CBS Sportsline Cardinals Report (02-16-04)

[Jim O]

Cardinals report: Strategy and personnel

The Cardinals saved $1 million against the salary cap by cutting QB Jeff Blake but they could have saved $500,000 more by waiting until after June 1. They said they are making early to give the veteran Blake more time to find another team. Blake won't officially be released until Feb. 24.

The Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week should begin to answer who the team will take with the third pick overall in the first round. Green is believed to be especially keen on Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald and Miami S Sean Taylor going into the combine.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dennis Green named five players he is certain will be starters. None was among the Cardinals' potential unrestricted or restricted free agents. Therefore, there is no rush to re-sign anybody before they are free to hit the open market.

QB Jeff Blake already has been given the boot with two years left on his contract. K Bill Gramatica, scheduled to become an RFA, likely is next. He is not expected to receiver a tender offer. CB Duane Starks is under contract but his first two seasons have been injury-prone. He has contributed little. DE Kyle Vanden Bosh, also under contract for 2004, has had ACL surgery two of the last three years, one on each knee. He's trying to make a comeback.

FEELING A DRAFT

The Cardinals hold the third pick overall in the draft and, after five wins in 2002 and four in 2003, you name it, they need it.

They've seemingly settled on Josh McCown at QB and say they won't use a first-day selection at that position.

They can't stop the run. Their pass rush has been worst in the league for three years.

They need help at cornerback.

Their offensive line, touted as the strength of the team, is showing signs of breaking down.

It might be time to find a new middle linebacker, although Green lists Ron McKinnon as one of only five sure starters at this point.

It will be a matter of prioritization but with a pick that high most coaches want a player who can turn a game quickly.

MEDICAL WATCH

C Pete Kendall (shoulder) is not expected to have surgery but he has suffered injuries late in each of his three seasons with the team and obviously is showing signs of wear.

--K Bill Gramatica (back) had surgery after another injury-shortened year and has been told by the team he won't be offered a new contract.

--WR Jason McAddley (hamstring) is one of the fastest players on the team but never had the chance to show his developing potential because of a nagging injury that should be better with an off season to heal.

--CB Duane Starks (knee) missed the entire season and the Cardinals have gotten very little from the supposed plum of their 2002 offseason after two injury-filled seasons at a position of critical need.

--DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee), attempting to come back in 2004 from his second ACL surgery in three years, isn't the most adept pass rusher but he's better than what the team had with its league-worst pass rush.

Cardinals report: Inside slant

Cardinals Coach Dennis Green confirmed what most Cardinals observers have known for some time, that the roster is not deep in talent, and among those who might have what it takes many have underachieved.

When discussing his plans for plugging holes, Green said he could name only five players at this point that he would describe as first teamers.

Notable absences from his list were guard Leonard Davis, tackle Anthony Clement, cornerback Duane Starks, safety Dexter Jackson, running back Marcel Shipp and kicker Bill Gramatica.

Gramatica is not expected to receive a tender offer as a restricted free agent, which would make him unrestricted.

Green, barely a month into his new job, said quarterback Josh McCown, Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin, center Pete Kendall and linebackers Ronald McKinnon and Raynoch Thompson are definite starters.

The latter three are shaky. Thompson was suspended for the final four games for an alcohol violation in the league's substance-abuse program. McKinnon, despite having the heart of a lion, is undersize and aging and nearly lost the job in training camp last year. Kendall moved from guard to center effectively last season but for the third straight year was unable to finish the season because of injuries.

"There are very few things that you know, but there are certain things that you think," Green said of his judgment.

"I'm sure there are some more, and if the other guys get upset about it, they can call me. If our guys are waiting for some guy outside this program to help us win, then we're making a big mistake. The only guys right now that can help us win are in this program right now."

Cardinals report: Notes, quotes, anecdotes

QB Jeff Blake, who has played for the New York Jets (1992-93), Cincinnati Bengals (1994-99), New Orleans Saints (2000-01), Baltimore Ravens (2002) and Cardinals (2003) is looking for his sixth team in 13 seasons after he was released from his three-year contract after only one season. Blake was 3-10 as the Cardinals starter before Josh McCown, named the starter for 2004 by new coach Dennis Green, started the closing three, winning only the finale that not only knocked Minnesota out of the playoffs but also knocked the Cardinals out of the first pick overall in the April draft.

