Calais Campbell...

[CtCardinals78]

Registered just to post in this thread - Calais is without question the least appreciated member of our defense. Not only did he lead our team in sacks last year while missing time with an injury AND being forced to split time with Branch (take the number of snaps Dockett played last year, divide it by the number Campbell played and then multiply that number by Campbell's sacks - interesting, huh?) he also is going to be one of the most highly coveted free agents going into next season. The same veteran players called out in the original post (like Strahan) cannot say enough about Campbell's game not to mention that everyone I know who's ever met the guy says he is without question one of the nicest, most respectful young men that they've ever met.

Go back and watch the Raider game - Calais consistently beats the guy in front of him (in one notable instance, using the same spin move derided in this thread) and at the end of the day, if this team and us fans cannot start to show this guy some love, mark my words, someone else will. Campbell is going to have a HUGE season this year - my over/under is 10 sacks - and bookmark this thread if you disagree. Not trying to be confrontational, but I've just always been surprised by the lack of attention given to #93.

Nice post. I agree. For some reason Cardinal fans have short memories. He's been a solid player for this team with the exception of last year where 99.9999999% of the players on the Cardinals played bad. I will not hold any players performance last season as a barometer of their success/potential in the NFL....with the exception of Derek Anderson.

 

[oaken1]

He's up to 300 lbs this year.

300 is kinda light for six foot eight...heck, I am 320, and six inches shorter.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

300 is kinda light for six foot eight...heck, I am 320, and six inches shorter.

Lets get this guy in for a tryout..

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

Lets get this guy in for a tryout..

pass rush DT! Also, I'm sure this was discussed previously. WHY didnt the cards consider getting Shawn Merriman? He's still a force on the outside...

 

[187]

pass rush DT! Also, I'm sure this was discussed previously. WHY didnt the cards consider getting Shawn Merriman? He's still a force on the outside...

Let's see if he actually does something in the regular season before crowning him pre-injury, pre-caught juicing Merriman.

 

[Chopper0080]

My issue is that from a pure fundamental standpoint, Campbell is poor. I understand that his height makes it more difficult for him on the line, but he is so inconsistent from play to play. He has poor hand technique which leads to him leaning on offensive linemen and is why he struggles separating from them. Until Campbell learns to protect his body from offensive linemen he will continue to get manhandled up front. Someone questioned his strength, and that might be a big part of it as we have all seen QB's escape from his grasp over the past two years.

I want him to be the physical force that all of you want him to be as well, but watch his tape and you will see how fundamentally poor he is. Hopefully he and the coaching staff can turn his game around (I'm not saying cut him for God's sake) and he can be worthy of that huge payday that seems to be in his future.

(As far as leading our team is sacks, is that really a huge accomplishment?)

 

[Chopper0080]

Sorry but thats just gonna happens sometimes when you are 6'8"

I get that it can happen, but the frequency last year, and then also against the Raiders was shocking. My frustration is that he has not developed his game past that of an average defensive linemen, and he has the skill set to be much better. More than that, shame on the defensive line coach for failing to at least develop consistent fundamentals in him as a player in three years.

 

[Duckjake]

I get that it can happen, but the frequency last year, and then also against the Raiders was shocking. My frustration is that he has not developed his game past that of an average defensive linemen, and he has the skill set to be much better. More than that, shame on the defensive line coach for failing to at least develop consistent fundamentals in him as a player in three years.

That seems to be an all too familiar refrain with our Defensive Players. Maybe Horton can do something about this.

Interesting that Defensive Line coach Ron Aiken's only Professional Football experience before coming to the Cards in 2007 was a year at the University of Texas in 1997.

 

[Chopper0080]

That seems to be an all too familiar refrain with our Defensive Players. Maybe Horton can do something about this.

Interesting that Defensive Line coach Ron Aiken's only Professional Football experience before coming to the Cards in 2007 was a year at the University of Texas in 1997.

It would figure. Thanks for ruining my evening.

 

[Shane]

You guys do realize that for a 3-4 DE CC's stats are pretty darn stellar. He is far from one of our problems and one of the last guys we should be complaining about.

 

[Russ Smith]

When we drafted Campbell I said my concern with him in college is he played too high, which is understandable at his height. So far his NFL career surprised me, he underachieved in college and has been pretty solid for us. I think the disappointment is we're all waiting for him to take that big leap forward.

Hopefully this is the year, to be fair he hasn't exactly been surrounded with talent other than Dockett, hopefully he has more help this year from Williams and some of the other young guys so he can make some carnage in the backfield.

 

[Longcolts]

I thought 34 Linemen were supposed to eat up blockers and space allowing the linebackers to make plays.

 

[Bert]

I thought 34 Linemen were supposed to eat up blockers and space allowing the linebackers to make plays.

No he must have 5 sacks per game!

 

[desertdawg]

I still just gotta wait and give the D some time, I am as worried as the next guy. But I figured it would take time, and we still have some. CC came to play, probably just trying to get it right. The dude aint too tall, didn't show up 50 pounds over and I think he can have a break out year.

All these guys can help out eachother by executing their individual assignments, getting to the QB, stuffing the run, getting your hands up. When the offense doesn't know where the next guy is coming from...well then we'll have that 3-4 Horton style. We have the talent on the defensive side of the ball, it has to come together with some time.

The cool thing is the way our offense is firing, it's good for the D to be practicing against it right now. Getting burned everyday sucks, the leaders will step up and the ones with attitudes and excuses will get cut with the morning grass up there in Flagg. This is what pre-season is for and I'm glad we are getting this time in with how the Lockout was looking.

