Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
One could argue that the Cardinals' MVP organization-wise last season was newly hired defensive coordinator Ray Horton. For the Cardinals' defense it was a tale of two halfs last year---the first half of the season the defense displayed the same flaws it had for the past few years: shoddy tackling, blown coverages, untimely penalties and meltdowns at the ends of halfs.
However, Ray Horton adroitly managed to coach the old Arizona out of Arizona. His brand new replacement defense featured a swarming attack-mode system that features a variety of surprise blitzes and combo pass coverages.
At the crux of Horton's personnel philosophy is his insistence that "I want big guys who can run and little guys who can hit." And this is exactly what Horton got from his personnel the second half of the season.
The statistic that stands out the most is, during the second half of the season the Cardinals were suddenly one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL at stopping opponents on third downs.
Now that his players understand the nuances of Horton's system---Horton and the players are emphasizing a commitment to producing a higher rate of turnovers---Horton has shown his boys how close they came on so many occasions last year to picking the ball off---and if Horton and his boys get their way, look for the Cardinals to be near the top of the league in interceptions and fumble recoveries. This defense pressures for that very reason. It is rabid for turnovers---and it is geared to produce them.
The one player who got away was CB/S Richard Marshall----who became the team's best Johnny-on-the-Spot DB last year---but the one real flaw in his game was his inability to intercept balls that he was in very good position to pick.
The DB the Cardinals drafted to fill Marshall's role is CB Jamell Fleming, who is a sure-handed ballhawk. Fleming has the maturity, confidence and the savvy to step into a significant role right away. provided he stays healthy, whether he starts or not won't diminish the fact that he will be on the field for the majority of the defensive snaps.
If things go Horton's and Fleming's way---he will be among the NFL rookie leaders in interceptions and pass breakups.
Now let's take a look at the entire defensive personnel:
LDE---Darnell Dockett is a big guy who can run and punish QBs and ball carriers. Dockett has such a good motor and is such a prolific penetrator that it is tough for Horton to take him off the field. However, Horton is going to try his best to keep his defensive linemen fresh---so that means we will be seeing a fair amount of the slimmed down Nick Eason in this spot. Eason is a veteran of the system---and now has become what Horton wants: a big guy who can run.
NT---Dan Williams was making very good strides last year until his arm injury. Looks like he got the memo about coming to camp in shape, for he knows that with the emergence of David Carter, he will have to be very good to keep his starting job. Williams---if I am correct---is going to be absolutely dynamic this season. And in time his role will expand into receiving snaps as a DT in the four man rush.
RDE---Calais Campbell is a a very big guy who can run and swat passes and block field goals. Signing Campbell to his multi-year deal was a big deal for the Cardinals in that this time the Cardinals were able to retain a player they used the franchise tag on. As good as Campbell was last year, he and Ray Horton know that he's only begun to scratch the surface of his prodigious potential. Look for David Carter to be the primary backup at this spot, with the surprisingly still effective veteran Vonnie Holliday getting spot duty, as he did last year. The coaches like Ronald Talley as well and there's a good chance he will make the roster, especially if Talley flashes the ability to rush the passer in the four man rush.
LOLB---O'Brien Schofield is jacked out of his mind. His knee is back to full health and he is determined to become one the NFL's standout edge rushers. He's in the right system and he loves it. He has to prove that not only can he be a consistent force rushing the passer, that he can handle his responsibilities in run support and pass coverage. There will be a learning curve for him in this respect. Behind him, I foresee Horton using Stewart Bradley on the strong side edge at times---for it may be his most natural position in this defense, especially if Paris Lenon continues to be solid in the middle. The hardest decision Horton may have to make is whether to keep Clark Haggans---a true veteran of the system and sound mentor for the younger linebackers. But here's the thing---Brandon Williams and Antonio Coleman will be making very strong cases for roster spots, especially if they show they can contribute as situational rushers and top end ST players.
LILB---Paris Lenon is like the State Farm Insurance guy: solid as a rock. Lenon has a total command of his assignments and what he needs to do to lead the way for the defense. He's been a very dependable and productive tackler---and that should continue. But because of all the hybrid packages Horton will throw at defenses, Lenon won't see as many snaps as he did last year---but at his age, that's a win-win for him and the team. While Stewart Bradley will be prepped to be able to contribute on the inside, Reggie Walker has the confidence of the coaches and is a valuable ST player. The sleeper? Keep an eye on Paul Vassallo---an undrafted college free agent from Arizona who has a nice combination of size and range.
