Cardinal Tidbits and More

[Mitch]

1. I very much like the idea of carrying 3 QBs from here on in...thus I hope the team signs Tim Hasselbeck. Was anyone else holding his/her breath Sunday when the Cards were one hit away from Jerheme Urban playing QB in a tight game? That was hairy.

2. The Cards desperately need Q back for the Carolina game...the only thing that makes John Fox hesitate about playing all-out press man is a scrambling QB...which the Cards ain't got. Fox will double team Fitz out of the tunnel...unless...there's Q on the field.

3. I see no reason why the Cards are keeping 3 TEs when they are so invisible, and none of them contribute with any aplomb on special teams. With TE Alge Crumpler bashing new Falcons' HC Bobby Petrino...b y questioning Petrino's playcalling...why not make an effort to trade for Crumpler? The Cards HAVE to draft a TE early anyway...why not offer a 2nd or a 3rd?

4. As for Leinart...he definitely lacked that je ne sais qua this year...but when KW was running the base offense he seemed to struggle too. The weird thing is...one would think that now that the Cardinals actually have a respectable running game, the passing options should have been more readily available...but, for some reason, Leinart seemed hesitant...and so has Warner out of the base.

5. Keeping with Leinart...none of us should be sold or bought on him at this point...but...to be fair...he's still too inexperienced and young to know exactly how well he will play in the future. I'll tell you this though, if there was a way to trade Leinart for a first round pick in order to draft BC's Matt Ryan, I would do it as fast as a card could get to the podium. Ryan has the toughness that Leinart lacks...and he has a much stronger arm...which is why the Cards will likely have no shot at drafting Ryan. Plus, get this, Ryan can run. He's not a blazer...but he's mobile and athletic.

6. Where is Alan Branch? Quentin Moses? Time to get these guys on the field as role players at least. Let's go...the team waited too long on Urban...get Branch and Moses activated.

7. I was very bewildered as to why Whiz elected to keep Ralph Brown...but you know what? Brown has made some key contributions...both on special teams and as an extra CB (nice interception two weeks ago...and very nice tackles on special teams this past week).

8. The way the defense is playing, it's feasible the Cards could elect to go no huddle on offense as much as Whiz wants...now that would be exciting! Warner runs it so well...why not?

9. The way the Cards dogged and double teamed WR Torry Holt...look for the same versus Steve Smith. This is one of the most encouraging signs of the young season...that CP finally is playing chess in the passing game. He's been real good at playing chess in the running game...but now that he is showing some creativity in pass coverage, this defense could actually start dominating games...provided the front seven keeps getting stronger.

10. I wish that Whiz had elected to keep Matt Leinart on the active roster...the fact that he could be in a position to come back and contribute down the stretch...even if he could come back for the last two games...it would be worth it...and when one looks at the Cards' roster, there are several players who aren't making enough of a contribution to warrant placing Leinart on the IR.

 

[joeshmo]

1. He isnt going to be signed according to both Urban and Sommers gut feelings.

2. Not so sure doubling up Fitz would work when they have the worst pass rush in the league.

3. I agree on the keeping of 3 TE's thing. Heck at least dont make all 3 of them active every game. As for trading of Crumpler there is no way the Falcons will trade their one and only weapon on offense and it would be a big cap hit after he got his extension.

4. That is one thing I dont think is being talked about at all or nearly as much as it should be. Warner has only realy been effective in the no huddle Offense(it isnt a hurry up offense and it isnt a 2 minute drill). We shall see what happens this week when he plays a whole game with only a few no huddle options thrown in.

5. Ding, Ding we have a winner but, Just like Rolle wasnt an option to trade becuase of cap purposes, Matt is even worse. Not even in the realm of possibilites.

