Capital Card
The Kobayashi of Kool-Aid
Here is the latest Cardinal report from USAToday.
Inside Slant
If it's what up front that counts, the Cardinals are headed for another dismal season.
Fresh off a paltry four wins last season and five the year before, the line on each side of the ball has been jumbled, and continues to be jumbled, by new coach Dennis Green, who after three futile efforts in a winless preseason still hasn't found an answer.
That is particularly disheartening on the offensive side, because Green, like most observers, believed the offensive line likely was the strength of the team. He believed that moving Leonard Davis to left tackle would only make it stronger, and perhaps in time it will.
But Green continues to be irked by the play of the unit and the team's inability to run the ball. The offensive line also is among the few areas of the team that can't use injuries as an excuse.
"We have not run the ball well and I think it starts with the line," said Green. "You have to create holes that the backs can run through. There is not a back in the league that breaks tackles from defensive linemen.
"As long as the linemen realize their job is to open holes for the all-time leading rusher in the NFL, and I think we will get that point across, then we'll have a very effective offense."
On the defensive side, everyone knew the line was a weakness, and it has lived up to its billing, even after the off-season acquisition of pass-rushing end Bertrand Berry and the drafting of tackle-end Darnell Dockett in the third round. The tackles are lame and the revolving door at left end continues to spin.
Add to that the opening-scrimmage injury to running back Marcel Shipp (fractured leg, dislocated ankle; out for the season); a freak knee injury during a practice warm up by Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin (knee surgery; out two to three months); aggravation of a wrist injury by starting under tackle Kenny King (likely season-ending surgery); injuries forcing starting left end Fred Wakefield onto injured reserve (stress fracture, foot; concussion), plus less serious injuries to starting receivers Larry Fitzgerald (ankle) and Bryant Johnson (foot) that have prevented the anticipated starting three wide outs from ever seeing the field together, and it's no wonder why most observers now believe the Cardinals are looking at yet another four- or five-win season at best.
Already, Green has paraded through 11 players claimed off waivers just since camp opened, and there's no question that there will be more.
And now, an interesting plot is developing with the acquisition of running back Troy Hambrick - the same Troy Hambrick who eased NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith off the Dallas Cowboys roster a year ago in Smith's declining years when the Cowboys wanted to go younger.
Hambrick's size replaces that of Shipp, who now is very likely headed for Injured Reserve with this move. Backups Josh Scobey and Damien Anderson have had their moments, but they're not pounders.
Nor is the aging Smith, who was promoted to the starting position ahead of Shipp by Green, who said at the time he made the move because Smith is the more adept seam runner for the type of rushing anticipated in a three-receiver set.
But with Boldin, Fitzgerald and Johnson injured, and Green unimpressed with their backups, the use of three-receiver sets will be limited. And at 35, Smith can't be expected to carry the load to the extent he once did.
So once again, Smith feels Hambrick breathing down his neck.
In acquiring Hambrick and defensive end Peppi Zellner from Oakland this week in exchange for an undisclosed 2005 draft pick - and likely a very high one - the team has mortgaged its future to an extent. It's headed for a dismal record and another high drafting position.
And if the line continues to play as it has so far, it will matter little who lines up in the backfield. Davis has struggled learning his new position. Only Reggie Wells has been a bright spot, at left guard. Cameron Spikes at right guard, has been solid but rookie center Alex Stepanovich is feeling his way and right tackle Anthony Clement continues to fan quite a breeze with his blocking whiffs.
That has caused first-year starter Josh McCown to become as much runner as passer at quarterback.
And that's the good news.
If the offense appears to be a train wreck, spare yourself from looking at the defense.
Dockett began camp battling King at under tackle, was moved to left end two weeks ago with Green saying Dockett would stay there even after King was injured, and now Dockett is back at under tackle after the team acquired Zellner, who before he set foot on the practice field was the new starter at left end. The committee at left end hasn't found an effective leader yet.
Inside, tackle Russell Davis hasn't exactly made a reputation for his push. Dockett has potential with his athleticism to thrive at under tackle but he's young. Only Berry has performed as expected.
With cornerback Duane Starks coming back gingerly from knee surgery that wiped out his entire 2003 season, opposite corner David Macklin still learning the defense after coming over from Indianapolis as a free agent, and the door still revolving at free safety, where Dexter Jackson has a back injury, Quentin Harris' play was repulsive and recent pickup-turned-starter Ifeanyi Ohalete down with an ankle sprain, it's a recipe for disaster.