CB Eric Joyce, who spent the 2002 training camp with the Cardinals and time on the active roster and practice squad with the Chicago Bears the past two seasons, signed a one-year contract.

FB J.P. Comella (Scottish Claymores), C Steven Grace (Rhein Fire), and WR Reggie Newhouse (Cologne Centurions) are among the 229 NFL players assigned to NFL Europe teams for its 2004 season. Training camps open February 27. The regular season begins April 3.

Daryl Lawrence was named assistant strength and conditioning coach. He was with the Minnesota Vikings the past four seasons.

QB Ricky Ray and DB Todd Howard, who have played in the Canadian Football League, were worked out this week. Neither has yet been offered a contract.

QUOTE TO NOTE

"You can't trust anybody, no matter what they say or think," he said. "I learned that a long time ago. They'll smile in your face and stab you in the back." -- Former Cardinals QB Jeff Blake, after being released following his first season of a three-year contract.

 

[AntSports Steve]

The Cardinals saved $1 million against the salary cap by cutting QB Jeff Blake but they could have saved $500,000 more by waiting until after June 1. They said they are making early to give the veteran Blake more time to find another team. Blake won't officially be released until Feb. 24.

The Cards did the same with Wadsworth and others. This report is correct, the Cards could have given themselves an extra $500,000 this year by just waiting until June 1st. If they wanted to give Blake a chance to catch on with another team, they could have easily announced to all the NFL that Blake would be cut June 1st and give him permission to workout for other teams.

To me, this is just another example of the Cards not changing their ways. They are not really trying to field a quality team, but instead just finding ways to fill the salary cap this year to look like they are spending and trying.

Now after saying this, I do not believe that the Cards will make the playoffs this year, so maybe putting that $500K towards this years cap (instead of the 2005 cap) when, hopefully, it could be put towards getting this team to the playoffs.

 

[kerouac9]

See the glass as half-empty if you like, but by releasing him now, they're also not "passing on" the cap charge into the 2005 season, which will give them room to sign future free agents and keep present players from reaching free agency.

The Cards already have a good amount of money under the 2004 cap. By releasing Blake at this time, the Cards only "lose" $1 mil., but save on salary, and have no QB controversy.

I think that this $500,000 is a tempest in a teacup. That $500K isn't going to keep us from signing anyone.

 

[Sandan]

There are also numerous other possible interpretations of the early release of Jeff Blake.

Some that come to mind quickly would be

1) Better to take the cap hit quickly as we can afford it this year
2) It makes Josh feel more confident
3) It sends a message to the other players that Josh is the QB and you had better listen to him
4) Jeff was unhappy about Josh being named starter as was being disruptive (note: I'm not say I believe this, it's just one possibility)
5) It provides a better smokescreen for drafting a QB
6) It provides a better smokescreen for not drafting a QB
7) Maybe the official reason was true (this one I'm not sure I believe)

Any, all or a combination of these could be true. How does this equate to Same Old Cardinals not trying to win ?

Give me a break, can you honestly believe Dennis Green is not trying to win, good grief. Next you will be saying it's not fault but that RG and Bidwill's are tying his hands.

Again, do you honestly beleive Green would have come here if he believed that, I sure don't.

 

[BACH]

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
To me, this is just another example of the Cards not changing their ways. They are not really trying to field a quality team, but instead just finding ways to fill the salary cap this year to look like they are spending and trying.

I don't get this.... It's a question of taking the cap hit one year or two years. If the cap room is there, why not take the entire hit?

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
The Cards did the same with Wadsworth and others. This report is correct, the Cards could have given themselves an extra $500,000 this year by just waiting until June 1st. If they wanted to give Blake a chance to catch on with another team, they could have easily announced to all the NFL that Blake would be cut June 1st and give him permission to workout for other teams.

To me, this is just another example of the Cards not changing their ways. They are not really trying to field a quality team, but instead just finding ways to fill the salary cap this year to look like they are spending and trying.

Now after saying this, I do not believe that the Cards will make the playoffs this year, so maybe putting that $500K towards this years cap (instead of the 2005 cap) when, hopefully, it could be put towards getting this team to the playoffs.

I too was a little miffed that the Cards released Blake so early, but after reading what Green says you have to take his word for it. I do not think he wanted Blake on the team. He wants to go with McCown and thats it.

I know they could have waited and still named Josh #1, but what could possibly lay at the heart of all this is the that Blake might have been seen as a disruption to the team.

I really am not sure but considering the circumstances I highly doubt Salary cap figured into this decision much at all!