6. Why no Branch as of yet. Rookie, still has a cast, didnt practice for 3-4 weeks, run D is doing really well right now. But he will need to come in soon. We cannot expect the big man Watson to last the rest of the season at this rate. Why no Moses as of yet. Rookie, playing brand new position, he was cut for a reason(raw), he has pass rush potential but he dropped in the draft so far down becuase he only had 3.5 sacks his senior year, also dropped do to work ethic and character issues. He is a true definition of a project and depending on injuries I highly doubt he even plays a single down. Just becuase he is an edge rusher doesnt mean he can actually do it at this level yet especially when he didnt do it his senior year. Heck Cooper or Tafoya are probably better at getting to the QB at this point. If he had any pass rush ability right now, you better believe a pass rush happy Wiz and Clancy would have already put him in.

7. I said all along I thought Brown had the #4 spot locked up. He got the nod over the youngins becase of his experiance added to the youth ahead of him.

8. Very doubltfull Wiz does the no huddle more then 25% of the drives. Warner calls his own plays in the no huddle and I doubt Wiz wants to lose that much control. Good idea, Maybe, but Wiz letting Warner call most of the game, probably not. Also I think it works best when you use it in spurts, when the D looks like they are on their heals, and so on. Also knowing Warner after his comments about not wanting to run in the no huddle and how wiz wants him to call more runs but he still calls passes instead, we would never run the ball. Thats just Warners gun slinger mentality.

9 - Completely agree. Good catch.

10 - It all depends on what the MRI said and how fast the doctors say he could come back after rehab. We still havent heard that info. Wiz said in an Urban story today that they werent sure if he could come back in 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks. If it was the later I can see why they made that decision. Interestingly enough what was the final diagnosis and time frame and will they ever let that info out?

 

[TheCardFan]

3. Petrino is on shaky ground already. Crumpler is probably thier best player on offense and is going nowhere.

5. Leinart will be given another year to prove he is the QBOF.

6. Branch is getting healthy and Moses must not be ready. While we are winnning, it's tough to argue with Whis' recipe.

8. Unfortunately, if Whis had any intention of going no huddle the majority of the time, he would have had shown that in the 2nd half.

I am very worried about Warner in the base offense. There is a reason Warner is a back-up and not a starter. Warner thrives on spread out, 3 step, quick strike plays. We will find out in this game if Warner can be even close to as effective in the base vs the no huddle...I have my doubts.

I would start this game in the no huddle...and keep running it until we don't have success with it. It creates massive mis-matches and chaos on defense.

10. I think Whis made the right choice on Matt...his attitude and comments were already a distraction and I think that would have grown.

 

[Dr. Jones]

I would trade a 2 AND a 3 for Crumpler and Hall.


but that might just be me.

Moses & Branch are on my impatient list. I want to see what they have before the bye.

 

[slanidrac16]

4. When Warner went in for good, th offenive line already had been shuffled around and was part of the reason we struggled. That played a big part in us signing Vincent. As Whiz said, " We were moving guards to tackle and centers to guards. We thought it would be a good idea to go out and get an experienced guard".

 

[TheCardFan]

I would trade a 2 AND a 3 for Crumpler and Hall.


but that might just be me.

Moses & Branch are on my impatient list. I want to see what they have before the bye.

LOL..me too.

Problem is it would cost you a #1 at least for Hall alone.

 

[Dr. Jones]

LOL..me too.

Problem is it would cost you a #1 at least for Hall alone.

#2, #3, & Rolle.

Mr. Sulu....Warp Factor 5 please.

 

[john h]

1. I very much like the idea of carrying 3 QBs from here on in...thus I hope the team signs Tim Hasselbeck. Was anyone else holding his/her breath Sunday when the Cards were one hit away from Jerheme Urban playing QB in a tight game? That was hairy.

2. The Cards desperately need Q back for the Carolina game...the only thing that makes John Fox hesitate about playing all-out press man is a scrambling QB...which the Cards ain't got. Fox will double team Fitz out of the tunnel...unless...there's Q on the field.

