http://www.azcardinals.com/fanzone/columndetails.php?cid=127
The Scoop From Mike Jurecki
In the past, this organization has had a hard time convincing good players to come here and finish their careers. Can you remember the last time the Arizona Cardinals have signed a first ballot Hall of Famer to end his career? One of the biggest hurdles that Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves has to overcome is the negative perception about the ownership’s commitment to put a winning product on the field. This is why signing Emmitt Smith from a public relations standpoint is a no brainer. Bringing the all-time leading rusher to Arizona should help change the image and attitude of this organization from a local to a national perspective. There hasn’t been this much excitement around the Valley about the Cardinals in a few years. The only time this much talk has been stirred up has been during the playoff run in 1998, the drafting of quarterback Jake Plummer, and of course we can’t forget the promise of a former Cardinal Head Coach who once said “You got a winner in town.” How did that work out for you Buddy Ryan? But, this time around, it shouldn’t be a problem selling tickets and jerseys when Emmitt is behind the cause.
The big question I have is how much Emmitt Smith has left in the tank? It’s possible with his durability he could rack up 1200-1300 yards during this upcoming season, depending on the number of carries. Hypothetically, if he gets twenty carries a game (which is about 320 carries on the season) he should put up those numbers. Last year, running the football wasn’t really the problem for the Cards. The Cards ran for over 1800 yards putting them 15th in the league on the ground.
The crucial challenge this team faced a year ago was trying to make a stop when they had to on defense. In addition, putting pressure on the quarterback and scoring points were obstacles. It was tough for the Redbirds to run the football when they were trailing by two touchdowns going into the fourth quarter. This season teams are going to end up taking away the running game by jamming eight or nine guys in the box. This could force quarterback Jeff Blake to throw the football to an inexperienced group at the wide receiver position depending on what happens at the wide out spot. My point is that there are still bigger holes to fill on both sides of the ball and this should be a priority.
What Emmitt brings to this team may not always show up on the stat sheet. Looking at the big picture, he contributes a dedicated work ethic, a leader in the huddle and is somebody this team can rely on in the fourth quarter. On the flip side if he doesn’t get his touches, how will this future Hall of Famer react and accept his role?
There is always some risk involved when you sign a player of this stature…
Bird seeds…
The latest news pertaining to unrestricted free agent Vonnie Holliday is that he’s scheduled to make one more stop in Kansas City. He will then make his decision between the Cardinals and Chiefs. It appears that Seattle and Philadelphia have limited interest at this point. The question still remains whether Holliday is willing to go back to Green Bay on a one year deal or come to Arizona for a lucrative contract.
I will be keeping an eye on the voluntary off-season workout program that is now underway. It’s not a big topic of conversation, but the off-season program can be very beneficial to those who do participate. From a conditioning and strength standpoint, it’s a chance for players to meet new teammates and start to build some lockeroom chemistry. Usually, the teams playing in January have a high percentage turnout in their off-season workout program. If the Cardinals want to be one of those teams they need to make an asserted effort. Stay tuned.
Memo to Cardinals fans: As we itch closer to the NFL draft, if Arizona State stud Terrell Suggs isn’t on the board when the Redbirds select…..
I have two words for you--TRADE DOWN!
The Scoop From Mike Jurecki
In the past, this organization has had a hard time convincing good players to come here and finish their careers. Can you remember the last time the Arizona Cardinals have signed a first ballot Hall of Famer to end his career? One of the biggest hurdles that Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves has to overcome is the negative perception about the ownership’s commitment to put a winning product on the field. This is why signing Emmitt Smith from a public relations standpoint is a no brainer. Bringing the all-time leading rusher to Arizona should help change the image and attitude of this organization from a local to a national perspective. There hasn’t been this much excitement around the Valley about the Cardinals in a few years. The only time this much talk has been stirred up has been during the playoff run in 1998, the drafting of quarterback Jake Plummer, and of course we can’t forget the promise of a former Cardinal Head Coach who once said “You got a winner in town.” How did that work out for you Buddy Ryan? But, this time around, it shouldn’t be a problem selling tickets and jerseys when Emmitt is behind the cause.
The big question I have is how much Emmitt Smith has left in the tank? It’s possible with his durability he could rack up 1200-1300 yards during this upcoming season, depending on the number of carries. Hypothetically, if he gets twenty carries a game (which is about 320 carries on the season) he should put up those numbers. Last year, running the football wasn’t really the problem for the Cards. The Cards ran for over 1800 yards putting them 15th in the league on the ground.
The crucial challenge this team faced a year ago was trying to make a stop when they had to on defense. In addition, putting pressure on the quarterback and scoring points were obstacles. It was tough for the Redbirds to run the football when they were trailing by two touchdowns going into the fourth quarter. This season teams are going to end up taking away the running game by jamming eight or nine guys in the box. This could force quarterback Jeff Blake to throw the football to an inexperienced group at the wide receiver position depending on what happens at the wide out spot. My point is that there are still bigger holes to fill on both sides of the ball and this should be a priority.
What Emmitt brings to this team may not always show up on the stat sheet. Looking at the big picture, he contributes a dedicated work ethic, a leader in the huddle and is somebody this team can rely on in the fourth quarter. On the flip side if he doesn’t get his touches, how will this future Hall of Famer react and accept his role?
There is always some risk involved when you sign a player of this stature…
Bird seeds…
The latest news pertaining to unrestricted free agent Vonnie Holliday is that he’s scheduled to make one more stop in Kansas City. He will then make his decision between the Cardinals and Chiefs. It appears that Seattle and Philadelphia have limited interest at this point. The question still remains whether Holliday is willing to go back to Green Bay on a one year deal or come to Arizona for a lucrative contract.
I will be keeping an eye on the voluntary off-season workout program that is now underway. It’s not a big topic of conversation, but the off-season program can be very beneficial to those who do participate. From a conditioning and strength standpoint, it’s a chance for players to meet new teammates and start to build some lockeroom chemistry. Usually, the teams playing in January have a high percentage turnout in their off-season workout program. If the Cardinals want to be one of those teams they need to make an asserted effort. Stay tuned.
Memo to Cardinals fans: As we itch closer to the NFL draft, if Arizona State stud Terrell Suggs isn’t on the board when the Redbirds select…..
I have two words for you--TRADE DOWN!