 

[vikesfan]

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
The Cards did the same with Wadsworth and others. This report is correct, the Cards could have given themselves an extra $500,000 this year by just waiting until June 1st. If they wanted to give Blake a chance to catch on with another team, they could have easily announced to all the NFL that Blake would be cut June 1st and give him permission to workout for other teams.

To me, this is just another example of the Cards not changing their ways. They are not really trying to field a quality team, but instead just finding ways to fill the salary cap this year to look like they are spending and trying.

Now after saying this, I do not believe that the Cards will make the playoffs this year, so maybe putting that $500K towards this years cap (instead of the 2005 cap) when, hopefully, it could be put towards getting this team to the playoffs.

Yes good posts it is all those things for sure 500 000 will not make a bit of difference. This kind of move makes the team look good to potential players. If Blake is gone he needs to train. He wouldn't train with the Cards so... he would just sit that would hurt him catching on elsewhere. June 1 is too late to impress. Smart move by the team.

 

[AntSports Steve]

First, $500K is a reasonable sum of money. To me, every amount counts. In this case, since the Cards do have a lot of money under the cap, it's no big deal and maybe releasing Blake is the right thing to do.

But, you could still (if you wanted to), Tell the world that Blake is a June 1st cut. Give him permission to find a new team. Make him clean out his locker and not allow him at any Cardinal building. Basicly, cutting your ties with him now, and June 1st would be a formality. If you did something like that, cutting Blake would still send a message to the team, give him a chance to catch on somewhere else, provide a smokescreen.... All and you would push salary to the next year.


Now, if a team is in the hunt for the playoffs, you should always push salary to the next year and try to put the BEST team on the field now. By cutting Blake now, that says to me, the Cards are not really going to compete in DG's first year as the Cards are not going to spend as much money as possible on players this year.

Now, I hope that 2005, they use that extra $500K and push money into future years as the Cards make a playoff and superbowl push.

But right now, cutting Blake means all the things everyone else said, plus, the 1st year of Greens is a rebuilding, see what the Cards have year. It's not the year where you push the salary cap and try to win. Actually the Cards have never tried to push the salary cap with the intent of winning now. That would be nice to see.

 

[CaliCards]

Originally posted by LVCARDFREAK
I too was a little miffed that the Cards released Blake so early, but after reading what Green says you have to take his word for it. I do not think he wanted Blake on the team. He wants to go with McCown and thats it.

I know they could have waited and still named Josh #1, but what could possibly lay at the heart of all this is the that Blake might have been seen as a disruption to the team.

I really am not sure but considering the circumstances I highly doubt Salary cap figured into this decision much at all!

Lets say that you are some what right about Green's decision to release Blake and naming McCown the starter. How much of it is about new coach, new system, and prepration to implement new schemes, which would require the right personnel. Blake, it was reported, did not fit into DG system.

Thus since DG has begun his remake of the Cards to his liking this soon, I would hope when the season begins that Cards fans would not give DG credit for wins and blame Coach MaC when the team loose.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Originally posted by CaliCards
Lets say that you are some what right about Green's decision to release Blake and naming McCown the starter. How much of it is about new coach, new system, and prepration to implement new schemes, which would require the right personnel. Blake, it was reported, did not fit into DG system.

Thus since DG has begun his remake of the Cards to his liking this soon, I would hope when the season begins that Cards fans would not give DG credit for wins and blame Coach MaC when the team loose.

Why would you not give DG the credit for the wins? He is essentially taking the same talent and molding into what he thinks is the right system to win games. Any new players (draft FA trade) will still all be credited to DG and Graves since Mac has nothing to do with this draft/fa

Unfortunatly for any departing coach, his legacy remains with that team until his drafts, players, etc are gone. I will give credit to Mac and Co if KVB suddenly has a 15 sack year and is a monster at the DE positon for recogninzing the kid has talent, but he still wont get credit for developing into the player he would be now.

Same goes with any team. College coaches are routinley criticsized for winning with other coaches recruting classes or 'let off the hook' because that coach isnt coahcing 'his own recrutiing class'

Thats just the way it is.!

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
Now, if a team is in the hunt for the playoffs, you should always push salary to the next year and try to put the BEST team on the field now. By cutting Blake now, that says to me, the Cards are not really going to compete in DG's first year as the Cards are not going to spend as much money as possible on players this year.

It may say that to you, but I think to most of us it says that our new management team (RG & DG) are making some early and decisive moves.