An athletic group of linebackers will be more than busy trying to compensate for those in front of and behind them.
COACHING: Dennis Green, 11th year, 1st with Cardinals (97-62).
REMEMBERING: 2003 record: 4-12 (4th in NFC West); did not reach playoffs.
PREDICTING: 2004 regular season record 4-12 (4th in NFC West); another top-five first-round draft pick.
NOTES, QUOTES
— DE Bertrand Berry returns to Denver in the preseason finale, where he made his name in the league as a pass rusher for the Broncos.
"It will be a little weird," said Berry. "Knowing that I will be battling against guys that I just battled with six months ago is a little different."
Conversely, the Cardinals will see a familiar face: Broncos QB Jake Plummer, the former Cardinals starter.
— QB Josh McCown, now in Plummer's old spot with the Cardinals, gives NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith pause because of McCown's inclination to quickly pull down the ball and run - and with sloppy line play he's had plenty of opportunity through a winless opening three weeks in preseason.
"I don't like seeing him take hits," Smith said. "If he wants to take a hit, he needs to take No. 12 off and put No. 22 (Smith's number) on his back and run around and take all the hits he wants. But he needs to help us and then get down on the ground so we can preserve his health throughout the season."
Coach Dennis Green likes the dimension McCown's scrambling gives the team, but he, too, wants to see McCown pick his spots more carefully.
— With unscrupulous enterprises attempting to cash in on Pat Tillman souvenir jerseys, the league and the players association, along with the Cardinals, have taken it under control. Sales were suspended after Tillman was killed in Afghanistan. Fans will be able again to purchase jerseys of Tillman, the former Cardinals safety killed in April in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger in combat. Replica Tillman Cardinals jerseys sales will resume Sept. 19. Proceeds from sales will help the former player's foundation. A hologram will verify each jersey's authenticity.
The Cardinals retired Tillman's No. 40 jersey and will have a Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza at their new stadium in Glendale, scheduled to open in 2006. The team will honor Tillman during a halftime tribute at its first home game, Sept. 19 against New England. All NFL players will wear a No. 40 decal on their helmets that week.
The Cardinals will wear the decals all season.
— What's in it for first-round draft pick Larry Fitzgerald if the rookie receiver has a great year? According to The Arizona Republic, Fitzgerald, the third player chosen in the draft, can augment his $1.05 million salary to $2.7 million if he participates in 35 percent of the team's offensive plays and meets one of several criteria: Rookie of the Year or NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; Cardinals leader in playing time; at least 41 receptions or club leader in receptions; more than 800 yards receiving or club leader in receiving; 18.6 yards-per-catch average or club leader in average; at least 12 touchdowns or 76 points; more than 1,600 total yards; if the team's total offense improves and isn't ranked in the bottom five of the NFL or the bottom three of the NFC; if the team's average net yards per pass play improves and isn't at the bottom of the NFL or NFC, or the team wins more games than the four it won in 2003 and is not in the bottom five of the NFL or the bottom three of the conference.
BY THE NUMBERS: 11 — Number of players Cardinals have claimed off waivers through the final week of preseason.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It feels like someone cut all of the air conditioning off, opened up all the windows, blew the roof off the house and let the sun shine on in and there isn't a piece of wind out here. You don't even see the trees moving out here. They're probably thirsty — they've got to be." — RB Emmitt Smith, not on the team's acquisition of old nemesis Troy Hambrick as his backup, but on the team's return from the cool air of training camp at Flagstaff, Ariz. (7,200 feet elevation) and Prescott, Ariz. (5,00 feet) to the desert floor and 105 degrees on the field at their Tempe training facility.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
— RB Troy Hambrick was acquired in a trade from Oakland and likely will see plenty of action as Emmitt Smith's backup. Hambrick's size is vital after Marcel Shipp was lost for at least three months to injury. This acquisition could send Shipp to Injured Reserve. Last season Hambrick started all 16 games and rushed for 972 yards on 275 attempts (4.0 average) with five rushing touchdowns in Dallas.
—DE Peppi Zellner was acquired in a trade from Oakland and likely will line up as the left-side starter, where a committee of players has failed during preseason to impress the coaches. He played in 16 games for the Redskins a year ago. If nothing else, he has the girth that others who've given it a try lack.
