His command of the assignment calls up front was impressive and his shotgun snaps were mostly on the money. I am hoping that the team inks Deuce Lutui and Lyle Sendlein to 4 year contracts this year. They are two talented young linemen to build around.
Ben Claxton wasn't needed, but was solid in the pre-season. He's in a good situation as the team's backup center.
K: I still believe in Neil Rackers. I do think that Kevin Spencer should improve Rackers' FG kicking routine so as to settle him down and to get him focused strictly on his fundamentals. It's hard not to love his versatility as an on-side kicking phenom and sometimes maniac tackler in coverage. The one area that I wish Rackers would improve is getting the touchback kickoff when the team has just won Uncle Mo over to their side. The dribble/sqib kickoffs following momentum changing TDs by the offense have often been ineffective and a little demoralizing. But, I also feel confident that Rackers has the best chemistry he's has with any of his holders in Ben Graham, who has been a very steadying influence on him.
LS: Mike Leach was excellent this year. Great signing.
P: Ben Graham is da bomb. This guy is the best all-around punter the Cardinals have had in Arizona. What a great find! Extend him to a 5 year deal, asap.
KR: LSH gave it all he had this past year. His KR TD at Tennessee was one of the great highlights this season. Next year, as his role in the offense expands, he will need to split time as the KR. But, I like his vision and his ability to weave through in traffic when he is forced to change directions. Plus, he's only going to get stronger and faster working with John Lott.
PR: Stevie Breaston's heart and mind---for the most part---were not into this role once again this year...although he did deliver big-time in the Viking game. Seeing as he will probably be the #2 WR next year, it's time to find another player for this role, and use Breaston in spot duty, especially when all the team needs is a fair catch.
QB: Ideally, Kurt Warner will return and lead the team to even greater heights. As I said in yesterday's post, I think his game is still evolving, as evidenced by the uncanny way in which he got the ball out of his hands this year with more decisiveness and quickness. His play in the red zone remains extraordinarily good.
I am not a Matt Leinart fan, nor have I ever been (as a pro---for it's hard to knock him as a college QB). I question his arm, his inconsistent mechanics which lead to high passes, and I seriously question his toughness and leadership. I do not think he's a fit in this system, and regardless of if or how well he plays this year, there is no way I could see the Cardinals paying him in the neighborhood of $14M in 2011. For all of these reasons, if it were up to me I would try to trade him, to at least get something back in return, rather than get nothing when they release him next year.
Leinart doesn't seem to have the one special aspect about his game that would get me excited. I thought coming out of USC it was his ability to read defenses and manage the team, but I have not seen these two things as particular strengths thus far at this level. In fact, I was dismayed at the several times this year he threw the ball up for grabs, and even more troubled by his lack of presence in the huddle and on the field. Yes, I was encouraged by his second half at Tennessee when he settled down his mechanics and started to throw more accurately, and I do concede that it's possible he will be able to this the more he plays, but I feel doubtful that he will bring enough leadership and skill to the position to be consistent winner.
Brian St. Pierre's back troubles are a major concern. At this point I could only see the team re-signing him as the #3 in order to groom the new QB or QBs, whomever he or they may be...but that's only if he is physically capable of running the scout team. If his back problems are not fixable, I could very well see Whiz hiring him as an offensive assistant, for St. Pierre has a great knowledge of the system and he's a valuable resource in the sideline huddles.
The player I like the best is Tarvaris Jackson of Minnesota. He's got the arm strength and when he beat us last year I thought he showed excellent touches on the fade routes. He's a good athlete. Jackson would have been an unrestricted free agent, but it looks like because of this year's circumstances he will be restricted. He was drafted in the 2nd round, so at the very least the Cardinal would have to give up a 2nd rounder to get him. I would do that. There is no QB in this draft, IMO, whom the Cardinals could get even in the late first round---let alone the 2nd round---as good as Jackson.
I would also like to see the Cardinals take a good look at Chad Pennington, who lacks the big time arm, but is tremendously accurate. I think he would be a valuable asset as a backup and potential starter if needed in that role. He's 34...which seems very young these days!
RB: The trio of Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling is young, diverse and dynamic. The way Whiz used them this year was commendable...he catered their roles to suit their talents, and all of them responded. The main issue this off-season will be getting them even stronger and more focused on ball security.
While I like Jason Wright as a special teams' player, I don't think this year the team will need to keep 4 running backs. However, he is good insurance for depth at the position. I really liked what I saw in Chris Vincent this past pre-season and it would not surprise me if they invited him back to camp.
FB: I am more in favor of the team using a TE as the situational FB. I loved what Ben Patrick was doing as a lead blocker late in the season and I think that Stephen Spach could fit into that role well this year. Plus, Patrick and Spach should be able to catch the ball off play action better than Dan Kreider was able to. I would also be curious to see if Tim Hightower could play some two back sets with Beanie Wells and thus serve as an occasional FB...I absolutely loved the way he emerged as the blocking back in pass protection this year, and talk about a receiving threat, as a spot FB he could be thoroughly dynamic.
TE: I think we are just starting to see the makings of potential star in Ben Patrick, should he stay healthy and in good shape. He's embraced the physical aspects of the position and, as we saw versus the Packers, is a good receiving threat up the seams and in the flats. Anthony Becht played his role well and should be re-signed. Stephen Spach is a feisty competitor who should be much stronger and healthier next year. And I really liked the pass catching and RAC skills on Dominique Byrd. I am very happy to see him back and feel that he has a legitimate shot of playing this year, should he have a big camp.
