Analysis of Nebraska vs. Missouri 2009 & 2010

[Mitch]

11-Blaine Gabbert:

Positives:

* slippery runner when he evades pressure
* good tight delivery
* can throw into small windows on his bread and butter passes (quick slants, skinny posts, 15 yard digs)
* good vision
* plays hurt

Negatives:

* gets happy feet too quickly
* does not like to hang in the pocket once his first read is taken away
* fumbles on runs and scrambles
* throws too late on fade passes
* deep passes hang up too long

Other players I studied:

10-Roy Helou (NEB, RB): Home run back---give him a crease and he's gone---runs a little high---not going to break many tackles---feast or famine type RB---but runs with ease in the open field.

68-Keith Williams (NEB, G): Legitimate mauler---fires off the ball---hammers down on the seal blocks and takes the NT on a sleigh ride---a little slow out of his stance and in turning the corner on his pull blocks, but will explode into his blocks when he gets there. Solid base and strength in pass pro. Tends to lean a little at times---but has strong arms.

24-Niles Paul (NEB, WR): Solidly built---runs good routes---finishes off his catches---good in the red zone---not a blazer, but more of a physical #2 or #3 WR---can catch in crowd.

21-Prince Amakumara (NEB, WR): Fundamental and tough. Plays his side with total discipline. Breaks on the ball on a dime. Keeps everything in front of him. Has impreccable instincts. Ideal zone corner---after having watched a good deal of film on PP7---while PP7 is a truly gifted athlete---Amakumara is a stronger, more natural pro CB---and is a perfect type fit for Ray Horton's defense.

44-Mike McNeill (NEB, TE): Good target, smooth route runner, excellent hands. More of a finesse player than physical. Keep an eye on the Huskers' young TE Kyler Reed, who will be a jr. next year.

7-Dejon Gomes (NEB, CB): Smart and physical nickel and RCB...made a couple of nice breakups and had a nice pick of Gabbert on an out pass that he nearly took to the house. I think he fits Horton's system well---has good size (6-0, 190) and is a good blitzer as well.

90-Alex Henery (NEB-K): Great leg---very accurate---dependable---imo will be taken as early as the late 4th round or early 5th, possibly even earlier.

85-Aldon Smith (MIZ-DE): Was not a real factor in either game---both of these games were big games among ranked teams. Slow to get off the snap---gets stood up almost every play---a total read and react type player who has great quicks when he reacts fast enough and has a crease to the ball. Doesn't take it to the offense the way very good defensive players do. Yet, flashes an extremely quick burst to the ball---but that's usually on broken plays---does not hold up well versus the run.

More on Blaine Gabbert: then you go and watch his performance versus Texas A&M and you can't help but be enamored with him---now Von Miller wasn't playing in that game, but just the same Gabbert lit the scoreboard up (looking like Kurt Warner did in the first half at Chicago in 2009)---making all the throws that the Cardinals like to call with ease, style and impressive aplomb: skinny posts, digs, hitches and short fades.

Funny that the Bidwills, Whiz and Keim went to Missouri to work out and dine this kid---only to have Whiz later state that he felt no QB in this draft was a sure-fire franchise QB like Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan.

Then Whiz---whether he intended to or not---let a bit of the cat out of the bag when he talked about "the expectations" that occur when a team drafts a QB in the top of the draft---Whiz tried to amend his choice of the word "expectations" but one cannot help but relate Whiz's comments to the Matt Leinart situation and the pressure that comes within an organization to start a top draft pick QB.

Clearly it would seem that Whiz does not want to be hamstrung by those kinds of "expectations" again this year. There's no doubt he wants a veteran to start...and he and Michael Bidwill have expressed strong approval in John Skelton and think that he could be a starter at some point.

Unless---Whiz's comments were a ruse in the hope that the top 4 teams will agree with Whiz's open assessment of the top QBs and thereby pass on Gabbert.

As crazy as this upcoming draft is---I would not be surprised if Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert go #1 and #2...with John Elway in the picture in Denver and the dubious prospect of moving forward with Tim Tebow---I could very well see Elway---who is still smarting over the team's trading of Jay Cutler---taking Gabbert...and if not, Denver, then quite possibly Buffalo or Cincinnati.

All this said---I think Gabbert's skill set does fit Whiz's system---I am just not sure if Gabbert is equipped to handle pressure.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

My interpretation of Whiz's remarks to fans was: Don't go crazy if we don't pick a QB and don't expect a saviour in year one, if we do.