RILB---Daryl Washington is the lightning rod for the defense and he has the opportunity this year to emerge as one of the NFL's most dynamic young linebackers. The great thing about Washington is that he is a three down linebacker who can get to the QB on a dime as well as get his hands on all kinds of passes in coverage. Behind Washington, Paris Lenon can slide into his spot if need be---but one of the most interesting camp competitions will be amongst three young weak side linebacker prospects in Quan Sturdivant, Colin Parker (Arizona St.) and college tackling machine Marcus McGraw (Houston).
ROLB---Sam Acho was a godsend in the 4th round last year. Not only did he pick up the system as fast as any rookie, he was ready to start when they called his name. What was so impressive is that he kicked into a higher gear on his pass rush than what he showed in college...and to go with that he became impressively slippery around the corners. Behind him are two players that have a great chance to contribute as situational pass rushers. Quentin Groves has edge rushing ability and the experience to know what it will take for him to burst onto the scene this year. The sleeper is Zach Nash (Sacramento St.) who was a relentless and fast closing edge rusher in college.
LCB---Patrick Peterson has every intention of becoming an All-Pro CB as early as this year. What we are likely to see from Peterson is a much more comfortable command of his role and the freedom to think less and react to the ball more. The one area he needs to improve the most are his hand positions on tight coverages. he got flagged on a number of close calls last year---this year he has to be more deceptive as all the great CBs are. First behind Peterson in his role on the depth chart will be Jamell Fleming---who may wind up starting on the right side---but if they need to spell Peterson, Fleming will be the one to switch over. Sleeper? Actually there are two---first and foremost is Larry Parker (San Diego St.), whom you are going to love when you see this kid play. He's very much like Jamell Fleming---a quick, aggressive and fluid athlete who has a sixth sense about where the football is. The other is James Nixon (California, PA), who has very good speed and range.
SS---Adrian Wilson remains the starter, but his role is going to be very much simplified, as indicated by the incentives in his new contract that are focused on sacks and interceptions. Horton is going to turn Wilson loose on the QB as often as he can---and then use Wilson in under man and zone coverage where he is at his best. Like Lenon, Wilson may not be on the field for as many snaps as he was last year, but this will be a win-win for Wilson and the team. It will keep him fresh, hungry and poised. Behind Wilson is James Sanders who is the kind of versatile safety Horton likes in that he can play in the box or invert into deep coverage. Another player who may find his niche in this role is Crezdon Butler, who has the size, versatility and aggressiveness the coaches want.
FS---Kerry Rhodes comes into camp as the starter---but he is going to have to prove that he has the total package that Horton wants in his free safety. A very telling thing happened when Rhodes returned from injury last season---he looked much more aggressive in his approach, which is what the coaches want. It looked like Rhodes got the message and, if he has---this could be his best year in the NFL---but if he hasn't, he could be traded or released. The coaches like what they see in Rashad Johnson, who has been making steady progress in the system. Johnson was a half a step late on a few plays last year---and if he narrows that half a step gap he can win the job. Johnson has put the time in the weight room and his ability to force the run has improved a great deal. Justin Bethel has a great chance to make the roster because he can be a gunner on STs and he has the deep range Horton wants in a nickel safety. Sleeper? Keep an eye on Eddie Elder (Arizona St.) who is the kind of impact hitter that Horton loves---remember: little guys who can hit.
RCB---William Gay has the coaches' trust, which is why he is likely to start the season at this spot until the coaches are ready to start Jamell Fleming. Gay will be the nickel CB regardless---that's the role he thrives in and should be just as good and maybe even better at it than Richard Marshall was. Greg Toler is right in the mix at this spot and he fits Horton's criteria for what he wants from his backside CB---a good shadower in off coverage, and a strong run supporter. The same can be said about A.J. Jefferson who started 7 games at RCB last year. Jefferson may be a better all-around athlete than Toler, but lacks Toler's experience. It will be very interesting to see how Jefferson responds to losing his starting job last year---because there is still a chance that he comes back poised and ready to flourish in the system. If that's the case, I think the Cardinals may attempt to trade Greg Toler, who would command strong attention in the CB market. They traded Tim Hightower last year as he was heading into his contract year because they felt they were deep enough at the position. The wild card here is Michael Adams who epitomizes the little guys who hit criterion. Adams would figure into the nickel CB rotation and remain a standout STs performer. Marshay Green could also fill a similar role--and should be hungry to prove he can.