WR: Because of the team's defensive needs, the team needs to trade Anquan Boldin, either for a player or a draft pick or both. As we all saw, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet stepped up admirably in Q's absence. Breaston and Doucet are very nice compliments and bring different skill sets to the unit. This year, I think we will see a faster, stronger and more determined Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz, by his own standards, was not entirely pleased with his play this past season and will be more focused than ever this off-season. As for WRs #4 and #5, it would appear that Jerheme Urban won't be re-signed and that as of right now PS holdovers Onrea Jones and Edward Gant will have legitimate chances to make the team. I think that because of age, health issues and roster considerations, it will be much harder for Sean Morey to stick.
For the #4 WR my hope is that the Cardinals are able to sign Jason Avant or Kevin Curtis of Philadelphia, who don't seem to figure in the Eagles' plans anymore due to the youth and depth they have at the position. Acquiring one of these guys would be huge in accounting for Q's loss.
At #5 WR, I am hoping the Cardinals draft a true burner who could also help in kickoff and punt returns.
One WR I love in this draft is Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard. I think this kid is special. If the Cardinals wind up with two picks in the 2nd or 3rd round, I would be ecstatic if they were able to come away with Gilyard, assuming other needs have been addressed and accounted for.
T: I think the Cardinals should rely on their recent drafts and go with the switch of Levi Brown to LT, where I believe his drop step in coverage will be much more natural, sudden and balanced, and starting Brandon Keith or Herman Johnson at RT. Keith is such a good athlete for his size, and can be a mauler in the running game. And if he shows the right amount of agility and flexibility in his fan blocking he could be a very good player on the edge. I was also pleasanty surprised by Herman Johnson's play at RT in the pre-season. After getting toasted in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl practices last year, I would never have guessed he could look that comfortable, confident and natural at RT. It goes to show you what good coaching and preparation can do. Now we need to learn how he can hold up versus starting DEs.
I think it's imperative that the Cardinals re-sign Jeremy Bridges as he adds valuable depth at tackle and at guard. His late season starts at LT could motivate him to vie for a starting position at one of the tackles this year, which would make the competition and depth all the more attractive. I also would be in favor of the Cardinals re-signing Mike Gandy at a contract slightly above the veteran minimum...but, this time I'd like to see him challenge Reggie Wells for the LG spot, and act as a quality depth option at LT if need be.
I am also curious to see what the Cardinals have in the late season PS acquisition, Tom Pestock (6-6, 317, NW Missouri St.).
G: Apparently the Cardinals' coaches were a little disappointed with the inconsistency in Reggie Wells' play this year. I thought he looked pretty solid week after week. He looks much more physcially suited for the position than he did a couple of years ago, when at times, he was getting blown off the ball. I especially like his technique in pass blocking, as he sets up with a strong well-balanced base and gets well under the pads of the DTs. His pulls of the G Power looked pretty strong...he did on occasion stop a little in the hole when the opponents crashed on it, but on most occasions he singled out his block well and did a nice job leading or sealing off the play.
At RG Deuce Lutui is emerging as perhaps the Cardinals best and most aggressive offensive lineman. His mistakes were down this year, which was great and he did a much better job of initiating and sustaining his blocks. His weakness in the past technique-wise was in his fan blocking in pass protection as his setup wasn't quick enough and he tended to do a lot of reaching and grabbing as a result. This year he was much more skilled at getting into his base and stopping the DT in his tracks. Notice how many times Kurt Warner was able to step up comfortably into the pocket this year. The front three of Wells, Sendlein and Lutui were consistently effective walling off the inside.
If the team re-signs Bridges and/or Gandy the depth at guard should be solid, especially seeing as both Keith and Johnson can contribute there if needed. In addtion, the team has a young prospect in Jonathan Palmer (6-4, 336, Auburn) to consider.
C: Lyle Sendelin got my vote for Most Improved Player on Offense. To begin with he was much healthier and stronger this year. The consistency of his play was one of the major reasons why the Cardinals had such a good, and more balanced attack. His command of the assignment calls up front was impressive and his shotgun snaps were mostly on the money. I am hoping that the team inks Deuce Lutui and Lyle Sendlein to 4 year contracts this year. They are two talented young linemen to build around.
Ben Claxton wasn't needed, but was solid in the pre-season. He's in a good situation as the team's backup center.
K: I still believe in Neil Rackers. I do think that Kevin Spencer should improve Rackers' FG kicking routine so as to settle him down and to get him focused strictly on his fundamentals. It's hard not to love his versatility as an on-side kicking phenom and sometimes maniac tackler in coverage. The one area that I wish Rackers would improve is getting the touchback kickoff when the team has just won Uncle Mo over to their side. The dribble/sqib kickoffs following momentum changing TDs by the offense have often been ineffective and a little demoralizing. But, I also feel confident that Rackers has the best chemistry he's has with any of his holders in Ben Graham, who has been a very steadying influence on him.
LS: Mike Leach was excellent this year. Great signing.
P: Ben Graham is da bomb. This guy is the best all-around punter the Cardinals have had in Arizona. What a great find! Extend him to a 5 year deal, asap.
KR: LSH gave it all he had this past year. His KR TD at Tennessee was one of the great highlights this season. Next year, as his role in the offense expands, he will need to split time as the KR. But, I like his vision and his ability to weave through in traffic when he is forced to change directions. Plus, he's only going to get stronger and faster working with John Lott.
PR: Stevie Breaston's heart and mind---for the most part---were not into this role once again this year...although he did deliver big-time in the Viking game. Seeing as he will probably be the #2 WR next year, it's time to find another player for this role, and use Breaston in spot duty, especially when all the team needs is a fair catch.
in all this. He has maned to OT position for a whole season allready in the past. He may be the most viable choice heading into the season if Gandy is not re-signed. If that is the direction they want to go then someone like Iupati (G-Idaho) may be a direction the team may turn in the draft if his foot work is deemed very good to solidify the OL for the next few years.
