Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
NT:
* If Corey Peters continues to be plagues by foot injuries (Achilles, plantar fasciitis), would it be wise to put him on the IR for the first 6 games, get him stronger and bring him back when he's in top form?
I think the coaches would be wise to bring him back to strength very slowly.
* BA says that he has been very impressed with Xavier Williams and has indicated that Williams has greatly improved his pass rush---thus, is Williams more versatile than expected, and is he a strong candidate not only to make the team, but to make his way into the DL rotation?
At this point, i think he is going to make the DL rotation and could even start at NT if Peters remains hampered by foot injuries.
* Red Bryant is listed as 3rd string on the depth chart---is that a misrepresentation of his value to the rotation as a situational run stuffer?
Big Red's value as a run stuffer is significant, especially playing in a division where the defense has to contend with Rawls, Gurley and Hyde.
DE:
* Are the Cardinals serious about signing Calais Campbell to a contract extension or do they want to gauge his performance this year, after his inconsistencies last year?
It's quite remarkable that the team has not tried to mitigate CC's prohibitive $15.2M cap hit this year, perhaps even at the expense of not signing Dwight Freeney or a veteran offensive tackle. Seeing as nothing has been done to date, it appears that the Cardinals are taking a wait and see approach with CC.
* If Rodney Gunter is listed as the starter at LDE, why has Ed Stinson been starting there in practice? Could Gunter be switched back to NT if Corey Peters winds up on the IR?
It is possible that the coaches want Gunter to shine in the nickel and dime packages (67% of snaps) and that they have a more run stopping emphasis for the base personnel. If Gunter shows pass rushing promise, man this defense could be something special.
* Is Frostee Rucker another candidate for the IR util he's back healthy and ready to resume his role in the DE rotation? How much gas does he have left in the tank?
At this point there is no telling what is going to happen with Rucker. It would seem to be a given that they would like him to be in the DE/DT rotation when he is able to contribute. May need a stint on the IR, before that could happen.
* How much will Robert Nkemdiche's high ankle sprain hamper him and his ability to make an impact in the DE rotation from the get-go? Does he at some point this year become the starter at LDE?
High ankle sprains are tough to come back from, especially for a guy with Nkemdiche's motor. It would be wise for the coaches to bring him back slowly, but with Peters and Rucker battling injuries, there is some urgency to get playing time and production from the 1st round draft pick.
* The coaches have given Josh Mauro high praise for his tenacious play---will he have more of a role this year in the rotation and is he a player that Steve Keim would like to sign to a contract extension?
Mauro has an opportunity to play a high number of snaps, particularly early on this season. I think the coaches recognize him as a core player and one they would like to see re-signed to an extension, if Mauro is willing to play in the neighborhood of $3M a year.
* Opinions seem to be divided about Ed Stinson---he did garner more playing time toward the end of last season when Rucker and Redding were ailing (11 tackles, 1 sack). Now that he is in his third year, will he emerge as a bona fide playmaker?
Stinson is a solid run stuffer and he has been making some strides in his pass rush. With the injuries up front his odds of making the rotation and the team are very high.
* BA said he really like how Olsen Pierre (2015 PS) is developing and called him explosive. Is Pierre a sleeper here?
It should be interesting to see him in action. With the injuries hampering the group, Pierre could make a charge just at the right time.
ILB:
* Larry Foote has been raving about Kevin Minter and the progress he is making even in pass coverage---will he be counted on as 3 down LB this year?
They coaches like having Minter as the QB of the defense and if he has improved in pass coverage they will likely keep him on the field as much as possible. Minter could very well be one of the most pleasant surprises this year and a candidate for a contract extension.
* Is Deone Bucannon on the verge of becoming an All-Pro?
His dedication, explosion and nose for the ball are making him a trendy favorite around the league.
* How valuable is Alani Fua?
His skill set as a run chaser, pass defender and potential pass rusher makes him valuable to the point where he could be used inside and outside.
* Is Donald Butler going to make more of an impact this year than Sean Weatherspoon made last year?