Talk about Cardinal Tough! This is by far the toughest defense the Cardinals have run onto the field in decades---and under Horton's leadership it's in the right hands. I think there's a good chance we might see a shutout this year---that how feared this unit could be. It is young in spots, but last year the youth actually upgraded the defense.
However, Ray Horton adroitly managed to coach the old Arizona out of Arizona. His brand new replacement defense featured a swarming attack-mode system that features a variety of surprise blitzes and combo pass coverages.
At the crux of Horton's personnel philosophy is his insistence that "I want big guys who can run and little guys who can hit." And this is exactly what Horton got from his personnel the second half of the season.
The statistic that stands out the most is, during the second half of the season the Cardinals were suddenly one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL at stopping opponents on third downs.
Now that his players understand the nuances of Horton's system---Horton and the players are emphasizing a commitment to producing a higher rate of turnovers---Horton has shown his boys how close they came on so many occasions last year to picking the ball off---and if Horton and his boys get their way, look for the Cardinals to be near the top of the league in interceptions and fumble recoveries. This defense pressures for that very reason. It is rabid for turnovers---and it is geared to produce them.
The one player who got away was CB/S Richard Marshall----who became the team's best Johnny-on-the-Spot DB last year---but the one real flaw in his game was his inability to intercept balls that he was in very good position to pick.
The DB the Cardinals drafted to fill Marshall's role is CB Jamell Fleming, who is a sure-handed ballhawk. Fleming has the maturity, confidence and the savvy to step into a significant role right away. provided he stays healthy, whether he starts or not won't diminish the fact that he will be on the field for the majority of the defensive snaps.
If things go Horton's and Fleming's way---he will be among the NFL rookie leaders in interceptions and pass breakups.
Now let's take a look at the entire defensive personnel:
LDE---Darnell Dockett is a big guy who can run and punish QBs and ball carriers. Dockett has such a good motor and is such a prolific penetrator that it is tough for Horton to take him off the field. However, Horton is going to try his best to keep his defensive linemen fresh---so that means we will be seeing a fair amount of the slimmed down Nick Eason in this spot. Eason is a veteran of the system---and now has become what Horton wants: a big guy who can run.
NT---Dan Williams was making very good strides last year until his arm injury. Looks like he got the memo about coming to camp in shape, for he knows that with the emergence of David Carter, he will have to be very good to keep his starting job. Williams---if I am correct---is going to be absolutely dynamic this season. And in time his role will expand into receiving snaps as a DT in the four man rush.
RDE---Calais Campbell is a a very big guy who can run and swat passes and block field goals. Signing Campbell to his multi-year deal was a big deal for the Cardinals in that this time the Cardinals were able to retain a player they used the franchise tag on. As good as Campbell was last year, he and Ray Horton know that he's only begun to scratch the surface of his prodigious potential. Look for David Carter to be the primary backup at this spot, with the surprisingly still effective veteran Vonnie Holliday getting spot duty, as he did last year. The coaches like Ronald Talley as well and there's a good chance he will make the roster, especially if Talley flashes the ability to rush the passer in the four man rush.
LOLB---O'Brien Schofield is jacked out of his mind. His knee is back to full health and he is determined to become one the NFL's standout edge rushers. He's in the right system and he loves it. He has to prove that not only can he be a consistent force rushing the passer, that he can handle his responsibilities in run support and pass coverage. There will be a learning curve for him in this respect. Behind him, I foresee Horton using Stewart Bradley on the strong side edge at times---for it may be his most natural position in this defense, especially if Paris Lenon continues to be solid in the middle. The hardest decision Horton may have to make is whether to keep Clark Haggans---a true veteran of the system and sound mentor for the younger linebackers. But here's the thing---Brandon Williams and Antonio Coleman will be making very strong cases for roster spots, especially if they show they can contribute as situational rushers and top end ST players.
LILB---Paris Lenon is like the State Farm Insurance guy: solid as a rock. Lenon has a total command of his assignments and what he needs to do to lead the way for the defense. He's been a very dependable and productive tackler---and that should continue. But because of all the hybrid packages Horton will throw at defenses, Lenon won't see as many snaps as he did last year---but at his age, that's a win-win for him and the team. While Stewart Bradley will be prepped to be able to contribute on the inside, Reggie Walker has the confidence of the coaches and is a valuable ST player. The sleeper? Keep an eye on Paul Vassallo---an undrafted college free agent from Arizona who has a nice combination of size and range.
