Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
The offense, which was pretty good last year, has a chance to be dynamic this year. Here are some of the keys and reasons why:
1. QB Matt Leinart is now familiar with the system and can focus on perfecting his role as a distributor of the football. If Leinart falters in any way, QB Kurt Warner, who passed for 27 TDs last season, can step in and ignite the team.
2. The offensive line remains intact for what seems to be the first time in many years. Their chemistry is paramount. Mike Gandy proved to be solid LT; Reggie Wells was much improved at LG; Al Johnson has a warrior's mentality at C; Deuce Lutui, the RG, is starting to develop into one of the better guards in the NFC; and Levi Brown may start to play like a stud now that he has a year's experience at RT under his belt. Elton Brown is a versatile player who can play any of the tackle or guard spots when needed. Lyle Sendlein offers the team a strong option as a second center, and may help out at guard if needed. Hopefully, Brandon Keith and/or Thaddeus Coleman will provide the team with a promising future at LT, if and when Mike Gandy needs a replacement.
Whiz wants to be physical up front...and the tone has been set for this offensive line. Russ Grimm's influence and astute coaching should pay even greater dividends this year, especially in light of the continuity and the young talent in place.
3. Having a bona fide bocking TE in Jeremy Tuman and two stout blockers at FB in Terrelle Smith and Tim Castille (now up to 243 lbs.) should add even more firepower to a running attack that will feature the ever tough Edgerrin James as lead RB and his new apprentice, the hard-hitting Tim Hightower, as #2 RB. The team could use a real boost from 4th year 2nd round draft pick J.J. Arrington, as Arrington is the team's speed option. Toughness has been an issue with Arrington, but each year he has gotten stronger and more courageous (Arrington ran very hard on kickoff returns last year and broke several). In the wings is Marcel Shipp, who may be the odd man out, but he's a tough, determined player who plays with a great attitude. It's too soon to write him off.
4. At WR the Cardinals may actually be even stronger this year. Imagine if Boldin and Fitzgerald remain healthy and both put up Pro Bowl numbers. At #3 WR, the Cardinals now have a sure-handed chainmover in Early Doucet, who already plays the slot like a pro. At #4, Jerheme Urban will likely get the nod there as he continues to develop strong chemistry with the QBs...Urban's size and uncanny knack for getting open are the signature aspects of his talent...now he needs to catch the ball more consistently. Steve Breaston should continue to improve as another slot option...and is dangerous with the ball in the open field. And the wild card here may be Jamaica Rector, who has the ability to stetch the field.
5. The pass catching duo at TE of Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick is starting to look promising, particularly in the red zone. They are both big, athletic targets...and can get up the seams to make big gain catches as well.
The Cardinals' defense will be fascinating to watch...fans may need a program to follow this group, as Pendy now has a talented host of interchangeable parts. He will have an opportunity this year to keep players fresh, as he rotates players and groups in an out. It should be an all-out team concept:
1. Providing that Gabe Watson revovers well from his knee injury, he and Alan Branch should split time at NT and provide the Cards with a prolific tandem. Branch, in particular, could very well be a star in the making, especially if he plays with a chip on his shoulder. At a strong and athletic 6-5, 322, Branch could wreak havoc in the middle of the line. And, he may start to show promise as a pss ruser up the middle, now that the edge pressure should be greatly improved.
2. At DE, the starters are two athletic dynamos in Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith...but they shouldn't fade down the stratch this year because veteran DE Bryan Robinson and 2nd round draft pick Calais Campbell will be rotated in...as will 4th round draft pick, Kenny Iwebema, who may thrive as a nickel pass rusher. Another player to keep an eye on is UCFA Keilen Dykes, a 2 year All Big East player who had a penchant at WVU for showing up big when the lights are brightest.
3. At OLB, the Cardinals have four potentially prolific pass rushers in place in Chike Okeafor, Clark Haggans, Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy. Okeafor was playing lights out in the 3-4 last year before his injury...and should return with a bang. Berry will be able to sport some fresh legs this year, now that he won't have to play as many consecutive series and snaps. And Haggans and LaBoy wil be very good situational players who may wind up starting and finishing their fair share of games.
In 6th round pick, Chris Harrington and UFA Matt Stewart, the Cards have two run stopping edge LBers...who may even surprise as spot rushers.
4. At ILB, the Cards return a very capable and strong tandem in Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby. Hayes may actually start garnering Pro Bowl votes this year, and if Dansby is as motivated as he was last year, and stays healthy, a trip to Honolulu might be on the horizon.
Behind them the depth is solid, as Monty Beisel and Matt Stewart, two hard tackling veterans make their case for playing time. The wild card may be the emergence of UCFA Ali Highsmith, of the NCAA Champion LSU Tigers, as a backup to Dansby at WILB, particularly if Highsmith can pack a little more muscle weight on his frame, while maintaining his remarkably quick footwork.
