Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
How easily will Murray integrate new receivers?
Previously Murray has displayed a predilection for throwing almost exclusively to familiar targets. McBride, for example, had a breakout season last year, but could have emerged a year sooner if targeted more. Some may recall I got some grief for naming in preseason, McBride as my offensive breakout player his rookie year. Murray has to be used some in preseason to get a better sense of ball placement with the new WRs. If he doesn’t play at least a quarter, I’d say the Cards are not serious about a 2024 playoff run.
Where does the QB pressure come from?
Is Ojulari ready to take a big step forward? He came to camp last season injured. There is no substitute for the experienced acquired going through a full camp. He’s had time to better develop his body. He needed to add more power to his game. His brother has developed nicely and legacy players tend to develop better than non-legacy guys. In their rookie year players often lack an accurate sense of what they are up against. The best competitors use that gap as motivation to step up their game in year two. Ojulari showed enough flashes to indicate the talent may be there. There’s a reasonable chance he could move his game to another level. I labeled him a developmental project when he was chosen. I like his chances.
Was Xavier Thomas undervalued by the scouts? Coming out of high school he was one of the most sought out players in the country. Several talent evaluators had this guy as a 2024 draft sleeper and a few had him higher on their board. Many of us felt his production at Clemson would have been more impressive had he not suffered from nagging injuries. Hopefully Cardinals can get him in better condition. He has an elite first step coupled with a wide variety of moves. Some of them lack polish, which should be correctable as he’s a willing student. He has an exceptional motor and always plays to the whistle. He has excellent agility and bend. I expect him to typically start on passing downs as he is weak against the run at this point. Don’t be surprised if they move Robinson inside on passing downs and let Thomas come in from the outside. He is both fast and quick. Against all but the best tackles, he could be immediately effective. The more tape I watched on him the more I liked him.
Coupled with the other rushers I expect the 2024 pass rush to be average. I do think the Cards may yet sign a veteran rusher as a mentor.
Finally what will the O-line look like?
It was a focus in free agency & the draft. BTW the interest in Humphries post injury is real. If his price is realistic don’t be shocked by a return to the desert. Humphries comfort zone is limited and he’d prefer to go to a place he knows. The coaching staff sincerely likes him, but they won’t pay top dollar unless an injury forces the Cards to add a lineman. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them flip the tackles in preseason to see which alignment is most productive. Center and RG starters will remain unchanged. The real action will be at LG. I do not like Wilkinson. If he’s the starter, the offseason was a partial failure. At least 6 guys figure to see some action at LG. I think Adams and Colon are the favorites. They want guards who can pull and hit their target on the run. I think Gaines and Hayes will fall by the wayside.
Previously Murray has displayed a predilection for throwing almost exclusively to familiar targets. McBride, for example, had a breakout season last year, but could have emerged a year sooner if targeted more. Some may recall I got some grief for naming in preseason, McBride as my offensive breakout player his rookie year. Murray has to be used some in preseason to get a better sense of ball placement with the new WRs. If he doesn’t play at least a quarter, I’d say the Cards are not serious about a 2024 playoff run.
Where does the QB pressure come from?
Is Ojulari ready to take a big step forward? He came to camp last season injured. There is no substitute for the experienced acquired going through a full camp. He’s had time to better develop his body. He needed to add more power to his game. His brother has developed nicely and legacy players tend to develop better than non-legacy guys. In their rookie year players often lack an accurate sense of what they are up against. The best competitors use that gap as motivation to step up their game in year two. Ojulari showed enough flashes to indicate the talent may be there. There’s a reasonable chance he could move his game to another level. I labeled him a developmental project when he was chosen. I like his chances.
Was Xavier Thomas undervalued by the scouts? Coming out of high school he was one of the most sought out players in the country. Several talent evaluators had this guy as a 2024 draft sleeper and a few had him higher on their board. Many of us felt his production at Clemson would have been more impressive had he not suffered from nagging injuries. Hopefully Cardinals can get him in better condition. He has an elite first step coupled with a wide variety of moves. Some of them lack polish, which should be correctable as he’s a willing student. He has an exceptional motor and always plays to the whistle. He has excellent agility and bend. I expect him to typically start on passing downs as he is weak against the run at this point. Don’t be surprised if they move Robinson inside on passing downs and let Thomas come in from the outside. He is both fast and quick. Against all but the best tackles, he could be immediately effective. The more tape I watched on him the more I liked him.
Coupled with the other rushers I expect the 2024 pass rush to be average. I do think the Cards may yet sign a veteran rusher as a mentor.
Finally what will the O-line look like?
It was a focus in free agency & the draft. BTW the interest in Humphries post injury is real. If his price is realistic don’t be shocked by a return to the desert. Humphries comfort zone is limited and he’d prefer to go to a place he knows. The coaching staff sincerely likes him, but they won’t pay top dollar unless an injury forces the Cards to add a lineman. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them flip the tackles in preseason to see which alignment is most productive. Center and RG starters will remain unchanged. The real action will be at LG. I do not like Wilkinson. If he’s the starter, the offseason was a partial failure. At least 6 guys figure to see some action at LG. I think Adams and Colon are the favorites. They want guards who can pull and hit their target on the run. I think Gaines and Hayes will fall by the wayside.