3. I see no reason why the Cards are keeping 3 TEs when they are so invisible, and none of them contribute with any aplomb on special teams. With TE Alge Crumpler bashing new Falcons' HC Bobby Petrino...b y questioning Petrino's playcalling...why not make an effort to trade for Crumpler? The Cards HAVE to draft a TE early anyway...why not offer a 2nd or a 3rd?

4. As for Leinart...he definitely lacked that je ne sais qua this year...but when KW was running the base offense he seemed to struggle too. The weird thing is...one would think that now that the Cardinals actually have a respectable running game, the passing options should have been more readily available...but, for some reason, Leinart seemed hesitant...and so has Warner out of the base.

5. Keeping with Leinart...none of us should be sold or bought on him at this point...but...to be fair...he's still too inexperienced and young to know exactly how well he will play in the future. I'll tell you this though, if there was a way to trade Leinart for a first round pick in order to draft BC's Matt Ryan, I would do it as fast as a card could get to the podium. Ryan has the toughness that Leinart lacks...and he has a much stronger arm...which is why the Cards will likely have no shot at drafting Ryan. Plus, get this, Ryan can run. He's not a blazer...but he's mobile and athletic.

6. Where is Alan Branch? Quentin Moses? Time to get these guys on the field as role players at least. Let's go...the team waited too long on Urban...get Branch and Moses activated.

7. I was very bewildered as to why Whiz elected to keep Ralph Brown...but you know what? Brown has made some key contributions...both on special teams and as an extra CB (nice interception two weeks ago...and very nice tackles on special teams this past week).

8. The way the defense is playing, it's feasible the Cards could elect to go no huddle on offense as much as Whiz wants...now that would be exciting! Warner runs it so well...why not?

9. The way the Cards dogged and double teamed WR Torry Holt...look for the same versus Steve Smith. This is one of the most encouraging signs of the young season...that CP finally is playing chess in the passing game. He's been real good at playing chess in the running game...but now that he is showing some creativity in pass coverage, this defense could actually start dominating games...provided the front seven keeps getting stronger.

10. I wish that Whiz had elected to keep Matt Leinart on the active roster...the fact that he could be in a position to come back and contribute down the stretch...even if he could come back for the last two games...it would be worth it...and when one looks at the Cards' roster, there are several players who aren't making enough of a contribution to warrant placing Leinart on the IR.

Given the choice I wonder how many of us would have taken the Texas QB over Leinhart? At the time I was not that high on the Texas legend but I will eat my words now. He has all pro written all over him. Did we not pass on Big Ben during the draft? Seems I recall a lot of mad folks on the board when we did not get him. We have made a lot more mistakes over the past 10 years in the draft than successes. Usually you can judge a teams draft success by looking at your current lineup and seeing just how many of your past draft are starting. Has Graves been in charge of the draft during the past 10 years or has the family had the final say? Seems currently that Graves is in charge. At least he says he is. Our team is probably like the Yankees. Everyone can say they do this or that but George is the guy that has to approve anything. George has more $$$ that Mr. B is one of the big differences and seems to care more about winning than spending money on salaries. Last week was the first time I have seen Mr. B on the sidelines on TV in a very long time. Does he go to all the away games?

 

[Russ Smith]

10 - It all depends on what the MRI said and how fast the doctors say he could come back after rehab. We still havent heard that info. Wiz said in an Urban story today that they werent sure if he could come back in 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks. If it was the later I can see why they made that decision. Interestingly enough what was the final diagnosis and time frame and will they ever let that info out?

Do they do MRI's for fractured collarbones? Not saying they don't but I always thought MRI's were to show other damage such as ligaments and tendons and they used xrays and fluoroscans to look at fractures?

I ask because if they did do an MRI that scares me into thinking maybe they think it's more than a collarbone?

 

[john h]

1. He isnt going to be signed according to both Urban and Sommers gut feelings.

2. Not so sure doubling up Fitz would work when they have the worst pass rush in the league.

3. I agree on the keeping of 3 TE's thing. Heck at least dont make all 3 of them active every game. As for trading of Crumpler there is no way the Falcons will trade their one and only weapon on offense and it would be a big cap hit after he got his extension.

