On the offense the biggest changes I hope to see involve OC Petzing. He had a mediocre season last year IMO, but I assumed he is still growing into the role. My biggest area of concern is the passing game. While Harrison took quite a bit of criticism, I thought they used extremely simple passing routes, too often depending on the WRs to win jump balls. Murray has not shown to be skilled at ball placement or throwing receivers open. I think expecting major improvement after this many years is not realistic. Stacking receivers, tight crossing routes and double moves would all offer more open receivers. A better passing game plan should help the significantly. Murray has improved slightly at using progressions. He needs to feel continuous pressure to keep at using this technique.
The new offensive line coach hasn’t been given major extra help this past off season. Now he’s tasked with getting the Oline to buy enough time for Murray to use progressions and perhaps even throw deep occasionally. However, keep in mind I’ve already written that I believe the Cards’ passing offense will focus on shorter throws and possession maintenance. Rollouts and pre-snap movement need to be used more often. Murray can throw adequately on the run. He’s also gotten better at pulling up and throwing when exiting the pocket. I’m curious to see what they do with Deguara. The Cards haven’t recently used an H-back, but Deguara would offer an interesting option as a third down receiver or pass blocker if placed there. He’s limited but useful.
It’s the running game where I see a surprising amount of change possible. For one thing Murray wants to run more. Let him. While it does slightly increase the possibility of injury, so does passing. Injury is always a risk, but the threat of a run slows the pass rush. QBs often take their hardest hits being sacked. Of course Murray should be smart. Take as few hits as he can. He should surrender or go out of bounds when possible. Also needed is an adjustment to the use of the running backs. For some reason Benson is drawing some heat for his rookie season production even though his 4.6 YPC was the exactly same as Conner. Benson needs to be used more often. For one thing that will keep Conner fresher and healthier. Benson is also a viable receiving option and could be more valuable in that regard. The Cards have done a good job pulling blockers, but I’d like to see them become more effective at drive blocking. The more successful the running game, the more exhausted the opposition. That also would mean a better balanced the offense.
On defense I expect the new additions to result in several new blitzes and stunts. Rallis has riches he likely never imagined. I know there are those who are skeptical of several of the additions. Having spent years evaluating players I have to trust my own judgment. My judgment says these players were well selected. They offer a variety of skills including speed, agility and power. The trick will be to mesh those talents. I expect it will take a few games to sort it all out. However, I believe Rallis has a creative mind and that not too far into the schedule these abilities will jell into a powerful force. The Cards have had some great rushers in the past but never this many system components. Get ready to start thinking of unit names for the front 7. Please disregard the obvious Magnificent 7.
Don’t forget special teams. The Cards picked and signed some special teams player with outstanding resumés. If a couple of these guys grade out good enough to make the roster as backups, they will be adding guys with impressive athleticism and notable special teams performance. They already have 2 impressive kickers.
All in all the Cards put their most money into a unit that proved it could maximize return on investment. History says great defensive teams frequently make the playoffs. If the offense doesn’t throw away games, this team figures to take a significant step forward. Keep in mind it’s harder to make big jumps in the number of wins the more games were won last year. They’ll also be in a position to focus on offense next season and likely compete for the biggest prize.
The new offensive line coach hasn’t been given major extra help this past off season. Now he’s tasked with getting the Oline to buy enough time for Murray to use progressions and perhaps even throw deep occasionally. However, keep in mind I’ve already written that I believe the Cards’ passing offense will focus on shorter throws and possession maintenance. Rollouts and pre-snap movement need to be used more often. Murray can throw adequately on the run. He’s also gotten better at pulling up and throwing when exiting the pocket. I’m curious to see what they do with Deguara. The Cards haven’t recently used an H-back, but Deguara would offer an interesting option as a third down receiver or pass blocker if placed there. He’s limited but useful.
It’s the running game where I see a surprising amount of change possible. For one thing Murray wants to run more. Let him. While it does slightly increase the possibility of injury, so does passing. Injury is always a risk, but the threat of a run slows the pass rush. QBs often take their hardest hits being sacked. Of course Murray should be smart. Take as few hits as he can. He should surrender or go out of bounds when possible. Also needed is an adjustment to the use of the running backs. For some reason Benson is drawing some heat for his rookie season production even though his 4.6 YPC was the exactly same as Conner. Benson needs to be used more often. For one thing that will keep Conner fresher and healthier. Benson is also a viable receiving option and could be more valuable in that regard. The Cards have done a good job pulling blockers, but I’d like to see them become more effective at drive blocking. The more successful the running game, the more exhausted the opposition. That also would mean a better balanced the offense.
On defense I expect the new additions to result in several new blitzes and stunts. Rallis has riches he likely never imagined. I know there are those who are skeptical of several of the additions. Having spent years evaluating players I have to trust my own judgment. My judgment says these players were well selected. They offer a variety of skills including speed, agility and power. The trick will be to mesh those talents. I expect it will take a few games to sort it all out. However, I believe Rallis has a creative mind and that not too far into the schedule these abilities will jell into a powerful force. The Cards have had some great rushers in the past but never this many system components. Get ready to start thinking of unit names for the front 7. Please disregard the obvious Magnificent 7.
Don’t forget special teams. The Cards picked and signed some special teams player with outstanding resumés. If a couple of these guys grade out good enough to make the roster as backups, they will be adding guys with impressive athleticism and notable special teams performance. They already have 2 impressive kickers.
All in all the Cards put their most money into a unit that proved it could maximize return on investment. History says great defensive teams frequently make the playoffs. If the offense doesn’t throw away games, this team figures to take a significant step forward. Keep in mind it’s harder to make big jumps in the number of wins the more games were won last year. They’ll also be in a position to focus on offense next season and likely compete for the biggest prize.
