AZ CUTS - As they come in.

[PACardsFan]

CUTS

Jeffcoat, Sean WR
Womack, Floyd G
Graham, Ben P
Campbell, Jared S
Claxton, Ben C
Bennett, Fred CB
Croyle, Brodie QB
Davis, Will OLB
Green, Marshay CB
Louis, Cliff T
Lumpkin, Ricky DT
Iwebema, Kenny DE
Mauia, Reagan FB
Navarre, Jeremy DL
Nichols, Aaron WR
Nnabuife, Bryant CB
Obiozor, Cyril LB
O'Dowd, Kris C
Pestock, Tom G/T
Powell, William RB
Skelton, Stephen TE
Smith, Kendall LB
Togafau, Pago LB
Ware, Matt S
Williams, Isaiah WR
Young, D.J. T

All around solid offseason for the Cardinals. I have full trust that Whiz & the FO will make the necessary moves to field a team that can win the NFC West & possibly more. Sure injuries have hurt us, but EVERY TEAM has injuries. The Cardinals are an organization moving in the right direction. Regardless of what some no nothings say on this board, Whiz is one of the top HC's in the NFL & Michael Bidwill is NOT his father.

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

And thats exactly the point...we keep trying to add lower round OLB talent (outside of Brown) or neglecting the position. I keep hearing the same crap every year, every offseason & I'm still seeing very little production. The key IMO to making the 3-4 work is the OLB's, so either draft those guys or go back to a 4-3!!!

I guess Whiz/Graves never got the memo. "Defense wins championships". Wasn't it the defense that lost the SB for us? Yet they have only regressed since then, honestly doesn't make any sense...

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I guess Whiz/Graves never got the memo. "Defense wins championships". Wasn't it the defense that lost the SB for us? Yet they have only regressed since then, honestly doesn't make any sense...

How can we speak of regression when a real down has yet to be played?

Further, the 2008 "D" was no great shakes. It gave up more TDs then we scored. The 2009 "D" bettered the '08 by a 100 points.

I don't miss Rod Hood, Ralph Brown and Aaron Franciso. With the exception of Dansby, I'll take the personnel we are putting out this season.

And "defence doesn't win championships"... it gives you an opportunity to win titles.

Winning is about scoring more points than the opponent.

 

[jw7]

Cutting Graham is a mistake IMO, dude puts backspin on the leatherskin like Jack Nicklaus hitting a balata ball. Yes his hang time dropped however I've never seen a punter consistently hit the 3 yard line and not have it go into the end zone.

Ben Graham just got beat out in competition.

Love Ben and he got screwed outta the pro-bowl in 2009.

He'll be on another team by sometime next week, I'm guessing.

 

[Chopper0080]

I hope that actually means we'll pursue good quality players...I'm cautiously optimistic, but still have lingering doubts that we won't go after the BPA.

Because those are the types of players teams cut...Seriously guys, there aren't going to be any huge impact players being cut that will change our roster completely. We will add a CB, LB, and possibly a S and RB. None will be starters, and most will be special teams guys. Our biggest hope for a splash signing is a vet running back (which there are a ton of) or a late round/undrafted player that a team is trying to sneak onto the practice squad (Mario Harvey).

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

The cards need to invest heavily in OLBs and OTs in the first two round over the next 2-4 SEASONS.

 

[kerouac9]

How can we speak of regression when a real down has yet to be played?

Further, the 2008 "D" was no great shakes. It gave up more TDs then we scored. The 2009 "D" bettered the '08 by a 100 points.

I don't miss Rod Hood, Ralph Brown and Aaron Franciso. With the exception of Dansby, I'll take the personnel we are putting out this season.

And "defence doesn't win championships"... it gives you an opportunity to win titles.

Winning is about scoring more points than the opponent.

You'd rather have A.J. Jefferson and his zero NFL starts over DRC? I think that Bertrand Berry in 2008 was head and shoulders above 2011's Joey Porter, but that's cutting a fine line.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Everyone gets blamed. Things aren't going to change around here until we start hitting on our draft picks and keeping them around for more than four years.

That's the key thing right there.

 

[Garthshort]

Eagles are looking for a center, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ben Claxton ended up there. As a vet he might have to wait until after week one. I'm guessing he gets a job.

 

[CardShark]

You'd rather have A.J. Jefferson and his zero NFL starts over DRC? I think that Bertrand Berry in 2008 was head and shoulders above 2011's Joey Porter, but that's cutting a fine line.

DRC was traded for Kolb. Would you rather have Kolb or DRC?