4. That is one thing I dont think is being talked about at all or nearly as much as it should be. Warner has only realy been effective in the no huddle Offense(it isnt a hurry up offense and it isnt a 2 minute drill). We shall see what happens this week when he plays a whole game with only a few no huddle options thrown in.

5. Ding, Ding we have a winner but, Just like Rolle wasnt an option to trade becuase of cap purposes, Matt is even worse. Not even in the realm of possibilites.

6. Why no Branch as of yet. Rookie, still has a cast, didnt practice for 3-4 weeks, run D is doing really well right now. But he will need to come in soon. We cannot expect the big man Watson to last the rest of the season at this rate. Why no Moses as of yet. Rookie, playing brand new position, he was cut for a reason(raw), he has pass rush potential but he dropped in the draft so far down becuase he only had 3.5 sacks his senior year, also dropped do to work ethic and character issues. He is a true definition of a project and depending on injuries I highly doubt he even plays a single down. Just becuase he is an edge rusher doesnt mean he can actually do it at this level yet especially when he didnt do it his senior year. Heck Cooper or Tafoya are probably better at getting to the QB at this point. If he had any pass rush ability right now, you better believe a pass rush happy Wiz and Clancy would have already put him in.

7. I said all along I thought Brown had the #4 spot locked up. He got the nod over the youngins becase of his experiance added to the youth ahead of him.

8. Very doubltfull Wiz does the no huddle more then 25% of the drives. Warner calls his own plays in the no huddle and I doubt Wiz wants to lose that much control. Good idea, Maybe, but Wiz letting Warner call most of the game, probably not. Also I think it works best when you use it in spurts, when the D looks like they are on their heals, and so on. Also knowing Warner after his comments about not wanting to run in the no huddle and how wiz wants him to call more runs but he still calls passes instead, we would never run the ball. Thats just Warners gun slinger mentality.

9 - Completely agree. Good catch.

10 - It all depends on what the MRI said and how fast the doctors say he could come back after rehab. We still havent heard that info. Wiz said in an Urban story today that they werent sure if he could come back in 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks. If it was the later I can see why they made that decision. Interestingly enough what was the final diagnosis and time frame and will they ever let that info out?

Warner is going to change a lot of the calls sent in once he sees the defense line up. Count on that. Matt just did not have the experience to make such changes and thus was open to more sacks. I doubt Whiz will demand that Warner run all the plays he sends in. Smart QB's actually are in a better position to call the plays after the defense lines up than the guy in the booth. I wonder how many plays Peyton Manning calls? 90%? Matt is 36 and slow but his head is still screwed on correct and that 11 years of experience is worth a lot. I think he was the best backup in the NFL and wondered why he stayed with us when he could have started for several teams at least. Who is the best QB we have had in the past 10 years??????? Not a lot to choose from is there?

 

[chicards11]

1. I very much like the idea of carrying 3 QBs from here on in...thus I hope the team signs Tim Hasselbeck. Was anyone else holding his/her breath Sunday when the Cards were one hit away from Jerheme Urban playing QB in a tight game? That was hairy.

do you realize that you are probably the only man to ever murmor those exact words ever. creepy

 

[Capital Card]

Do they do MRI's for fractured collarbones? Not saying they don't but I always thought MRI's were to show other damage such as ligaments and tendons and they used xrays and fluoroscans to look at fractures?

I ask because if they did do an MRI that scares me into thinking maybe they think it's more than a collarbone?

Not for you or me, but for a multi-million dollar QB, absolutely. They were probably checking to see if there was any other damage other than just the break.

Go Cards!!!

 

[joeshmo]

Do they do MRI's for fractured collarbones? Not saying they don't but I always thought MRI's were to show other damage such as ligaments and tendons and they used xrays and fluoroscans to look at fractures?

