Jo Sparkes at practice
- Thread starter Skkorpion
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Stout
A handful of fairy tales from the story bag...
I'll believe it when I see it...Jo chided many naysayers last year, assuring us all it was different, that things had changed, blah blah...but, of course, they hadn't. I appreciate your alternative writing style, Jo, and also your enthusiasm, but it's always enthusiasm, and never negative, even when things are not all rosy.
Wow, I looked at that paragraph, and it's quite negative. I don't want to change it---liked the article, but it's the same as last year---but I do want to point out I do think we are undergoing change. We have a REAL NFL head coach, finally, and I think we're taking steps. Baby steps, contrary to what others may think (else all our cap space would've landed more than a solid DE, a backup QB, a backup FB, and a backup/spot starter CB), but steps nonetheless.
Wow, I looked at that paragraph, and it's quite negative. I don't want to change it---liked the article, but it's the same as last year---but I do want to point out I do think we are undergoing change. We have a REAL NFL head coach, finally, and I think we're taking steps. Baby steps, contrary to what others may think (else all our cap space would've landed more than a solid DE, a backup QB, a backup FB, and a backup/spot starter CB), but steps nonetheless.
azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Great article Jo!!! Great read as usual 
Stout, the real difference here is that last year we had not seen an NFL team practice. We had no idea what to expect.
It turns out with the benifit of hindsight, we never saw an NFL team practice last year. I know how that sounds but I can't begin to descibe the difference between this year and last.
Just in terms of physical effort the difference is immense, I really mean that it is like night and day. It also seems that the practice is more efficient, they don't waste a second. Last but not least there seems to be a real effort to teach, with the biggest different being on the DL (obviously).
Let me give you an quantative example, its a small point but it is contrete and is indicative of the total change to practice.
On one of our early vistits last last year, we were still figuring out were you could stand and how to behave. So we ended up watchingf the OL from under a tree (not the interview tree). The tree was about 20' behind the field.
Now we had been told not to talk to the players or coaches but we learned that it was ok if either a) They started it or b) you were well known at the facility (that's us now) and they knew you wouldn't abuse the priviledge.
The OL finished its drill and headed for our tree. While we were concerned that we would be closer to them then possiblty we should be, there was no other shafde around and it was 100+, so we stayed put and shut up.
Mike Devlin saw us there and came over and chatted for 5 mins while they waited in the shade for the next drill to be called.
This year there are no pauses between drills, every second is used. All the players run to the next drill. Nobody heads off for the shade for a break, although I'm sure they are allowed to for medical reasons.
The conversation we had last year would never happen this year, not because the coaches aren't communicative (just the reverse), its just that nobody has the time, or the energy.
Will this translate into more wins, I don't know, nobody does. One thing I can tell you for sure is though, last years practicing was amateur night by comparison.
It turns out with the benifit of hindsight, we never saw an NFL team practice last year. I know how that sounds but I can't begin to descibe the difference between this year and last.
Just in terms of physical effort the difference is immense, I really mean that it is like night and day. It also seems that the practice is more efficient, they don't waste a second. Last but not least there seems to be a real effort to teach, with the biggest different being on the DL (obviously).
Let me give you an quantative example, its a small point but it is contrete and is indicative of the total change to practice.
On one of our early vistits last last year, we were still figuring out were you could stand and how to behave. So we ended up watchingf the OL from under a tree (not the interview tree). The tree was about 20' behind the field.
Now we had been told not to talk to the players or coaches but we learned that it was ok if either a) They started it or b) you were well known at the facility (that's us now) and they knew you wouldn't abuse the priviledge.
The OL finished its drill and headed for our tree. While we were concerned that we would be closer to them then possiblty we should be, there was no other shafde around and it was 100+, so we stayed put and shut up.
Mike Devlin saw us there and came over and chatted for 5 mins while they waited in the shade for the next drill to be called.
This year there are no pauses between drills, every second is used. All the players run to the next drill. Nobody heads off for the shade for a break, although I'm sure they are allowed to for medical reasons.