 

[JeffGollin]

It's not that I hate what we've done, but here are the cuts I kind of feel nervous about:

- Croyle (Close to other backups in talent - more veteran experience)

- Mau'ia (I know, I know, they like Sherman & 2 FB's are a luxury, but still...)

- I hope we get Nichols back on the PS

- Keeping 5 TE's????

- If not Claxton, at least O' Dowd.

- Iwebema over Talley?

- Davis not panning out

- Obiozor's Denver performance makes him tough to cut

- I liked Ware's versatility and ability to match up with big WR's

- I thought Bennett looked solid, but evidently arrived too late to make a dent

- Green, though up and down was versatile. Upside was more than his
downside.

- There has to be a back story about Graham. He was deadly dropping balls inside the 10. Only major problem was that he'd occasionally punt line drives directly at dangerous return guys he was supposed to kick away from.

I think we'd all be well advised to withhold judgment until we see what other moves (if any) the FO makes after all the teams have made their cuts (& possibly even a trade offer or two).

 

[Duckjake]

- Mau'ia (I know, I know, they like Sherman & 2 FB's are a luxury, but still...)

They couldn't afford to feed both Lutui and Mau'ia.

 

[40yearfan]

It's not that I hate what we've done, but here are the cuts I kind of feel nervous about:

- Croyle (Close to other backups in talent - more veteran experience)

- Mau'ia (I know, I know, they like Sherman & 2 FB's are a luxury, but still...)

- I hope we get Nichols back on the PS

- Keeping 5 TE's????

- If not Claxton, at least O' Dowd.

- Iwebema over Talley?

- Davis not panning out

- Obiozor's Denver performance makes him tough to cut

- I liked Ware's versatility and ability to match up with big WR's

- I thought Bennett looked solid, but evidently arrived too late to make a dent

- Green, though up and down was versatile. Upside was more than his
downside.

- There has to be a back story about Graham. He was deadly dropping balls inside the 10. Only major problem was that he'd occasionally punt line drives directly at dangerous return guys he was supposed to kick away from.

I think we'd all be well advised to withhold judgment until we see what other moves (if any) the FO makes after all the teams have made their cuts (& possibly even a trade offer or two).

The FO read this board and saw what K9 was saying about losing too many of our draft choices, so they decided to keep Sherman over Mau'ia.

 

[Cardiac]

The FO read this board and saw what K9 was saying about losing too many of our draft choices, so they decided to keep Sherman over Mau'ia.

You forgot they had to check with Fitz first.

 

[CardsFan88]

They couldn't afford to feed both Lutui and Mau'ia.

But now the plane won't be balanced!

Obiozor is a tough cut.
Graham too. I knew the writing was on the wall, but it seemed he switched up his kicking style against denver, and instead of kicking the ball with a back spin, he kicked the ones where he was 'trying for distance' regularly and boomed them. I think while Zafastidil or whatever might be decent, Graham I thought showed against denver that he could do BOTH. Kick for distance and coffin corner. But I agree there was probably a backstory.

I'm cool with 5 te's. They have a lot of talent, and/or draft pick's with talent. Plus as shown we will also be putting them in the backfield on occasion. Plus we run 2 and 3 te sets. Some block, Some catch. It seems Wiz wants alot of this in his offense. Wants to have the personnel to constantly do it. Now if we found a good cut, then I wouldn't be surprised to see it go to 4 te's. But 5 is cool with me given what Wiz wants to do, and the level of talent there.

Nichols on ps makes sense.

When I saw Ware out there 4th quarter, after some other guys I had a feeling he was gone. Nevertheless we've cut and signed him before, so if we need him, and he's available, it wouldn't surprise me that we pick him up again if an injury strikes.

Iwebema, while picking it up a bit in later years, was obviously not gong to make it over say Holliday. But maybe that's why Holliday was out there as late as he was. Much rather have Holliday.

Very glad David Carter made it! I like that kid.

Bennett showed a little, but was also burned. He was in a tough spot, and I guess they already had a corner who can get burned in Adams, so why keep both or give up one for the other? Adams knows the playbook, etc. Still think we'll probably pick someone up that's cut.

Croyle I'm fine with cutting. If Skelton was injured more then maybe not. But he was able to play after the injury, and now it's been 2 weeks, with another week to go. He'll be 3rd string at least until that injures all the way. It's going to be sore for a while, but he could play tomorrow if we needed him to. Croyle was by far the worst of our QB's....given that Hall was gone.

I didn't see the arm strength others were seeing in him. I also saw quite a bit of inaccurate throws. Maybe he'd be better with more time, but Bartel/Skelton are clearly superior imo.

So I guess overall the only ones that I question is Obiozor and Graham. Obiozor maybe to ps? Again hopefully nichols too.