I ask because if they did do an MRI that scares me into thinking maybe they think it's more than a collarbone?

X-rays maybe it was. I dont know. I just know we dont know anything about his injury other then its broken? Seems odd that they didnt release a time scale for the injury to me.

 

[john h]

1. I very much like the idea of carrying 3 QBs from here on in...thus I hope the team signs Tim Hasselbeck. Was anyone else holding his/her breath Sunday when the Cards were one hit away from Jerheme Urban playing QB in a tight game? That was hairy.

2. The Cards desperately need Q back for the Carolina game...the only thing that makes John Fox hesitate about playing all-out press man is a scrambling QB...which the Cards ain't got. Fox will double team Fitz out of the tunnel...unless...there's Q on the field.

3. I see no reason why the Cards are keeping 3 TEs when they are so invisible, and none of them contribute with any aplomb on special teams. With TE Alge Crumpler bashing new Falcons' HC Bobby Petrino...b y questioning Petrino's playcalling...why not make an effort to trade for Crumpler? The Cards HAVE to draft a TE early anyway...why not offer a 2nd or a 3rd?

4. As for Leinart...he definitely lacked that je ne sais qua this year...but when KW was running the base offense he seemed to struggle too. The weird thing is...one would think that now that the Cardinals actually have a respectable running game, the passing options should have been more readily available...but, for some reason, Leinart seemed hesitant...and so has Warner out of the base.

5. Keeping with Leinart...none of us should be sold or bought on him at this point...but...to be fair...he's still too inexperienced and young to know exactly how well he will play in the future. I'll tell you this though, if there was a way to trade Leinart for a first round pick in order to draft BC's Matt Ryan, I would do it as fast as a card could get to the podium. Ryan has the toughness that Leinart lacks...and he has a much stronger arm...which is why the Cards will likely have no shot at drafting Ryan. Plus, get this, Ryan can run. He's not a blazer...but he's mobile and athletic.

6. Where is Alan Branch? Quentin Moses? Time to get these guys on the field as role players at least. Let's go...the team waited too long on Urban...get Branch and Moses activated.

7. I was very bewildered as to why Whiz elected to keep Ralph Brown...but you know what? Brown has made some key contributions...both on special teams and as an extra CB (nice interception two weeks ago...and very nice tackles on special teams this past week).

8. The way the defense is playing, it's feasible the Cards could elect to go no huddle on offense as much as Whiz wants...now that would be exciting! Warner runs it so well...why not?

9. The way the Cards dogged and double teamed WR Torry Holt...look for the same versus Steve Smith. This is one of the most encouraging signs of the young season...that CP finally is playing chess in the passing game. He's been real good at playing chess in the running game...but now that he is showing some creativity in pass coverage, this defense could actually start dominating games...provided the front seven keeps getting stronger.

10. I wish that Whiz had elected to keep Matt Leinart on the active roster...the fact that he could be in a position to come back and contribute down the stretch...even if he could come back for the last two games...it would be worth it...and when one looks at the Cards' roster, there are several players who aren't making enough of a contribution to warrant placing Leinart on the IR.

The no huddle works for the Colts very well. You need an experienced smart QB and we have that in Warner. I am surprised we do not do it more. What ever happened to the "scripted plays" to start a game that many teams once used. Usually they had the first 10 scripted.

 

[CardinalChris]

We will not run the no huddle to start. We may go to that eventually, but look for a heavy dose of James early, even if it isn't all that successful. Whiz has to to keep the pass rush off of Warner, who has zero mobility. Run early, wear them down, go to the no huddle when defensive personnel is favorable for our offense or when the run game does absolutlely nothing. We are a defensive team (yeah, I said it). Running no huddle could wear them down if we can't sustain drives as well as James seems to perform better when he gets the ball early and the best way to slow the pass rush against a QB who has the dropsies, can force some balls and can't move is some ol' fashion play action stuff. Just my opinion.

