Sporting News: Cardinals Team Report (5-23)

[Evil Ash]

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2426364

Cardinals Team Report
Kent Somers
Posted: 1 hour ago

FB James Hodgins was signed last season because of his blocking, but the running game never developed, and his role could be reduced. Hodgins remains a good blocker, but coach Dennis Green likes to run three-receiver sets. . . .

RE Calvin Pace's lack of production as a rookie prompted the team to sign free agent Bertrand Berry. It's too early to give up on Pace, though. He has good speed and quickness. He'll be helped by becoming more of a situational player. That will allow Pace to stay fresh and concentrate on improving his pass-rush skills.

SAFETIES ANALYSIS

FS Dexter Jackson is a strong cover guy. He's studious and instinctive and tends to come up with big plays. He and SS Adrian Wilson form a strong duo, if Wilson continues to develop. He is athletic enough to be a solid cover man and is a fierce hitter. But he has had too many mental breakdowns that have resulted in big plays. Justin Lucas, who can play both spots, is the only other safety with much experience. He is smart and has played well in nickel situations. Quentin Harris could be the top backup at both spots. He is bright and has shown flashes of ability. Mike Stone needs to show something early in training camp to avoid being cut.

 

[Brevity]

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2426364RE Calvin Pace's lack of production as a rookie prompted the team to sign free agent Bertrand Berry. It's too early to give up on Pace, though. He has good speed and quickness. He'll be helped by becoming more of a situational player. That will allow Pace to stay fresh and concentrate on improving his pass-rush skills.

Its easy to look mediocre, or less, when there is no one else on your d-line that generates a need for the opposing offense to spend more than one blocker. To expect a rookie to fix what veterans have been unable to do is unreasonable.

I am not defending Pace at all costs right now. I'm just saying that everything depends on line play. If no one can penetrate, then everyone else looks even worse. Especially when it comes down to individual components of the line.