Address the RB situation

[slanidrac16]

I am not upset that the CArds took DRC with the first pick when we could have taken Mendenhall. The backs remaining in the draft were really not "the answer" and by the 3rd round all the name rb's were gone.

This offense was great at times last year and adequate enough to be a playoff team and it's only going to get better this year with a full year of the system and philosophy under our collective belts. I really believe our running game will benefit too.

That being said, onre of my biggest concerns is just what the loss of James would mean to this offense. I know there is a lot of love for Hightower, but really, can we ask this kid to step in and fill the starting rb position?eally think ha can learn all the blitz responsibilities without getting our QB's killed in the process?

I think the FO would be very wise in picking up a back like Kevin Jones. At least his presence would be a nice insurance policy should anything happen to James.

Or how about this? Shaun Alexander. The Saints apparently think he is worthy of backing up McCallister. I don't know how much he would want but I know of another RB on this team that is going to make close to 2m this year. That money could be put to better use. Another bonus is how motivated he might be to prove the Seahawks wrong. That seems to be a battle cry on this team. The old "chip on the shoulder" and wanting to prove something.

We appear to be so close at turning this thing around. I just don't like the thought of our season hinging on Arrington, Shipp and Hightower.

 

[CardLogic]

Neither Alexander nor K. Jones are known for blitz pickup! They aren't going to help here...

 

[Goldfield]

I wold Love to pick up Kevin Jones to add to the mix of James & Hightower.

Jones would be cheap & would be better than Shipp or JJ IMO.

 

[az jam]

A very valid question. If James goes down we will indeed be hurting. I'm not sure who the best rb free agent on the market is but IMO you are correct and needs to be addressed preferably in training camp.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I think most fail to realize that James is still an unbelievable pass protector. Manning said he was the best he had ever seen at it and that was where he would be missed the most.

Off of th top of my head, the only guy who I think is better at it is Clinton Portis.

 

[cardsfanmd]

If Edge were to get hurt, we need to pull Leinart and let Kurt sling it IMO.

 

[Shane]

I think most fail to realize that James is still an unbelievable pass protector. Manning said he was the best he had ever seen at it and that was where he would be missed the most.

Off of th top of my head, the only guy who I think is better at it is Clinton Portis.

He doesnt get enough pub. But Thomas Jones was a devastating blocker as a RB and as good as anyone at pass protection.

 

[abomb]

I wold Love to pick up Kevin Jones to add to the mix of James & Hightower.

Jones would be cheap & would be better than Shipp or JJ IMO.

Apparently Kevin Jones rolled into minicamp looking "not slim".

 

[CardinalChris]

Cedric Benson could be on the market

 

[PoolBoy]

He doesnt get enough pub. But Thomas Jones was a devastating blocker as a RB and as good as anyone at pass protection.

maurice jones drew. that block on merriman was one of the best i've seen.

 

[Ed Burmila]

I think most fail to realize that James is still an unbelievable pass protector. Manning said he was the best he had ever seen at it and that was where he would be missed the most.

Off of th top of my head, the only guy who I think is better at it is Clinton Portis.

The only guy I can think of who is better is retired - Emmitt Smith. Even though I hate the Cowboys and think our signing of Smith was a PR stunt, nobody has ever done it better than that guy.

 

[overseascardfan]

Again I mention LaMont Jordan. He is big enough to be a good blocker and would share carries with James.

 

[Shane]

maurice jones drew. that block on merriman was one of the best i've seen.

That was great blcok no doubt. but is he completely reliable bach there all the time and consistent.

 

[Rats]

Does no one think that our Qb's got absolutley creamed last season with James in the backfield? If Leinart has improved his footwork as the Coach thinks he has he has a chance but short of that with this Oline in front of him he will get killed repeatedly. Warners release saves him some of the beating but he got creamed last year as well. Fix the frontline and James will do his part but short of that sign a decent 3rd stringer because chances are we will need him again.

 

[PoolBoy]

That was great blcok no doubt. but is he completely reliable bach there all the time and consistent.

oh no, i just loved that play. bread truck will no doubt knock someone on their butt like jones-drew did. (patrick willis best watch his back)

 

[slanidrac16]

Again I mention LaMont Jordan. He is big enough to be a good blocker and would share carries with James.

Very good option . He hasn't really racked up a ton of miles the last couple of years and would come cheaply, I would think.

 

[Twist18]

Very good option . He hasn't really racked up a ton of miles the last couple of years and would come cheaply, I would think.

I would wonder what his cap hit would be as he signed a big contract with the Raiders ala Mike Turner.

 

[overseascardfan]

I would wonder what his cap hit would be as he signed a big contract with the Raiders ala Mike Turner.

If he is released wouldn't the Raiders be on the hook for his contract and he can sign another deal with another team? Or is that just MLB & NBA.

 

[artp]

I don't see the Cardinals picking up L Jordan. He is too similar to what the Cardinals hope they have in Hightower. James/Hightower are all the team wants in terms of "4 yards and a cloud of Dust" Rb's. I don't think we will get another RB prior to the season.

 

[WildBB]

I think most fail to realize that James is still an unbelievable pass protector. Manning said he was the best he had ever seen at it and that was where he would be missed the most.

Off of th top of my head, the only guy who I think is better at it is Clinton Portis.

That said, from everyone who has observed him, Hightower is bigger than James. So if James can impart some tips/knowledge, Hightower has an excellent chance of being a solid blitz protector.

I think we'll be allright.

 

[Redheart]

Ron Dayne?

 

[cgolden]

Since we're talking about possible veterans who might be cut during camps, would anyone be interested in Najeh Davenport? The Steelers are stocked full of RBs with Parker, Mendenhall, Davenport and Moore. Davenport's in the final year of his contract so there's a good chance he'll be gone before the season starts.

 

[Garthshort]

Ed Burmila

I agree with you about Emmitt. He opened my eyes with his blocking. And as for vet RB's, there was talk about Mustafa Smith, from Baltimore, but haven't heard his name in a while.

 

[cgolden]

Anyone know the cap hit if Shipp is cut? His contract is up after the 09 season so it couldn't be too much.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I agree with you about Emmitt. He opened my eyes with his blocking. And as for vet RB's, there was talk about Mustafa Smith, from Baltimore, but haven't heard his name in a while.

Musa Smith is a clone of Shipp, only he isn't the same STer. He has been teasing Baltimore for years. I hope and pray we dont even consider him.

I am all over the Navenport idea. If the Steelers keep him I would love to have Mwelde Moore even more. There's another guy that RG cost us the chance to pursue this year.