5. The addition of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suddenly gives the Cardinals the most talented CB trio they've had in years. Once DRC gets comfortable in the system, it will be almost impossible to keep him, his 6'2" frame and reamrkable 4.29 speed off the field. Starters Rod Hood and Eric Green should benefit greaty, as should DRC, from an improved pass rush...and one of these three CBs, when all is said and done, may find himself near the NFC leaders in interceptions. The depth behind this trio is a little suspect...but keep an eye on UCFA Marcus Brown, another young 6-2 CB with 4.3 speed. This kid is a tremendous athlete and his 52 tackles and 4 interceptions helped to lead McNeese St. to an undefeated season.
6. At SS the Cardinals welcome back Adrian Wilson, their leader and catalyst. His return is huge for this defense. And, get this, now that the Cardinals have a much more talented pass rush from the edges and from the inside, Wilson may get more lightning-quick free shots at the QB on his safety bitzes. Moving over to FS is Antrel Rolle, who emerged as a nickel back playmaker and interception magnet last season. Finally, Rolle will be put at a position that will maximize his abilities. Behind him is Aaron Francisco, one of the team's most tenacious tacklers. If Francisco improves his playmaking skills, he should see a fair amount of time in this defense as Pendy can slide Rolle up to the nickel at times and keep Francisco deep. Also, take a close look at UCFA Dennis Keyes of UCLA, who brings toughness and athleticism and may be capable of playing both SS and FS.
On special teams the Cardinals should continue to improve. The area where they need the most improvement is in kicking the clutch field goals. Neil Rackers will need to be more consistent this year or he will force the team to look in another direction. On kickoffs and on-side kicks, Rackers is outstanding.
New P Dirk Johnson received rave reviews from Andy Reid and offers the team a positional punter who can serve up good hang time.
Long snapper Nathan Hodel was re-signed to a multi-year deal, which was great because he's about as good as they come.
The cover teams, by virtue of the addition of greater speed and athleticism---and strong kicking and punting--should continue to improve.
The return game was much improved last year, especially thanks to Steve Breaston's prowess as a punt returner. This year Breaston will likely return more kickoffs...and share kickoff return duties with speedy J.J. Arrington and hard running rookie Tim Hightower.
The Cardinals will use plenty of their depth this upcoming season in an effort to develop the talent base and team philosophy that Whiz has been incorporating. Whiz's staff is by far the best staff this organization has had in decades. When this coaching begins to make the most of the players' talents...there's no telling what remarkable feats may be accomplished. No need to make predictions...Whiz would not approve. Right now it's all about coordination, teaching and hard work.
1. QB Matt Leinart is now familiar with the system and can focus on perfecting his role as a distributor of the football. If Leinart falters in any way, QB Kurt Warner, who passed for 27 TDs last season, can step in and ignite the team.
2. The offensive line remains intact for what seems to be the first time in many years. Their chemistry is paramount. Mike Gandy proved to be solid LT; Reggie Wells was much improved at LG; Al Johnson has a warrior's mentality at C; Deuce Lutui, the RG, is starting to develop into one of the better guards in the NFC; and Levi Brown may start to play like a stud now that he has a year's experience at RT under his belt. Elton Brown is a versatile player who can play any of the tackle or guard spots when needed. Lyle Sendlein offers the team a strong option as a second center, and may help out at guard if needed. Hopefully, Brandon Keith and/or Thaddeus Coleman will provide the team with a promising future at LT, if and when Mike Gandy needs a replacement.
Whiz wants to be physical up front...and the tone has been set for this offensive line. Russ Grimm's influence and astute coaching should pay even greater dividends this year, especially in light of the continuity and the young talent in place.
3. Having a bona fide bocking TE in Jeremy Tuman and two stout blockers at FB in Terrelle Smith and Tim Castille (now up to 243 lbs.) should add even more firepower to a running attack that will feature the ever tough Edgerrin James as lead RB and his new apprentice, the hard-hitting Tim Hightower, as #2 RB. The team could use a real boost from 4th year 2nd round draft pick J.J. Arrington, as Arrington is the team's speed option. Toughness has been an issue with Arrington, but each year he has gotten stronger and more courageous (Arrington ran very hard on kickoff returns last year and broke several). In the wings is Marcel Shipp, who may be the odd man out, but he's a tough, determined player who plays with a great attitude. It's too soon to write him off.
4. At WR the Cardinals may actually be even stronger this year. Imagine if Boldin and Fitzgerald remain healthy and both put up Pro Bowl numbers. At #3 WR, the Cardinals now have a sure-handed chainmover in Early Doucet, who already plays the slot like a pro. At #4, Jerheme Urban will likely get the nod there as he continues to develop strong chemistry with the QBs...Urban's size and uncanny knack for getting open are the signature aspects of his talent...now he needs to catch the ball more consistently. Steve Breaston should continue to improve as another slot option...and is dangerous with the ball in the open field. And the wild card here may be Jamaica Rector, who has the ability to stetch the field.