Both Kiper and McShay have Gabbert to the Cards in their latest mocks.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I don't see John Fox, who has a pitiful record of finding good QBs and was likely approved by Elway, taking Gabbert with the #2. From all accounts, the Denver front office LOVES their QB situation especially since they anointed Orton the starter and talked about how excited they are about Tebow's potential. Tebow showed that he has a lot of potential and with another year of development, could be a charismatic, infectious leader of the Denver Broncos.

With Dumervil and Ayers already in tow, look for the Broncos to address their defensive line interior with Fairley or Dareus as the pick. IMO one of the locks of the top five is that the Denver Broncos WILL NOT take a QB.

Additionally, I'll add that neither Carolina nor Buffalo will take Gabbert either. From all accounts, Carolina likes Newton more. Carolina isn't as bad as most teams selecting Numero Uno; they have a solid defense, a good offensive line, decent young WRs, and a stable of very good running backs. As bad as the Cardinals QB situation was, Carolina's situation with Casey Clausen was significantly worse. I'd wager that Clausen was the worst rookie starting QB of the past two decades at least. Newton would be an immediately upgrade and would add the personality and leadership that Carolina is lacking.

Buffalo will come to the realization that Fitzpatrick is a solid starting QB and that their need for a front seven playmaker is drastic. That means that Von Miller, Fairley, Dareus, and Robert Quinn will be the guys they look at. I agree with most prognosticators that Miller is likely the guy they will be zeroing in on.

Cincinnati will either go QB or WR here; if I were a betting man, I'd bet the house that Green is the pick here. Cinci usually addresses need at the top of the draft and their need for an impact playmaker on offense, in light of their issues with Johnson and Owens will push them to take Green. Mike Brown will stubbornly push to keep Carson Palmer and will NOT capitulate and take his replacement here.

That likely leaves Peterson, Gabbert, and Robert Quinn as the selection for the Cardinals with Dareus or Fairley still on the board. IMO the Cardinals will go Quinn, since we were well represented at the Chapel Hill workout. Whisenhunt will remember a less athletic Berry making plays at the same position Quinn will play for us and will view Quinn as an immediate starter and an impact player in year one. The Cardinals draft BPAPN (Best Player Available Position of Need) so they won't draft a D-lineman nor CB.

So IMO Gabbert, Quinn, or trade down are the options, and Whisenhunt and company will come to the conclusion that Quinn is the best OLB prospect available and carries a significantly higher grade than the next prospects on the list (Reed, Acho, etc.).

What will throw a wrench in our plans is if John Fox decides to draft Quinn #2 overall and then Buffalo drafts Miller #3 overall, leaving the Cardinals to either reach for a guy like Kerrigan or panic later to draft a 3-4 OLB after selecting Peterson/Gabbert at #5.

IMO the most likely destination for Gabbert is San Francisco at #7 since he's a great fit in a West Coast offense.

 

[Pariah]

My interpretation of Whiz's remarks to fans was: Don't go crazy if we don't pick a QB and don't expect a saviour in year one, if we do.

Agreed. I don't think there's anything you can read into his comments one way or the other. I think he chose his words pretty carefully to that effect.

 

[WildBB]

21-Prince Amakumara (NEB, WR): Fundamental and tough. Plays his side with total discipline. Breaks on the ball on a dime. Keeps everything in front of him. Has impreccable instincts. Ideal zone corner---after having watched a good deal of film on PP7---while PP7 is a truly gifted athlete---Amakumara is a stronger, more natural pro CB---and is a perfect type fit for Ray Horton's defense.

We're not going to pick this one at 5. But maybe he should be getting more attention in a trade down senario with Dallas or Houston. Both would love to get PP7.

I've thought for a while that Amakamura would fit well into this D.

And he's from Glendale, Az.

Great fit!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I've put Roy Helu in every mock I have done for the Cards. A 5th or 6th rounder will be great value for him. I would rather have him on the team than Gabbert. The thing I dislike most about Gabbert is, when he gets any semblence of pressure around him in the pocket, his accuracy goes out the window. It's almost like he just throws it towards something and hopes to complete it. Any QB, other than Derek Anderson, is going to be accurate with a clean pocket and open throwing lanes.

 

[joeshmo]

With Dumervil and Ayers already in tow, look for the Broncos to address their defensive line interior with Fairley or Dareus as the pick. IMO one of the locks of the top five is that the Denver Broncos WILL NOT take a QB.