One would hope so---but thus far he hasn't created much buzz. The pre-season games are key for him.
* BA has mentioned Gabe Martin a few times as a player who is emerging. Could he win a roster spot over Butler?
It's more likely they will keep developing him on the PS---but if he emerges as a ST standout, he has a legit shot of making the team.
* BA has mentioned Lamar Louis as a good STs player, but says he's having to adjust to playing ILB---is he a sleeper?
Likely a good candidate for the PS as he transitions into the ILB position.
OLB:
* As high as the Cardinals are on Chandler Jones, would it be wise to try to sign him to a multi-year deal now, or wait until after the season?
The initial plan was to wait and use the f-tag if necessary, but it's quite possible that Keim would prefer to act now, rather than later.
* Just how good is Markus Golden?
He's been having a stellar camp---lunch pail mentality and full speed effort guy.
* Has Alex Okafor gotten back into the coaches' good graces?
Not sure as of yet. BA hasn't mentioned him much.
* Is Kareem Martin quick enough to be a consistent pressure rusher?
His bull-rush is solid, but he has to show he can shed his man and be able to chase down the likes of Newton, Wilson and Rodgers. Not sure that's within his capabilities.
* How far has Shaq Riddick come along?
Not a lot of buzz going on just yet.
* What the word on Tristan Okpalaugo?
Injuries have slowed him thus far. The coaches liked what they saw in OTAs and mini-camp.
* Will the Cardinals ever see Zach Wagenmann in action?
Very frustrating for him and the coaches.
CB:
* Is Patrick Peterson developing nicely as a leader?
He is---not only in how he has helped the Honey Badger, but now in taking Brandon Williams under his wing---he's all-in.
* Is Brandon Williams the real deal?
Physically he is everything the coaches want. Work-ethic wise he is off the charts. BA isn't kidding---the RCB job is Williams', unless someone clearly outplays and outworks him.
* At this point will Justin Bethel be ready to play game one?
Hard to say in light of the setbacks he's had.
* Is Alan Ball a good fit?
Yes. Has the physical attributes the coaches want.
* Does Mike Jenkins still have a chance to make the team?
BA says he can play in a cast---so there's a chance. He can play the nickel which is a plus.
* Which other CBs are making a case for a roster spot?
From the videos I have seen one guy who seems to be around the ball a lot is Shaun Prater. Asa Jackson has made some plays here and there. Haven't heard or seen too much from Cariel Brooks and Harlan Miller.
S:
* Will the Honey Badger be starting game one?
Yes. You cannot stop the Honey Badger, you can only hope to contain him.
* How valuable is Tony Jefferson?
He could be one of the next players to agree to a contract extension, that is, if his agent doesn't over-price him.
* is D.J. Swearinger the starter in the base defense?
He started at FS in the base when Rashad Johnson was hurt, so yes, he could be, depending on where the Honey Badger will start.
* Why isn't Tyvon Branch listed as a starter?
Because he's the combo S/CB in the nickel and dime packages, and thus will be on the field the majority of the snaps.
* What kind of splash is Marqui Christian making?
Thus far, as big as Adrian Wilson and the coaches were hoping for.
* Are there other safety candidates who are making positive impressions?
Yes. Durrell Eskridge and Matthias Farley are making good cases for the PS.
ST:
* What kind of a season can we expect from Chandler Catanzaro?
Getting in sync with the new snapper is key. Should be interesting to see what he's done to avoid the extra point misses.
* Is Drew Butler a lock to make the roster?
Haven't heard much buzz about Garrett Swanson, but the game performances might create a closer competition.
* Which long snapper is the best?
Thus far both Danny Dillon and Kameron Canaday have been equally good. Both come from small schools and will have to show they can get the job done in front of higher competition and far bigger crowds.
* Who are the best options as kickoff and punt returners?
John Brown has been taken off of punt return duties for now. J.J. Nelson is listed as the 1st option at KR and PR, but with his groin pull, others like Ellington, K. Williams and Hubert will have opportunities.
Those are my questions and thoughts...what are yours?