The conversation we had last year would never happen this year, not because the coaches aren't communicative (just the reverse), its just that nobody has the time, or the energy.
Will this translate into more wins, I don't know, nobody does. One thing I can tell you for sure is though, last years practicing was amateur night by comparison.
joeshmo
Kangol Hat Aficionado
- Joined
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Nidan 2 quick questions.
Does Big look in shape?
Does Berry really look to be 275 like the azcardinals roster says he is?
Does Big look in shape?
Does Berry really look to be 275 like the azcardinals roster says he is?
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azdad1978
Championship!!!!
nidan said:
nidan said:
Great observations nidan. Thanks.
Red Dawn
Go Big Red!
Nice article Jo...I am ready for some football!!
He looked tired, but it was 110 and they took no breaks.joeshmo said:
He isn't a small guy or huge so I guess 275 would be reasonable. It was interested looking at the DL, for the first time everybody looked fit and agile. I think Denny really means the speed bit.
azdad1978
Championship!!!!
nidan said:
Are you referring Big or Berry
azdad1978
Championship!!!!
nidan said:
azdad1978
Championship!!!!
nidan said:
too tired to read it.
the thing about the pats and the high temp has some merit. The heat takes getting used to, possibly even from a physical standpoint.
We get to the century mark regularly here in OK. I jog outside, and, it takes a couple of times in the heat to get my wind to the same place vs. when I jog when its 70 and cloudy.
As far as optimism? I'm with Stout. Last year, Macs job was on the line so things were going to be different etc. The season blew up right in our kool aid stained faces.
The Cards looked like a bunch of bungling buffoons in 2003. I want to see AT LEAST some competitive play, and execution that resembles an NFL team before I sign on that anything has improved.
We get to the century mark regularly here in OK. I jog outside, and, it takes a couple of times in the heat to get my wind to the same place vs. when I jog when its 70 and cloudy.
As far as optimism? I'm with Stout. Last year, Macs job was on the line so things were going to be different etc. The season blew up right in our kool aid stained faces.
The Cards looked like a bunch of bungling buffoons in 2003. I want to see AT LEAST some competitive play, and execution that resembles an NFL team before I sign on that anything has improved.
Brighteyes
Super Bowl!
Stout's comment on my optimism last year: it's true. I honestly, really believed we would do well. Any doubts I had were swiftly buried.
This year? I honestly, really believe we will do well.
However, what Ian says is also true. The difference in the practices is very impressive. There was no working out in the heat the way they are this year. There was no organization; and not nearly the plan in the training. Last year most of those players disappeared for the off season -- they are all here now.
The Pats game? just an interesting thought. Considering the wide point spread we'll get, and the tremendous odds -- and the heat, it sums up to a good bet. NOT A GUARANTEED WIN. Just a pretty good bet.
- Jo
This year? I honestly, really believe we will do well.
However, what Ian says is also true. The difference in the practices is very impressive. There was no working out in the heat the way they are this year. There was no organization; and not nearly the plan in the training. Last year most of those players disappeared for the off season -- they are all here now.
The Pats game? just an interesting thought. Considering the wide point spread we'll get, and the tremendous odds -- and the heat, it sums up to a good bet. NOT A GUARANTEED WIN. Just a pretty good bet.
- Jo
Stout
A handful of fairy tales from the story bag...
Nidan, Brighteyes, excellen responses. I feel the change too. You're just an eternal optimist, Brighteyes, and there certainly isn't anything wrong with that...better than an eternal pessimest, as I had been in the past concerning this team. I'll still believe it when I see the wins, but I'm a lot more confident now that some wins are forthcoming.
Edit: I suppose the truth hurts sometimes. I'm editing out my response. I'd have been interested to see what the attack post against me was, but I didn't need to read it, respond to it, and bother others with a petty squabble that doesn't matter anyway.
Edit: I suppose the truth hurts sometimes. I'm editing out my response. I'd have been interested to see what the attack post against me was, but I didn't need to read it, respond to it, and bother others with a petty squabble that doesn't matter anyway.
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CardShark
DEAL WITH IT!
Thanks for the first hand accounts. I feel the need for more.
