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"The Tugboat"
http://www.azcardinals.com/fanzone/columndetails.php?cid=137
Jurecki's Mini Camp Observations and Bird Seed
It was a new look for Redbirds during their three-day mini camp that came to a conclusion Sunday morning. They changed their identity completely from a year ago, starting offensively with quarterback Jeff Blake, fullback James Hodgins, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receivers Bryant Johnson and Anquan Bolden. Not to mention Pete Kendall was taking snaps at center the entire weekend with the first string offense. In addition, the team has added a new philosophy by promoting Jerry Sullivan to offensive coordinator, plus Pete Hoener has made the jump from tight ends coach to the offensive line. Over the next few months, we’ll find out if they’re the new and improved Arizona Cardinals.
Birdseed
Defensive coordinator Larry Marmie is experimenting with a 5-man front to come up with a pass rush. It could possibly feature four defensive ends and a linebacker at any given moment during a game. This is an area where the Cardinals need to explore as many options as they can to put heat on the quarterback. Although everyone talks about the sacks, it begins with getting a push up front which leads to putting pressure on the quarterback.
We’ve all heard about his work ethic, but to actually observe it this weekend – you just have to appreciate it even more. Future Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is in great shape and sometimes it’s hard to believe he’s actually in a Cardinal uniform here in the desert. He practices hard and his credibility lends a hand to the younger players. The minute he walked on that field he became an instant leader.
Pro Bowl Corner
Cardinal fans, besides Emmitt Smith, how many pro bowlers are on the current roster? The answer-- you’ll have to find out down below.
Where’s the beef?
A few players have definitely not missed any meals as of late. Starters safety Adrian Wilson and linebacker Levar Fisher both added 13 pounds and will be counted on in this defense to make big plays. The number one challenge for both of these players is durability. It’s tough to make plays standing on the sidelines in street clothes on Sundays.
There hasn’t been as much outrage as there was a year ago when Wendell Bryant didn’t participate in on-field activity. He decided that it was too much to handle and didn’t bother to show up for the rookie mini camp in June. This set him back. It is crucial for a rookie to participate in this camp. Look for the Cardinals to work on resolving these issues before the rookie camp gets underway. It’s disappointing that they’ve had a year to figure this out and now they’re still dealing with this situation. They must come up with
ways to guarantee the signing bonuses if for some reason these players get hurt. Personally, forget the waiver, let’s get these new first round picks signed, sealed and delivered so it’s a mute point.
Let’s talk numbers, that’s jersey numbers
With Emmitt Smith wearing #22 and Duane Starks sporting number #5 currently, look for Starks to wear #23 for the upcoming season when it’s all said and done. Here’s the catch, if Starks wants to wear #23 then Coby Rhinehart will wear #26, but that number is presently assigned to mini camp no show Thomas Jones. Until the Cardinals can trade or release Jones it’s status quo.
First impressions
New defensive backs coach Ron Milus who came over from the Denver Broncos is a breath of fresh air starting with the way he interacts with the players. The reactions were positive after talking with some of the defensive backs this weekend. They mentioned they enjoyed his coaching style and the way he communicates.
Like they should be reminded
Head Coach Dave McGinnis made it clear to a selected group of veterans and to all rookies that when June rolls around they should be in better shape. It’s inexcusable to come to mini camp out of shape when it’s their profession.
Can you say long ball?
It was quite pleasing to witness a quarterback who can throw a nice tight deep spiral down the field. Of course, we’re talking about quarterback Jeff Blake who displayed his strong-arm ability that caught his new wide receivers off guard. Due to his arm strength, there were a few balls that were tipped which ended up in the defense’s hands. In the next few months, Blake and the receivers will get the timing down on their route running and it shouldn’t be an issue.
Answer:
1. Punter Scott Player. The reason why we mention Pro Bowl Corner is because Emmitt Smith’s locker is next to the only other Cardinal Pro Bowler representative Scott Player. Smith’s now occupies former Cardinal Joel Makovicka’s locker.