 

[Bert]

I still just gotta wait and give the D some time, I am as worried as the next guy. But I figured it would take time, and we still have some. CC came to play, probably just trying to get it right. The dude aint too tall, didn't show up 50 pounds over and I think he can have a break out year.

All these guys can help out eachother by executing their individual assignments, getting to the QB, stuffing the run, getting your hands up. When the offense doesn't know where the next guy is coming from...well then we'll have that 3-4 Horton style. We have the talent on the defensive side of the ball, it has to come together with some time.

The cool thing is the way our offense is firing, it's good for the D to be practicing against it right now. Getting burned everyday sucks, the leaders will step up and the ones with attitudes and excuses will get cut with the morning grass up there in Flagg. This is what pre-season is for and I'm glad we are getting this time in with how the Lockout was looking.

Well said, I agree.

 

[Shane]

I still just gotta wait and give the D some time, I am as worried as the next guy. But I figured it would take time, and we still have some. CC came to play, probably just trying to get it right. The dude aint too tall, didn't show up 50 pounds over and I think he can have a break out year.

All these guys can help out eachother by executing their individual assignments, getting to the QB, stuffing the run, getting your hands up. When the offense doesn't know where the next guy is coming from...well then we'll have that 3-4 Horton style. We have the talent on the defensive side of the ball, it has to come together with some time.

The cool thing is the way our offense is firing, it's good for the D to be practicing against it right now. Getting burned everyday sucks, the leaders will step up and the ones with attitudes and excuses will get cut with the morning grass up there in Flagg. This is what pre-season is for and I'm glad we are getting this time in with how the Lockout was looking.

For the love of everything holy.. CC had his breakout year two years ago. Followed by a decent season last year. What are people expecting from a 3-4 DE I mean really?

 

[desertdawg]

For the love of everything holy.. CC had his breakout year two years ago. Followed by a decent season last year. What are people expecting from a 3-4 DE I mean really?

I didn't know he was a all probowl league dominating 2 years ago? I thought he showed a lot though, last year was bogus on both sides of the ball and now this year he can go full on. I'm just saying he could have his best year yet, don't tase me bro.

 

[AzStevenCal]

That seems to be an all too familiar refrain with our Defensive Players. Maybe Horton can do something about this.

Interesting that Defensive Line coach Ron Aiken's only Professional Football experience before coming to the Cards in 2007 was a year at the University of Texas in 1997.

When did UT go Pro?

Steve

 

[Duckjake]

The cool thing is the way our offense is firing, it's good for the D to be practicing against it right now.

I Think its going to help the D actually practicing against some TEs who are legitimate receiving threats. Pass catching TEs have killed us in the past.

Well when Adub wasn't killing them and getting a BS fine and bogus penalty that cost us a winning season and a possible wild card berth and...

 

[Longcolts]

No he must have 5 sacks per game!

Oh yeah I forgot.

 

[ARZCardinals]

You guys do realize that for a 3-4 DE CC's stats are pretty darn stellar. He is far from one of our problems and one of the last guys we should be complaining about.

I believe the thought is that he should be ELITE at this point.

He had a monster rook season than last year was not so good and so far after one preseason game I didn't see him getting any push on the o line.

Not gonna toss him aside, but many of us were hoping he'd be in the Ware category by now.

 

[Shane]

I believe the thought is that he should be ELITE at this point.

He had a monster rook season than last year was not so good and so far after one preseason game I didn't see him getting any push on the o line.

Not gonna toss him aside, but many of us were hoping he'd be in the Ware category by now.

You do realize that CC will NEVER be Demarcus Ware dont you? He is a 3-4 DE and Demarcus Ware is a 3-4 OLB. They both have completely different responsibilities. CC primary duty isnt to rush the passer ala Ware.

CC is a good player. Anyone expecting an average of more than 6-7 sacks a year from the guy is looking for to much.

 

[187]

You do realize that CC will NEVER be Demarcus Ware dont you? He is a 3-4 DE and Demarcus Ware is a 3-4 OLB. They both have completely different responsibilities. CC primary duty isnt to rush the passer ala Ware.

CC is a good player. Anyone expecting an average of more than 6-7 sacks a year from the guy is looking for to much.

I am sick of trying to drill this into people's head. No one understands that CC numbers ARE what elite 3-4 DE's put up. Anyone expecting him to put up elite pass rushing stats needs to get a better understanding of the 3-4 defense and what the DE's are supposed to do. Any 3-4 DE getting over 5 sacks is an elite pass rusher at that position. If we don't resign CC it will be a stupid move unless we are trying to have a more traditional 3-4 D where the ends play both gaps instead of trying to shoot one and get pressure which is a better fit for DD and CC's skill set.

 

[TJ]

I am sick of trying to drill this into people's head. No one understands that CC numbers ARE what elite 3-4 DE's put up. Anyone expecting him to put up elite pass rushing stats needs to get a better understanding of the 3-4 defense and what the DE's are supposed to do. Any 3-4 DE getting over 5 sacks is an elite pass rusher at that position. If we don't resign CC it will be a stupid move unless we are trying to have a more traditional 3-4 D where the ends play both gaps instead of trying to shoot one and get pressure which is a better fit for DD and CC's skill set.

You are correct sir!

 

[Gee!]

I like CC but one thing that hinders him is that when a RB is in his area its hard for him to tackle them.. RB's tend to he lower to the ground and his height makes it difficult to tackle them..