RILB---Daryl Washington is the lightning rod for the defense and he has the opportunity this year to emerge as one of the NFL's most dynamic young linebackers. The great thing about Washington is that he is a three down linebacker who can get to the QB on a dime as well as get his hands on all kinds of passes in coverage. Behind Washington, Paris Lenon can slide into his spot if need be---but one of the most interesting camp competitions will be amongst three young weak side linebacker prospects in Quan Sturdivant, Colin Parker (Arizona St.) and college tackling machine Marcus McGraw (Houston).
ROLB---Sam Acho was a godsend in the 4th round last year. Not only did he pick up the system as fast as any rookie, he was ready to start when they called his name. What was so impressive is that he kicked into a higher gear on his pass rush than what he showed in college...and to go with that he became impressively slippery around the corners. Behind him are two players that have a great chance to contribute as situational pass rushers. Quentin Groves has edge rushing ability and the experience to know what it will take for him to burst onto the scene this year. The sleeper is Zach Nash (Sacramento St.) who was a relentless and fast closing edge rusher in college.
LCB---Patrick Peterson has every intention of becoming an All-Pro CB as early as this year. What we are likely to see from Peterson is a much more comfortable command of his role and the freedom to think less and react to the ball more. The one area he needs to improve the most are his hand positions on tight coverages. he got flagged on a number of close calls last year---this year he has to be more deceptive as all the great CBs are. First behind Peterson in his role on the depth chart will be Jamell Fleming---who may wind up starting on the right side---but if they need to spell Peterson, Fleming will be the one to switch over. Sleeper? Actually there are two---first and foremost is Larry Parker (San Diego St.), whom you are going to love when you see this kid play. He's very much like Jamell Fleming---a quick, aggressive and fluid athlete who has a sixth sense about where the football is. The other is James Nixon (California, PA), who has very good speed and range.
SS---Adrian Wilson remains the starter, but his role is going to be very much simplified, as indicated by the incentives in his new contract that are focused on sacks and interceptions. Horton is going to turn Wilson loose on the QB as often as he can---and then use Wilson in under man and zone coverage where he is at his best. Like Lenon, Wilson may not be on the field for as many snaps as he was last year, but this will be a win-win for Wilson and the team. It will keep him fresh, hungry and poised. Behind Wilson is James Sanders who is the kind of versatile safety Horton likes in that he can play in the box or invert into deep coverage. Another player who may find his niche in this role is Crezdon Butler, who has the size, versatility and aggressiveness the coaches want.
FS---Kerry Rhodes comes into camp as the starter---but he is going to have to prove that he has the total package that Horton wants in his free safety. A very telling thing happened when Rhodes returned from injury last season---he looked much more aggressive in his approach, which is what the coaches want. It looked like Rhodes got the message and, if he has---this could be his best year in the NFL---but if he hasn't, he could be traded or released. The coaches like what they see in Rashad Johnson, who has been making steady progress in the system. Johnson was a half a step late on a few plays last year---and if he narrows that half a step gap he can win the job. Johnson has put the time in the weight room and his ability to force the run has improved a great deal. Justin Bethel has a great chance to make the roster because he can be a gunner on STs and he has the deep range Horton wants in a nickel safety. Sleeper? Keep an eye on Eddie Elder (Arizona St.) who is the kind of impact hitter that Horton loves---remember: little guys who can hit.
RCB---William Gay has the coaches' trust, which is why he is likely to start the season at this spot until the coaches are ready to start Jamell Fleming. Gay will be the nickel CB regardless---that's the role he thrives in and should be just as good and maybe even better at it than Richard Marshall was. Greg Toler is right in the mix at this spot and he fits Horton's criteria for what he wants from his backside CB---a good shadower in off coverage, and a strong run supporter. The same can be said about A.J. Jefferson who started 7 games at RCB last year. Jefferson may be a better all-around athlete than Toler, but lacks Toler's experience. It will be very interesting to see how Jefferson responds to losing his starting job last year---because there is still a chance that he comes back poised and ready to flourish in the system. If that's the case, I think the Cardinals may attempt to trade Greg Toler, who would command strong attention in the CB market. They traded Tim Hightower last year as he was heading into his contract year because they felt they were deep enough at the position. The wild card here is Michael Adams who epitomizes the little guys who hit criterion. Adams would figure into the nickel CB rotation and remain a standout STs performer. Marshay Green could also fill a similar role--and should be hungry to prove he can.
Talk about Cardinal Tough! This is by far the toughest defense the Cardinals have run onto the field in decades---and under Horton's leadership it's in the right hands. I think there's a good chance we might see a shutout this year---that how feared this unit could be. It is young in spots, but last year the youth actually upgraded the defense.
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