* If Corey Peters continues to be plagues by foot injuries (Achilles, plantar fasciitis), would it be wise to put him on the IR for the first 6 games, get him stronger and bring him back when he's in top form?
I think the coaches would be wise to bring him back to strength very slowly.
* BA says that he has been very impressed with Xavier Williams and has indicated that Williams has greatly improved his pass rush---thus, is Williams more versatile than expected, and is he a strong candidate not only to make the team, but to make his way into the DL rotation?
At this point, i think he is going to make the DL rotation and could even start at NT if Peters remains hampered by foot injuries.
* Red Bryant is listed as 3rd string on the depth chart---is that a misrepresentation of his value to the rotation as a situational run stuffer?
Big Red's value as a run stuffer is significant, especially playing in a division where the defense has to contend with Rawls, Gurley and Hyde.
DE:
* Are the Cardinals serious about signing Calais Campbell to a contract extension or do they want to gauge his performance this year, after his inconsistencies last year?
It's quite remarkable that the team has not tried to mitigate CC's prohibitive $15.2M cap hit this year, perhaps even at the expense of not signing Dwight Freeney or a veteran offensive tackle. Seeing as nothing has been done to date, it appears that the Cardinals are taking a wait and see approach with CC.
* If Rodney Gunter is listed as the starter at LDE, why has Ed Stinson been starting there in practice? Could Gunter be switched back to NT if Corey Peters winds up on the IR?
It is possible that the coaches want Gunter to shine in the nickel and dime packages (67% of snaps) and that they have a more run stopping emphasis for the base personnel. If Gunter shows pass rushing promise, man this defense could be something special.
* Is Frostee Rucker another candidate for the IR util he's back healthy and ready to resume his role in the DE rotation? How much gas does he have left in the tank?
At this point there is no telling what is going to happen with Rucker. It would seem to be a given that they would like him to be in the DE/DT rotation when he is able to contribute. May need a stint on the IR, before that could happen.
* How much will Robert Nkemdiche's high ankle sprain hamper him and his ability to make an impact in the DE rotation from the get-go? Does he at some point this year become the starter at LDE?
High ankle sprains are tough to come back from, especially for a guy with Nkemdiche's motor. It would be wise for the coaches to bring him back slowly, but with Peters and Rucker battling injuries, there is some urgency to get playing time and production from the 1st round draft pick.
* The coaches have given Josh Mauro high praise for his tenacious play---will he have more of a role this year in the rotation and is he a player that Steve Keim would like to sign to a contract extension?
Mauro has an opportunity to play a high number of snaps, particularly early on this season. I think the coaches recognize him as a core player and one they would like to see re-signed to an extension, if Mauro is willing to play in the neighborhood of $3M a year.
* Opinions seem to be divided about Ed Stinson---he did garner more playing time toward the end of last season when Rucker and Redding were ailing (11 tackles, 1 sack). Now that he is in his third year, will he emerge as a bona fide playmaker?
Stinson is a solid run stuffer and he has been making some strides in his pass rush. With the injuries up front his odds of making the rotation and the team are very high.
* BA said he really like how Olsen Pierre (2015 PS) is developing and called him explosive. Is Pierre a sleeper here?
It should be interesting to see him in action. With the injuries hampering the group, Pierre could make a charge just at the right time.
ILB:
* Larry Foote has been raving about Kevin Minter and the progress he is making even in pass coverage---will he be counted on as 3 down LB this year?
They coaches like having Minter as the QB of the defense and if he has improved in pass coverage they will likely keep him on the field as much as possible. Minter could very well be one of the most pleasant surprises this year and a candidate for a contract extension.
* Is Deone Bucannon on the verge of becoming an All-Pro?
His dedication, explosion and nose for the ball are making him a trendy favorite around the league.
* How valuable is Alani Fua?
His skill set as a run chaser, pass defender and potential pass rusher makes him valuable to the point where he could be used inside and outside.
* Is Donald Butler going to make more of an impact this year than Sean Weatherspoon made last year?