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
Now, I hope that 2005, they use that extra $500K and push money into future years as the Cards make a playoff and superbowl push.

Cutting players early is becoming normal for all teams as can be seen by the increasing irrelevancy of the June 1st FA period.

Originally posted by AntSports Steve
But right now, cutting Blake means all the things everyone else said, plus, the 1st year of Greens is a rebuilding, see what the Cards have year. It's not the year where you push the salary cap and try to win. Actually the Cards have never tried to push the salary cap with the intent of winning now. That would be nice to see.

We can't be "re"building, that implies we had something to start with. How about "Building" possibly for the first time ever.

What the Cards or have not done in the past is irrelevant now. You seem stuck in the Bill Bidwill Snr era, I for one am hoping that the M Bidwill, Rod Graves & Dennis Green era will be a totaly different experience.

Before you say "I've heard that before", no you haven't. This is the first time we have ever had a new coach, new GM and "effectivly" a new owner.

 

[Ohio Cards Fan]

Originally posted by Jim Omohundro
Cardinals report: Strategy and personnel

They can't stop the run. Their pass rush has been worst in the league for three years.

]

Jim, I couldn't disagree with you more about the Cards' ability to stop the run. If anything, that was their strength on defense. Regardless of what the final 2004 stats were, they could stop the run. Many other factors on defense were responsible for any big numbers put up on the ground against them.

I do agree, however, with your assessment of the pass rush. I can't tell you how many times I was red in the face with anger watching four men rush every down with absolutely no penetration. When the opponents rushed four, they got pressure 75% of the time. After so many years, you have to start wondering about "Mean" Joe Greene's abilities as a coach and his abilities to judge talent. Fatafehi starts for Denver and Walker starts for Philly. Both were cut by the Cards. Well, Joe Greene and Mac are history, and that sickening defense that has plagued the Cards since the Tobin era are gone with them.

 

[Evil Ash]

Re: Re: CBS Sportsline Cardinals Report (02-16-04)

Originally posted by Ohio Cards Fan

Originally posted by Jim Omohundro
Cardinals report: Strategy and personnel

They can't stop the run. Their pass rush has been worst in the league for three years.

]

Jim, I couldn't disagree with you more about the Cards' ability to stop the run. If anything, that was their strength on defense. Regardless of what the final 2004 stats were, they could stop the run. Many other factors on defense were responsible for any big numbers put up on the ground against them.

I do agree, however, with your assessment of the pass rush. I can't tell you how many times I was red in the face with anger watching four men rush every down with absolutely no penetration. When the opponents rushed four, they got pressure 75% of the time. After so many years, you have to start wondering about "Mean" Joe Greene's abilities as a coach and his abilities to judge talent. Fatafehi starts for Denver and Walker starts for Philly. Both were cut by the Cards. Well, Joe Greene and Mac are history, and that sickening defense that has plagued the Cards since the Tobin era are gone with them.

FYI ... Jim O didn't write this the folks from CBS Sportsline did

 

[Ohio Cards Fan]

That explains it. All those morons do is look at stats and make assessments based on them. They have no idea what is going on. That is why the media is always surprised when a 7-9 or 8-8 team like the Panthers "sneak up" on everyone and make it to the Super Bowl.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by Ohio Cards Fan
That explains it. All those morons do is look at stats and make assessments based on them. They have no idea what is going on. That is why the media is always surprised when a 7-9 or 8-8 team like the Panthers "sneak up" on everyone and make it to the Super Bowl.

Yeah, I guess that our 19th ranking against the run really should have turned some heads this season. Teams were never afraid to run at us. The reason that we weren't ranked #32 was because teams saw how easy it was to pass on us!

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Yeah, I guess that our 19th ranking against the run really should have turned some heads this season. Teams were never afraid to run at us. The reason that we weren't ranked #32 was because teams saw how easy it was to pass on us!

Actually he has a point. If you look at the first 8 games of the season (when one could argue the team hadnt 'given up' yet) this teams run defense was very good.

In the first 8 games they gave up a total of 752 Net Yards rushing, or 94 yards per game that would have put them at seasons end ranked 5th in the NFL.

I think what happened as the season progressed and the scores got run up on them was that they tired, like any defense will do being on the field so long, and gave up more and more yards as teams with big leads ran the clock out on them.

I am not concerned with stopping the run with Pace/Bryant/Tanner in the game at this point.