Is Ayers really in tow? The guy has a grand total of 1.5 sacks in two seasons. And Dumervil is coming of huge injury.

I think it will be Dareus, but wouldnt not rule out Peterson or Miller. Would no be surprised at all considering their pass rush needs and Bailey only being on what is virtually a one year, year by year contract.

 

[joeshmo]

IMO the Cardinals will go Quinn, since we were well represented at the Chapel Hill workout. Whisenhunt will remember a less athletic Berry making plays at the same position Quinn will play for us and will view Quinn as an immediate starter and an impact player in year one. The Cardinals draft BPAPN (Best Player Available Position of Need) so they won't draft a D-lineman nor CB.

I highly doubt the Cards will see a guy who hasn't played for a year and will most likely not get as much off season training as someone who will be an immediate starter and impact player. Just like Wiz has been talking about with certain prospects "you better manage your expectations". Also I am not so sure cards being present means much of anything, Cards have been represented every where this offseason, they got nothing else better to do.

Same goes for the top 2 QBs as well. Having played in systems where all they ever did or where asked to do was one read and run, zero reading of a defense, you better manage those expectations for the first season. Neither one is going to come in a Sam Bradford their way into the hearts of the fans their first year, especially with a truncated offseason.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Is Ayers really in tow? The guy has a grand total of 1.5 sacks in two seasons. And Dumervil is coming of huge injury.

Ayers has been miscast as a 3-4 OLB, and would be much better playing his natural position with a hand on the ground. Sure there are question marks, but IMO QB is not one of them for the Denver Broncos. IMO Denver has one of the better QB situations in the league with a solid veteran (Orton) and a young guy with loads of potential (Tebow).

I think it will be Dareus, but wouldnt not rule out Peterson or Miller. Would no be surprised at all considering their pass rush needs and Bailey only being on what is virtually a one year, year by year contract.

Peterson is an option, but I doubt that Fox will be enamored with Miller since he doesn't project very well to the 4-3 RE position. I think all things considered, Denver will address the immediate concerns now (like most teams do) and will draft someone who can improve the pass rush and improve the run defense (Dareus).

 

[Krangodnzr]

I highly doubt the Cards will see a guy who hasn't played for a year and will most likely not get as much off season training as someone who will be an immediate starter and impact player. Just like Wiz has been talking about with certain prospects "you better manage your expectations". Also I am not so sure cards being present means much of anything, Cards have been represented every where this offseason, they got nothing else better to do.

Same goes for the top 2 QBs as well. Having played in systems where all they ever did or where asked to do was one read and run, zero reading of a defense, you better manage those expectations for the first season. Neither one is going to come in a Sam Bradford their way into the hearts of the fans their first year, especially with a truncated offseason.

Even without playing for a year, Quinn is still rated by nearly everyone as a top ten pick. He has the tools and flashed elite production early on in his career at Chapel Hill. I think it will be very hard for the Cardinals to ignore this and they will take Quinn if Miller is taken earlier.

IMO Miller is "safer" while Quinn has more upside, and the Cardinals like I stated in the earlier post take the BPAPN nearly every draft. That does mean that QB is a consideration, but I think as you have pointed out, that Whisenhunt will see the flaws in Gabbert's game and will decide that if it's between spending a top pick on Gabbert or going with veteran/Skelton or just Skelton and a defender, Whisenhunt will likely pass on the flawed rookie QB.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I'd just like to add: A rookie DE/OLB pass rush specialist is generally more productive than a rookie QB that doesn't play.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I said it a while ago and Ill say it again. I heard 3 months ago the Cards are "enamored" with Robert Quinn and I am still convinced he will be the pick.

Personally I love that. Miller is JUST a speed rusher and will get swallowed up by good to great tackles in the NFL IMO. Quinn is a beast and might have been the #1 pick had he played this year.

I want Quinn, Peterson, or Gabbert.

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

I highly doubt the Cards will see a guy who hasn't played for a year and will most likely not get as much off season training as someone who will be an immediate starter and impact player. Just like Wiz has been talking about with certain prospects "you better manage your expectations". Also I am not so sure cards being present means much of anything, Cards have been represented every where this offseason, they got nothing else better to do.

Same goes for the top 2 QBs as well. Having played in systems where all they ever did or where asked to do was one read and run, zero reading of a defense, you better manage those expectations for the first season. Neither one is going to come in a Sam Bradford their way into the hearts of the fans their first year, especially with a truncated offseason.