— WR Bryant Johnson, out since June with a stress fracture in his foot, has returned to practice.
"He looked rusty," coach Dennis Green said. "He looked like how a guy would look when he hasn't run in over two months.
— DL Darnell Dockett, who moved from the "under" defensive tackle to left end two weeks ago, is back as starter at under tackle after Kenny King's wrist injury likely will end his season before it begins.
— WR Chris Collins was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— WR Fabian Davis was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— WR Derek McCoy was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— LB Justin Smith was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— LB Isaac Keys was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— K Matt Fordyce was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— DT Nate Hobgood-Chittick was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— QB Chris Lewis was cut. He was low on the depth chart and unlikely to play.
— DE Fred Wakefield (stress fracture, foot; concussion) was placed on Injured Reserve. He was battling for the starting spot and would have played significantly.
— CB Dyshod Carter was cut. He was low on the chart.
— G-T Raleigh Roundtree was cut. The veteran was not expected to play significantly.
— DE Joe Tafoya was cut less than a week after he was claimed on waivers.
— LB Marcus Wilkins was cut. He was low on the depth chart.
— OT Alan Reuber was claimed off waivers from Minnesota. He will be a backup.
— S Dexter Jackson (back), CB Duane Starks (groin), OLB Karlos Dansby (hamstring), FB James Hodgins (shoulder) are day-to-day.
— WR Bryant Johnson (foot) is out another week.
PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Karl Williams - The veteran was picked up off the scrap heap during the off-season and has been surprisingly effective when it appeared he might be finished in the league. He's been impressive not only as a receiver but also as punt returner. His preseason come-through has been especially pleasant with starting WRs Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson out with injuries.
DRAFT PICKS TO STICK:
Rd. 1/3, WR Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh — He has missed some preseason time to an ankle injury but he is a starter who adds deep speed to complement Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson. He's still iffy for the opener, though.
Rd. 2/33, OLB Karlos Dansby, Auburn — He had just moved into the starting lineup before being slowed by a hamstring strain. Coaches love his athleticism and playmaking. Appears to have big future.
Rd. 3/64, DL Darnell Dockett, Florida State — He's been the human Ping-Pong ball moving from under tackle to left end and now back to under tackle, where he is the starter. He is a cat-quick playmaker but he's raw.
Rd. 4/100, C Alex Stepanovich, Ohio State — After the surprise pre-camp cutting of Pete Kendall for reasons still best known to coach Dennis Green, Stepanovich stepped into the starting lineup from the first practice and he's been solid, although he has a ton of responsibility making the line calls and he's still mastering NFL fronts. But he's tough, smart and seems to have necessary skill.
Rd. 5/ 135, DE Antonio Smith, Oklahoma State — Currently working on third team so he is vulnerable at final roster cut. A likely practice-squad pick if he doesn't make the active roster.
6/167, C Nick Leckey, Kansas State — Currently working on third team so he is vulnerable at final roster cut. A likely practice-squad pick if he doesn't make the active roster.
Rd. 7/ 202, QB John Navarre, Michigan — Has the No. 3 QB position in his grip following strong preseason performances in limited opportunities. Definitely worth keeping and developing.
UNIT BY UNIT ANALYSIS
QUARTERBACK: Starter — Josh McCown. Backups — Shaun King, John Navarre.
McCown started the final three games of a lost season and showed potential not only with his arm but also his feet. He has picked that up in the preseason, although he still is a bit quick to give up on the pass and pull it down and run. He is big and strong and could be a player around whom Green can build. Unless King stages a miracle career comeback or seventh-round draft pick Navarre is far better than anyone imagines, McCown will go about his business unchallenged. Lewis
RUNNING BACKS: Starters — RB Emmitt Smith, FB James Hodgins. Backups — RB Troy Hambrick, RB Marcel Shipp, RB Josh Scobey, RB Damien Anderson, FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo, RB Larry Croom, RB Joshua Rue, RB Larry Croom.
Smith, the NFL career rushing leader, was named the starter ahead of team two-time team rushing leader Shipp, a surprise move given that Smith is aging and coming off the worst season of his career. Green likes his ability to hit seams. Shipp, more powerful and adept at gaining positive yardage, suffered what could be a season-ending injury in the first scrimmage. The team traded for Troy Hambrick, who appears headed for extensive backup duty, especially when the job calls for his size and power over Smith's slashing. Ayanbadejo gets the FB job by default initially with Hodgins recovering from a shoulder injury for another month.
