Let’s start with the good news; this will not be 1999 all over again. After finally reaching the playoffs in 1998 the Cards let Lomas Brown, Larry Centers and Jamir Miller walk. In fact little effort was made to keep any of them. Admittedly I underestimated the scope of the disaster and watched the Cards deteriorate from a playoff team to a 6-10 pretender.
Surely any long-term Cardinal fan could not help but think of that series of events when shortly after the season’s end, Dansby, Warner and Rolle were lost to the team. The Boldin trade also aggravated the situation.
What I took out of the 1999 debacle was possibly a little different from what others saw. None of the departing players went on to Hall of Fame careers. Centers had 3 solid years then hung on for another couple. Brown and Miller got off to great starts with their new teams, but age and injury had Brown done in 4 years and Miller in 3.
Some people said the Cards lost heart when these players left, but there was still plenty of heart on the field. Others said the players’ resentment of Bidwill contributed to the downfall. Though the players no doubt had animosity towards him once they entered the white lines, I believe that no longer affected play.
What the 1999 team lacked was on-the-field leadership. Though much maligned, Lomas Brown drove the Cards’ line to succeed during his Arizona tenure. The line was better the day he stepped on the field and collapsed the day he left.
Miller was another vocal guy who led by word and deed. He was a sideline to sideline player.
Then there was Larry Centers. He left everything he had on the field in every game he played. You couldn’t be on a team with him and fail to play hard.
So what about 2010? Rhodes for Rolle is not an even exchange, but if Rhodes plays up to his ability, Rolle’s absence will not be greatly felt. Porter and Dansby will be an interesting story. They are two vastly different players. Does Porter have enough left to be an impact player? Will his vocal style of leadership replace Dansby quieter level of determination? The Cards lose a great deal of athleticism in the middle of the field, but hopefully gain a pass rush. By season’s end Darryl Washington may reduce the gap in the middle. As to Boldin’s departure, well his time had come. With Doucet on improving rapidly, Boldins’ playing minutes were likely to deteriorate just to protect him physically. He will have a big year in Baltimore, but likely wouldn’t have had as big a year here.
Aside from these losses the shakeup in the Cards’ offensive line is noteworthy. Gandy had a bad year, but his loss and subsequent Cardinal acquisitions have dramatically altered the line. Fortunately for the Cards, Faneca’s availability may actually lead to improvement at least in the running game. It certainly gives the line the kind of leadership that all quality teams need. If Keith and Brown can play, this line could actually improve. It may take a few games, but if the Cards can hang in the race, the line could be an asset down the stretch.
So that brings us to where the fate of the Cards will be determined. Matt Leinart has patiently waited his chance and this is it. I was surprised the Cards didn’t retain Warner to assist in this transition. Warner is not known for his patience, but he might be an entirely different guy in a different role. The Cards will not expect Leinart to win games. They will actually run the ball this season because they have to do so. They will be conservative in their passing game and try to let Leinart get his footing. Keep in mind that the strength of this unit is yards after the catch. If Leinart has the composure, this team will contend. Where they finish will likely depend on how good the Niners are. The Seahawks figure to be troublesome, but likely a year away from contending.
Much like the Cards, the Niners’ success will largely depend on quarterback play. Both teams figure to be in most games and likely the head to head games will be crucial. Unlike the 1999 Cardinals, this team will come to play. The question is can they play effectively enough to win.
Surely any long-term Cardinal fan could not help but think of that series of events when shortly after the season’s end, Dansby, Warner and Rolle were lost to the team. The Boldin trade also aggravated the situation.
What I took out of the 1999 debacle was possibly a little different from what others saw. None of the departing players went on to Hall of Fame careers. Centers had 3 solid years then hung on for another couple. Brown and Miller got off to great starts with their new teams, but age and injury had Brown done in 4 years and Miller in 3.
Some people said the Cards lost heart when these players left, but there was still plenty of heart on the field. Others said the players’ resentment of Bidwill contributed to the downfall. Though the players no doubt had animosity towards him once they entered the white lines, I believe that no longer affected play.
What the 1999 team lacked was on-the-field leadership. Though much maligned, Lomas Brown drove the Cards’ line to succeed during his Arizona tenure. The line was better the day he stepped on the field and collapsed the day he left.
Miller was another vocal guy who led by word and deed. He was a sideline to sideline player.
Then there was Larry Centers. He left everything he had on the field in every game he played. You couldn’t be on a team with him and fail to play hard.
So what about 2010? Rhodes for Rolle is not an even exchange, but if Rhodes plays up to his ability, Rolle’s absence will not be greatly felt. Porter and Dansby will be an interesting story. They are two vastly different players. Does Porter have enough left to be an impact player? Will his vocal style of leadership replace Dansby quieter level of determination? The Cards lose a great deal of athleticism in the middle of the field, but hopefully gain a pass rush. By season’s end Darryl Washington may reduce the gap in the middle. As to Boldin’s departure, well his time had come. With Doucet on improving rapidly, Boldins’ playing minutes were likely to deteriorate just to protect him physically. He will have a big year in Baltimore, but likely wouldn’t have had as big a year here.
Aside from these losses the shakeup in the Cards’ offensive line is noteworthy. Gandy had a bad year, but his loss and subsequent Cardinal acquisitions have dramatically altered the line. Fortunately for the Cards, Faneca’s availability may actually lead to improvement at least in the running game. It certainly gives the line the kind of leadership that all quality teams need. If Keith and Brown can play, this line could actually improve. It may take a few games, but if the Cards can hang in the race, the line could be an asset down the stretch.
So that brings us to where the fate of the Cards will be determined. Matt Leinart has patiently waited his chance and this is it. I was surprised the Cards didn’t retain Warner to assist in this transition. Warner is not known for his patience, but he might be an entirely different guy in a different role. The Cards will not expect Leinart to win games. They will actually run the ball this season because they have to do so. They will be conservative in their passing game and try to let Leinart get his footing. Keep in mind that the strength of this unit is yards after the catch. If Leinart has the composure, this team will contend. Where they finish will likely depend on how good the Niners are. The Seahawks figure to be troublesome, but likely a year away from contending.
Much like the Cards, the Niners’ success will largely depend on quarterback play. Both teams figure to be in most games and likely the head to head games will be crucial. Unlike the 1999 Cardinals, this team will come to play. The question is can they play effectively enough to win.