5. The pass catching duo at TE of Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick is starting to look promising, particularly in the red zone. They are both big, athletic targets...and can get up the seams to make big gain catches as well.
The Cardinals' defense will be fascinating to watch...fans may need a program to follow this group, as Pendy now has a talented host of interchangeable parts. He will have an opportunity this year to keep players fresh, as he rotates players and groups in an out. It should be an all-out team concept:
1. Providing that Gabe Watson revovers well from his knee injury, he and Alan Branch should split time at NT and provide the Cards with a prolific tandem. Branch, in particular, could very well be a star in the making, especially if he plays with a chip on his shoulder. At a strong and athletic 6-5, 322, Branch could wreak havoc in the middle of the line. And, he may start to show promise as a pss ruser up the middle, now that the edge pressure should be greatly improved.
2. At DE, the starters are two athletic dynamos in Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith...but they shouldn't fade down the stratch this year because veteran DE Bryan Robinson and 2nd round draft pick Calais Campbell will be rotated in...as will 4th round draft pick, Kenny Iwebema, who may thrive as a nickel pass rusher. Another player to keep an eye on is UCFA Keilen Dykes, a 2 year All Big East player who had a penchant at WVU for showing up big when the lights are brightest.
3. At OLB, the Cardinals have four potentially prolific pass rushers in place in Chike Okeafor, Clark Haggans, Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy. Okeafor was playing lights out in the 3-4 last year before his injury...and should return with a bang. Berry will be able to sport some fresh legs this year, now that he won't have to play as many consecutive series and snaps. And Haggans and LaBoy wil be very good situational players who may wind up starting and finishing their fair share of games.
In 6th round pick, Chris Harrington and UFA Matt Stewart, the Cards have two run stopping edge LBers...who may even surprise as spot rushers.
4. At ILB, the Cards return a very capable and strong tandem in Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby. Hayes may actually start garnering Pro Bowl votes this year, and if Dansby is as motivated as he was last year, and stays healthy, a trip to Honolulu might be on the horizon.
Behind them the depth is solid, as Monty Beisel and Matt Stewart, two hard tackling veterans make their case for playing time. The wild card may be the emergence of UCFA Ali Highsmith, of the NCAA Champion LSU Tigers, as a backup to Dansby at WILB, particularly if Highsmith can pack a little more muscle weight on his frame, while maintaining his remarkably quick footwork.
5. The addition of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suddenly gives the Cardinals the most talented CB trio they've had in years. Once DRC gets comfortable in the system, it will be almost impossible to keep him, his 6'2" frame and reamrkable 4.29 speed off the field. Starters Rod Hood and Eric Green should benefit greaty, as should DRC, from an improved pass rush...and one of these three CBs, when all is said and done, may find himself near the NFC leaders in interceptions. The depth behind this trio is a little suspect...but keep an eye on UCFA Marcus Brown, another young 6-2 CB with 4.3 speed. This kid is a tremendous athlete and his 52 tackles and 4 interceptions helped to lead McNeese St. to an undefeated season.
6. At SS the Cardinals welcome back Adrian Wilson, their leader and catalyst. His return is huge for this defense. And, get this, now that the Cardinals have a much more talented pass rush from the edges and from the inside, Wilson may get more lightning-quick free shots at the QB on his safety bitzes. Moving over to FS is Antrel Rolle, who emerged as a nickel back playmaker and interception magnet last season. Finally, Rolle will be put at a position that will maximize his abilities. Behind him is Aaron Francisco, one of the team's most tenacious tacklers. If Francisco improves his playmaking skills, he should see a fair amount of time in this defense as Pendy can slide Rolle up to the nickel at times and keep Francisco deep. Also, take a close look at UCFA Dennis Keyes of UCLA, who brings toughness and athleticism and may be capable of playing both SS and FS.
On special teams the Cardinals should continue to improve. The area where they need the most improvement is in kicking the clutch field goals. Neil Rackers will need to be more consistent this year or he will force the team to look in another direction. On kickoffs and on-side kicks, Rackers is outstanding.
New P Dirk Johnson received rave reviews from Andy Reid and offers the team a positional punter who can serve up good hang time.
Long snapper Nathan Hodel was re-signed to a multi-year deal, which was great because he's about as good as they come.
The cover teams, by virtue of the addition of greater speed and athleticism---and strong kicking and punting--should continue to improve.
The return game was much improved last year, especially thanks to Steve Breaston's prowess as a punt returner. This year Breaston will likely return more kickoffs...and share kickoff return duties with speedy J.J. Arrington and hard running rookie Tim Hightower.
The Cardinals will use plenty of their depth this upcoming season in an effort to develop the talent base and team philosophy that Whiz has been incorporating. Whiz's staff is by far the best staff this organization has had in decades. When this coaching begins to make the most of the players' talents...there's no telling what remarkable feats may be accomplished. No need to make predictions...Whiz would not approve. Right now it's all about coordination, teaching and hard work.
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