No doubt a few more will be cut to pick up other teams guys.

 

[Duckjake]

The pilot for the Cards airplane has already notified the team that its Lutui on the right, Dan Williams on the left. Every time.

The Cards were thinking of switching to American Airlines this year but the excess baggage charges just for those two were higher than Fitz signing bonus.

But you know what. I'm glad we finally have some planet people like the rest of the NFL.

I got so sick of watching Tobin and McGinnis' undersized teams get steamrolled every Sunday.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

You'd rather have A.J. Jefferson and his zero NFL starts over DRC? I think that Bertrand Berry in 2008 was head and shoulders above 2011's Joey Porter, but that's cutting a fine line.

WHat I said was that OVERALL, I prefer this years "D".

As for DRC, a year one DB at the time, I prefer what Peterson brings to the table.

We only had 30/31 sacks in 2008, if I recall, so if we have more this season - I'm not concerned about who contributes to the total.

 

[JeffGollin]

WHat I said was that OVERALL, I prefer this years "D".

As for DRC, a year one DB at the time, I prefer what Peterson brings to the table.

We only had 30/31 sacks in 2008, if I recall, so if we have more this season - I'm not concerned about who contributes to the total.

Arguably the biggest defensive "plus" this year may turn out to be Horton.

Other net gains:

- Peterson

- Holiday

- Carter

- A healthy Schohawk

- Jefferson with a year more experience COULD net out a gain over DRC.

- Only bummer could be a subpar or further-injured A-Dub.

All told, I like the way our "D" is playing thus far (i.e. More energy).

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

Arguably the biggest defensive "plus" this year may turn out to be Horton.

Other net gains:

- Peterson (Never Started a Game)

- Holiday (Decent Pick Up)

- Carter (Never Started a Game)

- A healthy Schohawk (Never Started a Game)

- Jefferson with a year more experience COULD net out a gain over DRC. (2 Starts)

- Only bummer could be a subpar or further-injured A-Dub.

All told, I like the way our "D" is playing thus far (i.e. More energy).

I would like to be optimistic, but sometimes you have to accept reality. This defense was 28th in the league last year, and with all this uncertainty, especially at the secondary positions, it's going to say A LOT about Horton if he can somehow improve this defense. In terms of experience, there was a huge regression, and with A-Dubs injured, we still don't have a SS replacement. It's pretty clear Johnson is not the answer, but who knows, maybe AW can come back and be semi-productive. The FO constantly dis-regards the Defense for some reason, and the stats show it.

 

[Duckjake]

I would like to be optimistic, but sometimes you have to accept reality. This defense was 28th in the league last year, and with all this uncertainty, especially at the secondary positions, it's going to say A LOT about Horton if he can somehow improve this defense. In terms of experience, there was a huge regression, and with A-Dubs injured, we still don't have a SS replacement. It's pretty clear Johnson is not the answer, but who knows, maybe AW can come back and be semi-productive. The FO constantly dis-regards the Defense for some reason, and the stats show it.

He's the key here. Because CKW and staff have not been able to put a consistently good Defense on the field in 4 years.

I think they're just offensive minded guys and don't have a clue what makes a good defensive player. So they just got old guys from Pittsburgh. However, since that hasn't worked out as well as planned, this year they went and got an old guy AND a defensive coach from Pittsburgh.

 

[Jasper]

Would 28th to 27th be an improvement? Last season our offense really put the defense under pressure with those non-existent drives.

 

[Cardiac]