TIGHT END: Starter — Freddie Jones. Backups — Eric Edwards, Lorenzo Diamond.
Jones should be a game-breaker with his ability to get downfield when surrounded by a promising group of outside receivers. But with the starting wide ********* down with injuries, he is in the too-familiar role of having to carry a lot of load himself with no outside help to keep the defense honest. Green is counting on him heavily and told him if he isn't playing at a Pro Bowl level he will sit. There really isn't a stud blocker among the group.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Bryant Johnson. Backups — Karl Williams, Kevin Kasper, Nathan Poole, Reggie Newhouse, Lawrence Hamilton.
There was exciting potential with Boldin, Fitzgerald and Johnson ticketed to line up together much of the time before all three suffered preseason injuries. Boldin is out three months. Fitzgerald and Johnson remain iffy for the opener but should return by the second week. The veteran Williams has been among the few pleasant surprises of preseason with his competent work when forced into a starting role. They're young, and what remains to be seen is whether any really has the speed to be a deep threat - Johnson was ticketed for that role. They're all effective under receivers and will rely on yards after catch more than catching the home run ball.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters — LT Leonard Davis, LG Reggie Wells, C Alex Stepanovich, RG Cameron Spikes, RT Anthony Clement. Backups — T-G L.J. Shelton, C-G Frank Garcia, G Tony Wragge, Everett Lindsay, G-C Steve Grace, G Rolando Cantu, T Alan Reuber.
The Big Red Line proved to be mostly fluff the past two years, so it got a makeover, and so far the results have been a huge disappointment. The unit has not gotten the job done in preseason, reflecting widespread underachievement a year ago. Davis moves out to left tackle. Shelton likely will move inside to LG. Spikes goes from the left side to the right. They're all big and experienced, and should be a better unit than what they've shown. Wells has been the most impressive. Stepanovich's inexperience will be exposed.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters — LE Peppi Zellner, DT Russell Davis, DT Darnell Dockett, DE Bertrand Berry. Backups - DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE Kenny King, DT Ross Kolodziej, DT Wendell Bryant, DE Calvin Pace, DE Antonio Smith, DE Dennis Johnson, DT Cedric Hilliard.
It's going to be well into the season before this unit shows anything. Personnel has been in a state of flux and probably will continue to be with Dockett evidently settling at under tackle and newcomer Zellner at LE as Green brings his infamous "under" defense to the desert. The unit has been flat-out lousy. Berry will help the lackluster pass rush. Dockett is a mobile menace capable of blowing up plays. It's a start. Former first-round picks Bryant and Pace has been huge disappointments.
LINEBACKER: SLB Karlos Dansby, MLB Ron McKinnon, and WLB Raynoch Thompson. Backups — SLB LeVar Woods, MLB Gerald Hayes, WLB James Darling, WLB LeVar Fisher
Overall, the unit a smallish but has playmaking potential outside with the quickness of Thompson, Dansby and Fisher - who is coming back from two off-season knee surgeries and likely to move up on the chart. Inside, McKinnon continues to hang around for his ninth season. The unit hasn't established any identity, largely because it has had virtually no help in front of it.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters - CB Duane Starks, CB David Macklin, SS Adrian Wilson, FS Ifeanyi Ohalete. Backups - CB Renaldo Hill, CB Robert Tate, S Adrian Mayes, FS Quentin Harris, FS Dexter Jackson, CB Coby Rhinehart, CB Michael Stone.
These guys have played not so much on an island but on a melting iceberg. With no pass rush, they've been forced to cover longer and their weaknesses quickly. Starks has been slow coming back from a knee injury. Macklin has won the job opposite Starks. FS has had three starters so far. Wilson has been most consistent. Overall, the unit doesn't scare anyone except perhaps its own coaches.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Neil Rackers, P Scott Player, LS Nathan Hodel, KR Josh Scobey, PR Karl Williams.
Rackers knocked Bill Gramatica off the roster. Player has been one of the best in the business for years. There are a multitude of speedy candidates for the return jobs. Scobey became one of the highest-average kickoff returners in the conference. Williams has replaced injured Anquan Boldin with surprisingly strong results as punt returner.
