Any E. Smith news?

[SeattleCard]

Isn't he in Arizona today? Has anyone heard any radio updates or updates from other sources? I am curious...

 

[WizardOfAz]

I understood it was going to be Thursday.

 

[SeattleCard]

From the AZ Rep:

"The timing could not have been better for the Cardinals, who had been shut out in their efforts to sign a free agent this spring. Former Dallas running back Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, is visiting the Cardinals Wednesday and Thursday."

So I suppose he was here today...?

 

[Dan H]

Running off tackle behind Hodgins and "Big" Davis has to be appealing for Emmitt . . .

 

[bratwurst]

Is Emmitt still fast enough to get around the corner?

 

[Zeno]

I really can't understand why the push to sign Emmitt Smith? He is a good back still....used to be great but good now but is he that much of an upgrade over Marcell Shipp who will very likely only get better as he gets more carries and experience?

The Cardinals have so many more needs than RB that its not even funny. Smith will not be the difference between a winning and losing record.

If the Cardinals had a #1 WR, a Center(I am not a Starkey fan), a DE and another DT signed then I'd be all for Smith but at this point it really won't matter.

 

[az643dp]

He is here tonight and will meet the media at 11:00am Thursday. See the top of this forum for the link to listen.

I have a friend that works at Fleming's at Ray and 54th. She said that the Cards have brought all of their free agent visitors there. So maybe Emmitt was there tonight.

Good food!

 

[ajcardfan]

Originally posted by Zeno
I really can't understand why the push to sign Emmitt Smith? He is a good back still....used to be great but good now but is he that much of an upgrade over Marcell Shipp who will very likely only get better as he gets more carries and experience?

The Cardinals have so many more needs than RB that its not even funny. Smith will not be the difference between a winning and losing record.

If the Cardinals had a #1 WR, a Center(I am not a Starkey fan), a DE and another DT signed then I'd be all for Smith but at this point it really won't matter.

Signing Smith would be all about changing the mindset of the team inside the lockerroom, and changing the perception from the out side. The Cardinals are seen as losers, and you can't tell me that, no matter what McGinnis or the players say, that they always have that doubt in the back of their mind.

Case in point:

The 49ers game last year. There was a world of difference between those two teams when they hit the field. Not so much in talent, but in mindset. The 49ers have been in so many big games for so long, they are an organization that expects to win. The Cardinals were star struck. First play of second quarter, the 49ers are up 24-0, game over, season over as it turned out.

So, how do you change that mindset? Well, you have to win. But, to get over the hump, you have to get guys who 100% believe they can do it. If not, get guys that have done it. Jeff Blake gushed about the chance to play with Emmitt. That's what some of you don't seem to understand. His signing would do so much for morale, that it is worth every penny to a team like the Cardinals. Not to mention the exposure, etc.

 

[Zeno]

Signing Smith would be all about changing the mindset of the team inside the lockerroom, and changing the perception from the out side.

So signing him to be a good leader is more important than risking alienating and hindering the development of our current runningback?(who has quite an upside in my opinion)

I am not sold on that, if you want to get a leader or someone who can change the mindset of the team get someone who at least fills a position of need.

The Cowboys have finished with like three consecutive 5-11 years with Smith as their RB...his influence didn't exactly do wonders there. Sure he has won Super Bowls but he is not the same RB he was and he alone will not turn around this franchise.

If you want to change this teams morale you make a positive effort of addressing every position of need with quality players and you get all your draft picks signed early.

I will stand against signing Smith and don't believe he will signficantly impact this team if he is signed.

 

[football24/7]

With all due respect to Emmit, its not signing I would make. Take that maoney and re-sign Jenkins, or another FA that fills a more pressing need. Shipp will do fine, and just wait and see what Scobey can do. He will play in the mix, just watch.

 

[ajcardfan]

We certainly do need to address many other positions...and should. And if Smith stopped us from doing that, then don't sign him. But we have a lot of money.

As for Shipp, he seems to have a great attitude about it. It's the job of the coaches to set down with him and explain that they haven't lost faith in him, he'll still play a lot, etc. He'll understand it's for the good of the team. I think you are selling Shipp short saying he'll make it a problem.

As for the Cowboys-Cardinals comparison, one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Of course he'd have much less of an impact there.

 

[Rats]

Originally posted by Zeno
I really can't understand why the push to sign Emmitt Smith? He is a good back still....used to be great but good now but is he that much of an upgrade over Marcell Shipp who will very likely only get better as he gets more carries and experience?

The Cardinals have so many more needs than RB that its not even funny. Smith will not be the difference between a winning and losing record.

If the Cardinals had a #1 WR, a Center(I am not a Starkey fan), a DE and another DT signed then I'd be all for Smith but at this point it really won't matter.

You know...we all complained in 99 about all the leaders that this team shipped out of town...we now should be extatic over a great one coming to this team...EMMITTTTT, EMMITTTT,....can't you hear it? come on say it with me...EMMITTT...look we gave OJ Anderson and the Super Bowl to the Giants it is only Fair that the Crankboys...give us EMMITTT and a Super Bowl...(not to mention more Fans in the stand). IT's all about sales ....this would work for me..money well spent

 

[Second Deck]

Zeno are you the same poster that was on the old AOL site. If so it is great to have you back. If the Cards to go after Emmitt I hope they approach Shipp and explain what the option will be with Emmitt here.

I feel with all the signings today were pretty much a push except to the fullback position which I feel was a big upgrade. I thought Kwamie was a good FS. I also find it hard to blame Plummer but realize it was proably time to part ways. I still would like to have seen one year of Boston and Moore with Jake throwing to both.

 

[AZCardsWin]

Zeno,
Welcome to the site! Carolina is expected to sign RB S.Davis today so take them out of the Emmitt derby. That leaves Tampa Bay and Arizona and the Cardinals has just as good as an O Line and ALOT more money to spend so stay tuned!

SKORP- I lost about 30 posts on my meter, I should be at around 85 but now back in the 50's??? What happened- haha.

Go Cards/ America!
Tim