The Sam Bradford example is not a real good one. The knock on Bradford coming out was that he played in a spread offense that allowed for huge passing lanes and wide open recievers and one that created quarterbacks with inflated numbers that didn't translate well to the NFL. Also, Bradford played the equivalent of less than 3 games his junior year due to the recurring shoulder injuries. At least Gabbert played a full junior season.

As for Quinn not making an impact, look back at Simeon Rice and Andre Wadsworth's rookie seasons as examples that he can make an impact with little offseason work. Both signed their rookie contracts on the eve of the first regular season game. All Rice did was win defensive rookie of the year with 12.5 sacks and Wadsworth was the most dominant lineman on the Cardinals by the time the playoffs rolled around. Quinn will be asked to do one thing as a rookie and that will be to sack the quarterback. 2-3 weeks of real football training in pads and he will be ready for that task. The dropping back stuff and learning coverages as an outside backer can be learned during the offseason after his rookie year. Ray Horton said that he will employ alot of 4-2-5 looks in obvious passing situations. Quinn will be doing in his rookie year just what he did at NC, hand on the ground rushing the quarterback.

 

[Duckjake]

Ray Horton said that he will employ alot of 4-2-5 looks in obvious passing situations.

Hmmm....add this to Joeshmoe saying Toler is terrible and it points more and more to Peterson being the best pick.

Yet another reason to look hard at guys like Peterson and Prince and Jimmy Smith of Colorado.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/...study-copy-packers-plan-of-attack-vs-steelers

 

[overseascardfan]

My interpretation of Whiz's remarks to fans was: Don't go crazy if we don't pick a QB and don't expect a saviour in year one, if we do.

Both Kiper and McShay have Gabbert to the Cards in their latest mocks.

Only because Miller and Peterson aren't expected to reach #5, if one of them are there then all bets are off.

 

[Buckybird]

Yet another reason to look hard at guys like Peterson and Prince and Jimmy Smith of Colorado.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/...study-copy-packers-plan-of-attack-vs-steelers

...or another reason to draft Gabbert or Newton

I still say if you can't disrupt a QB's timing by blasting him 1 out of every 4 plays, the top 5 Qb's in this league will eat your lunch!!!

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Only because Miller and Peterson aren't expected to reach #5, if one of them are there then all bets are off.

Obviously you didn't see either mock!

 

[Pariah]

I want Quinn, Peterson, or Gabbert.

I think I'm with you on that (in that order, even).

 

[WildBB]

Even without playing for a year, Quinn is still rated by nearly everyone as a top ten pick. He has the tools and flashed elite production early on in his career at Chapel Hill. I think it will be very hard for the Cardinals to ignore this and they will take Quinn if Miller is taken earlier.

IMO Miller is "safer" while Quinn has more upside, and the Cardinals like I stated in the earlier post take the BPAPN nearly every draft. That does mean that QB is a consideration, but I think as you have pointed out, that Whisenhunt will see the flaws in Gabbert's game and will decide that if it's between spending a top pick on Gabbert or going with veteran/Skelton or just Skelton and a defender, Whisenhunt will likely pass on the flawed rookie QB.

I'm on board with this strategy. And agree that Quinn has the most upside of allmost anyone coming out. Think he could be phenominal at the RDE spot on passing downs. Could work out at the SOLB spot on the first two downs.

But again, I wouldn't be against moving down some and picking up some x-tra picks that we could use this year.

I think the chances would be good to pick up a very good QB in round 2 as well. Either Ponder or Mallet.

 

[WildBB]

Hmmm....add this to Joeshmoe saying Toler is terrible and it points more and more to Peterson being the best pick.

Yet another reason to look hard at guys like Peterson and Prince and Jimmy Smith of Colorado.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/...study-copy-packers-plan-of-attack-vs-steelers

He was "terrble." I can't believe this board doesn't acknowledge that more.

They hope that he will improve, but he has not shown any indication that he's nothing more than a nickle at this point.

Amakamura would be a solid, solid addition to this D.

 

[Duckjake]

...or another reason to draft Gabbert or Newton

I still say if you can't disrupt a QB's timing by blasting him 1 out of every 4 plays, the top 5 Qb's in this league will eat your lunch!!!

That's ok. We only play 1 of the top 5 QBs so we'll be good in the other 15 games.

The point of that article is that Green Bay effectively neutralized the Steelers pass rush with the Spread offense attacking the Steelers weak secondary. So we get a top 5 secondary and neutralize the spread offense QBs with our outstanding coverage.