Rank Player Team G Punts Yds Avg Lg In20 In10 FC TB Blk Ret Yds Net
1 Mat McBriar DAL 16 65 3115 47.9 65 22 9 7 8 1 33 205 42.3
2 Shane Lechler OAK 16 77 3618 47.0 68 27 8 11 4 0 45 400 40.8
3 Donnie Jones STL 16 94 4276 45.5 63 32 8 21 4 0 45 435 40.0
4 Sam Koch BAL 16 81 3530 43.6 60 39 17 22 4 0 34 275 39.2
Adam Podlesh JAC 16 57 2496 43.8 63 26 8 15 7 0 19 123 39.2
6 Brett Kern TEN 16 77 3302 42.9 68 24 10 16 4 0 35 214 39.1
Daniel Sepulveda PIT 12 56 2550 45.5 62 16 5 21 8 0 23 198 39.1
8 Reggie Hodges CLE 16 78 3424 43.9 59 29 15 13 5 0 40 285 39.0
Sav Rocca PHI 16 73 3195 43.8 63 28 3 21 2 0 34 309 39.0
10 Chris Kluwe MIN 16 83 3569 43.0 59 32 13 22 5 0 32 241 38.9
11 Brandon Fields MIA 16 73 3369 46.2 69 31 10 15 4 2 43 454 38.8
12 Kevin Huber CIN 16 71 2992 42.1 72 28 12 14 6 1 26 124 38.7
13 Zoltan Mesko NE 16 58 2505 43.2 65 19 2 14 5 0 25 179 38.4
Thomas Morstead NO 16 57 2618 45.9 64 21 5 10 6 0 26 310 38.4
15 Andy Lee SF 16 91 4203 46.2 64 34 9 12 12 0 54 483 38.2
16 Steve Weatherford NYJ 16 84 3581 42.6 61 42 20 27 4 0 27 299 38.1
17 Dustin Colquitt KC 16 88 3908 44.4 72 33 8 20 10 1 42 361 38.0
18 Tim Masthay GB 16 71 3114 43.9 62 25 7 18 5 0 31 341 37.6
19 Jon Ryan SEA 16 78 3254 41.7 63 27 9 23 1 0 35 327 37.3
20 Matt Turk HOU 16 63 2650 42.1 60 19 5 14 5 0 29 233 36.8
21 Britton Colquitt DEN 16 86 3835 44.6 63 19 7 17 7 0 50 550 36.6
Ben Graham ARI 16 94 4080 43.4 65 29 12 20 9 0 35 458 36.6
Brian Moorman BUF 16 75 3181 42.4 61 17 6 17 7 0 32 299 36.6
24 Jason Baker CAR 16 95 4097 43.1 60 22 8 16 7 0 54 488 36.5
Robert Malone TB 12 52 2160 41.5 64 17 5 12 5 0 22 160 36.5
26 Michael Koenen ATL 16 74 3014 40.7 61 29 12 24 5 1 28 241 36.1
27 Nick Harris DET 16 90 4018 44.6 66 24 6 17 8 0 54 633 35.8
28 Pat McAfee IND 15 65 2731 42.0 66 21 4 22 7 0 25 289 35.4
29 Brad Maynard CHI 16 83 3326 40.1 56 24 9 10 5 0 39 303 35.2
30 Matt Dodge NYG 16 72 3222 44.8 69 20 5 7 9 1 36 535 34.8
31 Hunter Smith WAS 9 57 2310 40.5 56 17 3 13 1 0 25 371 33.7
32 Mike Scifres SD 16 52 2430 46.7 67 13 5 7 9 4 28 528 33.1


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/stats/2010/punting/0_byNET_PUNT.html#ixzz1Wvby04I7

What that mess of numbes shows is that Grahm was 22nd in net punt avg in the NFL last year. Use the link to get a better view.

To joe's point he was 30th in Touch Backs with 9.

He also had the 2nd most punts (Panthers not suprisingly had the most) so he had more opportunities for both the positives and negatives.

 

[Duckjake]

Would 28th to 27th be an improvement? Last season our offense really put the defense under pressure with those non-existent drives.

Our Defenses can finish 27th or 28th with a great offense or a terrible one. Doesn't matter.

But looking on the bright side we have had some GREAT Offenses.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I would like to be optimistic, but sometimes you have to accept reality. This defense was 28th in the league last year, and with all this uncertainty, especially at the secondary positions, it's going to say A LOT about Horton if he can somehow improve this defense. In terms of experience, there was a huge regression, and with A-Dubs injured, we still don't have a SS replacement. It's pretty clear Johnson is not the answer, but who knows, maybe AW can come back and be semi-productive. The FO constantly dis-regards the Defense for some reason, and the stats show it.

Reality???

Regression???

Disregards???

We've added experienced former starters in Bradley, Holiday, Marshall, and a productive backup in Eason. We have Williams and Washington into their second year. Schofield fully healed. Solid contributors in Lenon and Haggans, and hopefully a bounce back year from Porter. We drafted Peterson, Acho, Sturdivant, Carter to add to the mix. Wilson won't be the first to play with a bicep tear, and the tandem of him and Rhodes is solid. Jefferson was a steal a few years back it would seem.

etc., etc,. etc.

This is the reality to date, and we'll see reality one way or the other in the months to come.

 

[Bobcat]

Why was this guy Cut...???

Why was this guy Cut...??? Ben Graham, P The real reason. Not the "MATTY" type of reasoning we heard last year. I hope it wasn't Like Matt"s. BP is one of the best Punters in the league. He punted great on Friday and even made a key tackle on a punt return. I would really like to know why. He will be missed this season, especially when we need a put to be between the goal line and the 20 yard line late in the game. Who is new punter, never heard of him be fore this season.

BOBCAT