One would hope so---but thus far he hasn't created much buzz. The pre-season games are key for him.
* BA has mentioned Gabe Martin a few times as a player who is emerging. Could he win a roster spot over Butler?
It's more likely they will keep developing him on the PS---but if he emerges as a ST standout, he has a legit shot of making the team.
* BA has mentioned Lamar Louis as a good STs player, but says he's having to adjust to playing ILB---is he a sleeper?
Likely a good candidate for the PS as he transitions into the ILB position.
OLB:
* As high as the Cardinals are on Chandler Jones, would it be wise to try to sign him to a multi-year deal now, or wait until after the season?
The initial plan was to wait and use the f-tag if necessary, but it's quite possible that Keim would prefer to act now, rather than later.
* Just how good is Markus Golden?
He's been having a stellar camp---lunch pail mentality and full speed effort guy.
* Has Alex Okafor gotten back into the coaches' good graces?
Not sure as of yet. BA hasn't mentioned him much.
* Is Kareem Martin quick enough to be a consistent pressure rusher?
His bull-rush is solid, but he has to show he can shed his man and be able to chase down the likes of Newton, Wilson and Rodgers. Not sure that's within his capabilities.
* How far has Shaq Riddick come along?
Not a lot of buzz going on just yet.
* What the word on Tristan Okpalaugo?
Injuries have slowed him thus far. The coaches liked what they saw in OTAs and mini-camp.
* Will the Cardinals ever see Zach Wagenmann in action?
Very frustrating for him and the coaches.
CB:
* Is Patrick Peterson developing nicely as a leader?
He is---not only in how he has helped the Honey Badger, but now in taking Brandon Williams under his wing---he's all-in.
* Is Brandon Williams the real deal?
Physically he is everything the coaches want. Work-ethic wise he is off the charts. BA isn't kidding---the RCB job is Williams', unless someone clearly outplays and outworks him.
* At this point will Justin Bethel be ready to play game one?
Hard to say in light of the setbacks he's had.
* Is Alan Ball a good fit?
Yes. Has the physical attributes the coaches want.
* Does Mike Jenkins still have a chance to make the team?
BA says he can play in a cast---so there's a chance. He can play the nickel which is a plus.
* Which other CBs are making a case for a roster spot?
From the videos I have seen one guy who seems to be around the ball a lot is Shaun Prater. Asa Jackson has made some plays here and there. Haven't heard or seen too much from Cariel Brooks and Harlan Miller.
S:
* Will the Honey Badger be starting game one?
Yes. You cannot stop the Honey Badger, you can only hope to contain him.
* How valuable is Tony Jefferson?
He could be one of the next players to agree to a contract extension, that is, if his agent doesn't over-price him.
* is D.J. Swearinger the starter in the base defense?
He started at FS in the base when Rashad Johnson was hurt, so yes, he could be, depending on where the Honey Badger will start.
* Why isn't Tyvon Branch listed as a starter?
Because he's the combo S/CB in the nickel and dime packages, and thus will be on the field the majority of the snaps.
* What kind of splash is Marqui Christian making?
Thus far, as big as Adrian Wilson and the coaches were hoping for.
* Are there other safety candidates who are making positive impressions?
Yes. Durrell Eskridge and Matthias Farley are making good cases for the PS.
ST:
* What kind of a season can we expect from Chandler Catanzaro?
Getting in sync with the new snapper is key. Should be interesting to see what he's done to avoid the extra point misses.
* Is Drew Butler a lock to make the roster?
Haven't heard much buzz about Garrett Swanson, but the game performances might create a closer competition.
* Which long snapper is the best?
Thus far both Danny Dillon and Kameron Canaday have been equally good. Both come from small schools and will have to show they can get the job done in front of higher competition and far bigger crowds.
* Who are the best options as kickoff and punt returners?
John Brown has been taken off of punt return duties for now. J.J. Nelson is listed as the 1st option at KR and PR, but with his groin pull, others like Ellington, K. Williams and Hubert will have opportunities.
Those are my questions and thoughts...what are yours?