Flagstaff 79 days away
I truly believe there are will be some surprises cuts this year when the Cardinals put together their 53 man roster. We’ll see…
Jurecki's Mini Camp Observations and Bird Seed
It was a new look for Redbirds during their three-day mini camp that came to a conclusion Sunday morning. They changed their identity completely from a year ago, starting offensively with quarterback Jeff Blake, fullback James Hodgins, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receivers Bryant Johnson and Anquan Bolden. Not to mention Pete Kendall was taking snaps at center the entire weekend with the first string offense. In addition, the team has added a new philosophy by promoting Jerry Sullivan to offensive coordinator, plus Pete Hoener has made the jump from tight ends coach to the offensive line. Over the next few months, we’ll find out if they’re the new and improved Arizona Cardinals.
Birdseed
Defensive coordinator Larry Marmie is experimenting with a 5-man front to come up with a pass rush. It could possibly feature four defensive ends and a linebacker at any given moment during a game. This is an area where the Cardinals need to explore as many options as they can to put heat on the quarterback. Although everyone talks about the sacks, it begins with getting a push up front which leads to putting pressure on the quarterback.
We’ve all heard about his work ethic, but to actually observe it this weekend – you just have to appreciate it even more. Future Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is in great shape and sometimes it’s hard to believe he’s actually in a Cardinal uniform here in the desert. He practices hard and his credibility lends a hand to the younger players. The minute he walked on that field he became an instant leader.
Pro Bowl Corner
Cardinal fans, besides Emmitt Smith, how many pro bowlers are on the current roster? The answer-- you’ll have to find out down below.
Where’s the beef?
A few players have definitely not missed any meals as of late. Starters safety Adrian Wilson and linebacker Levar Fisher both added 13 pounds and will be counted on in this defense to make big plays. The number one challenge for both of these players is durability. It’s tough to make plays standing on the sidelines in street clothes on Sundays.
There hasn’t been as much outrage as there was a year ago when Wendell Bryant didn’t participate in on-field activity. He decided that it was too much to handle and didn’t bother to show up for the rookie mini camp in June. This set him back. It is crucial for a rookie to participate in this camp. Look for the Cardinals to work on resolving these issues before the rookie camp gets underway. It’s disappointing that they’ve had a year to figure this out and now they’re still dealing with this situation. They must come up with
ways to guarantee the signing bonuses if for some reason these players get hurt. Personally, forget the waiver, let’s get these new first round picks signed, sealed and delivered so it’s a mute point.
Let’s talk numbers, that’s jersey numbers
With Emmitt Smith wearing #22 and Duane Starks sporting number #5 currently, look for Starks to wear #23 for the upcoming season when it’s all said and done. Here’s the catch, if Starks wants to wear #23 then Coby Rhinehart will wear #26, but that number is presently assigned to mini camp no show Thomas Jones. Until the Cardinals can trade or release Jones it’s status quo.
First impressions
New defensive backs coach Ron Milus who came over from the Denver Broncos is a breath of fresh air starting with the way he interacts with the players. The reactions were positive after talking with some of the defensive backs this weekend. They mentioned they enjoyed his coaching style and the way he communicates.
Like they should be reminded
Head Coach Dave McGinnis made it clear to a selected group of veterans and to all rookies that when June rolls around they should be in better shape. It’s inexcusable to come to mini camp out of shape when it’s their profession.
Can you say long ball?
It was quite pleasing to witness a quarterback who can throw a nice tight deep spiral down the field. Of course, we’re talking about quarterback Jeff Blake who displayed his strong-arm ability that caught his new wide receivers off guard. Due to his arm strength, there were a few balls that were tipped which ended up in the defense’s hands. In the next few months, Blake and the receivers will get the timing down on their route running and it shouldn’t be an issue.
Answer:
1. Punter Scott Player. The reason why we mention Pro Bowl Corner is because Emmitt Smith’s locker is next to the only other Cardinal Pro Bowler representative Scott Player. Smith’s now occupies former Cardinal Joel Makovicka’s locker.
Flagstaff 79 days away
I truly believe there are will be some surprises cuts this year when the Cardinals put together their 53 man roster. We’ll see…
ARI @ LAR
SEA 