 

[john h]

We will not run the no huddle to start. We may go to that eventually, but look for a heavy dose of James early, even if it isn't all that successful. Whiz has to to keep the pass rush off of Warner, who has zero mobility. Run early, wear them down, go to the no huddle when defensive personnel is favorable for our offense or when the run game does absolutlely nothing. We are a defensive team (yeah, I said it). Running no huddle could wear them down if we can't sustain drives as well as James seems to perform better when he gets the ball early and the best way to slow the pass rush against a QB who has the dropsies, can force some balls and can't move is some ol' fashion play action stuff. Just my opinion.

I think we will run as long as we have success but you can bet your last $ that with Warner in their and changing plays on the line you will see the ball in the air. We are better on the ground this year than last but still a better passing team than running team with the receivers we have. James cannot carry that ball much more than 25-30 times as he is no young man any more and we do not want to overuse him. It is still a long season. I would be happy if we had another good RB on the team as most NFL teams are now going to two good RB systems. I would like a guy who has the speed to turn the corner. For now it will have to be Shipp. Who is our 3rd RB if Shipp or James is injured. A number of NFL teams have already had to sign a RB due to injuries.

 

[Russ Smith]

Not for you or me, but for a multi-million dollar QB, absolutely. They were probably checking to see if there was any other damage other than just the break.

Go Cards!!!

Hey just because you're not a multi million dollar QB don't assume the rest of us aren't.

 

[Russ Smith]

X-rays maybe it was. I dont know. I just know we dont know anything about his injury other then its broken? Seems odd that they didnt release a time scale for the injury to me.

Yeah I'm not doubting you just worrying that if they did do an MRI it might be more than just a fracture and we don't know yet.

 

[Russ Smith]

I think we will run as long as we have success but you can bet your last $ that with Warner in their and changing plays on the line you will see the ball in the air. We are better on the ground this year than last but still a better passing team than running team with the receivers we have. James cannot carry that ball much more than 25-30 times as he is no young man any more and we do not want to overuse him. It is still a long season. I would be happy if we had another good RB on the team as most NFL teams are now going to two good RB systems. I would like a guy who has the speed to turn the corner. For now it will have to be Shipp. Who is our 3rd RB if Shipp or James is injured. A number of NFL teams have already had to sign a RB due to injuries.

Well given that JJ has 8 carries and Shipp has 3 I think Whiz currently disagrees with you on who the backup RB is. Shipp has obviously been more effective on his 3 runs but at least through the first 5 games, JJ is the backup and Shipp is #3.

 

[NuttinButTDs]

Hey just because you're not a multi million dollar QB don't assume the rest of us aren't.

multi million or a QB.

If QB - get in the line - we need one

 

[Russ Smith]

multi million or a QB.

If QB - get in the line - we need one

That would be 0-2 in my case.

 

[SuperSpck]

Well given that JJ has 8 carries and Shipp has 3 I think Whiz currently disagrees with you on who the backup RB is. Shipp has obviously been more effective on his 3 runs but at least through the first 5 games, JJ is the backup and Shipp is #3.

It could be that Whiz hopes JJ will develop into the "change of pace" or speed back that Parker became to Bettis' Bus. Of course, I'd prefer positive yards to know yards myself, so we'll see what the future holds.


... I love all the posters on the board, but when I saw that Mitch had some new stuff up with the first response by joeshmoe well, it was a little like Christmas come early. I hold both members in high regard.

 

[JeffGollin]

Why No "No Huddle" All the Time...

Ron Wolfley made a good point during Cardinal Underground podcast:

He said that when either (a) you're trying to eat up clock to protect a lead or (b) your defense has been on the field a long time, you don't typically want to go with the no huddle, because you're not likely to eat up much time and your defense could be right back on the field in 90 seconds.

That said, the selective use of the no-huddle in the right game-conditions has proved to be a potent weapon for us (the operational word being: "selective.").