Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
* Really disappointed in MJ & Jody show---they kept throwing out teasers, like "who the Cardinals could be targeting in FA now, coming up next"---then we have to sit through a 30 minute discussion of the Bruce Springsteen concert (with multiple callers)---then even Jody called the Cardinals' "FA targets" they haven't talked about a "teaser"---then all MJ said was how they missed out on all the pass rushers and had no new info or insight---always defends BA&SK to the hilt---then states over and over how the Bucs should wait another year to trade Mike Glennon, but Glennon is in the final year of his rookie contract---even the football expert they had on didn't correct him---and speaking of football experts, they get great guys on the show, but always ask them numerous Q's about Manziel and the players around the NFL and rarely get any pertinent info about the Cardinals, or focus the interviews on the Cardinals. MJ used to have good inside info---but not these days. Not sure if it's worth it to tune in anymore.
* I am feeling very frustrated about Steve Keim---in my opinion, by offering JPP only a one year deal, he was too cautious. Had he offered a 4/$60M with $30 guaranteed, he could have added the premier pass rusher the team needs. Now---cynics will say, but what about the hand? Just yesterday, JPP stated that he had a procedure to increase the range of motion in his hand and that next year he is going to be able to shun the club in favor of a glove and that he will be able to grasp with the hand. The thing is with pass rushers---you are going to have to offer big money contracts and long-term deals. It's a poor strategy to think that JPP was going to come to AZ on a one year deal.
* Adding to my current frustration about Steve Keim is that nothing has been done about Calais Campbell's contract---and---apparently nothing has been done to sign Dwight Freeney, Keim's one year "prove it" contracts have been successful (for the one year), for the most part---but when players like Chris Johnson and Dwight Freeney do prove it, how about rewarding them with a follow-up deal. Or is Keim content in just letting the one year prove it guys get paid elsewhere? In my opinion, Freeney deserves at least a $6M base plus incentives. When Cory Redding is making $4M (coming off a 5 tackle, 0 sack season), what does Freeney deserve? Honestly, I think twice that. Will Keim pay it? I worry that he's gotten so caught up in his bargain shopping habits that he won't pay Freeney. So then what? Does anyone think a rookie at #29 would outplay Dwight Freeney this year? Ready-to-go pass rushers just don't fall into one's lap.
* I am getting the sense that Keim isn't going to pay Tony Jefferson because he wants better pass coverage at the position. First of all, Tony Jefferson is one of only a rare few players on this defense who is a good, physical tackler. Last year, Jefferson made good on 90 tackles and only missed 5....which is a very good thing because the players behind Jefferson (not named Tyrann Mathieu), are sub par and sometimes unwilling tacklers---Peterson, Rashad Johnson, Powers and surprisingly so was Justin Bethel. Secondly, when watching Jefferson in coverage this year, he was making very good strides in coverage as the year went on. He had a career high 5 pass breakups, and he had two key interceptions. Plus, he really brings it on his blitzes. Jefferson was very much dismayed by the low tender, and I can't blame him. He led the Cardinals in tackles in the playoffs with 20...the next closest was Deone Bucannon with 15. He was one of the lone bright spots when the rest of the defense hit a wall. Jefferson's all-around game is still evolving and if he gets signed elsewhere, this team is going to miss him big-time.
* Now---there is no question that Steve Keim has been the best GM the Cardinals have had in Arizona. He has pulled some fabulous rabbits out of the hat (Palmer, Veldheer, Iupati, Rucker, Freeney, etc.)---and at the same time he has hit gold on 2nd to 6th round draft picks. The roster is deeper and more talented than ever before---but---overall the roster needs to continue to get more physical and productive on both sides of the ball, it needs to cash in on first round draft picks, it needs more physical, tough and fundamentally sound tacklers and it needs to reinvent the "special" in special teams, particularly in the return games.
* With all of this in mind---here is a semblance of what I am hoping for:
FA Acquisitions:
NT B.J. Raji---adding him would allow Bettch to move Rodney Gunter to 34DE where we need his youth and explosiveness.
OLB/DE Dwight Freeney---the combination of his production with his mentoring of the young rushers is a high priority.
OLB Courtney Upshaw---pairing two junkyard dogs like Golden and Upshaw on the edges in the base defense would take the romance out of the opponent's running game---we have to stop Gurley, Hyde and Rawls just within our own division. Not a great pass rusher as of yet, but Freeney could help his technique.
CB Leon Hall---his ability to cover the slot, as well as start at RCB if need be, makes him a good choice, unless Jerraud Powers lowers his price tag. I am still high on Powers, but I think Hall fits the same bill.
RB Chris Johnson---sharing the load with DJ as the starter would be a coup for the Cardinals.
TE Jared Cook---I have always liked this guy. Big, physical and fast. Never really got on track in STL, but could find his groove under BA in AZ.
RG Jahri Evans---with young players at C and RT, having a veteran all-star like Evans between them would be a boon.
Draft:
1. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech. Strong and quick. Can push the pocket and small down the running game.
2. Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley St. Physically gifted. High motor. Will need mentoring, but has all the tools.
3. Justin Simmons, S, Boston College. Has the versatility and length the coaches want. Can play RCB too. Solid hitter and wrap up tackler. Very good in coverage. Plays the ball well.
4. Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama. Has swag and big-play ability. Good punt returner.
5A. Jack Allen, C, Michigan St. Very under-rated just because he is a tad smaller than the average center. But, he is very physical, smart and quick to react to blitzes. I think he's the second best center in the draft behind Ryan Kelly of Alabama, who could be the Cardinals' pick at #29...Terry McDonough has been raving about Kelly, but is convinced he will be off the board before the 29th pick.
5B. Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon. Gotta love the show he put on at the East-West Shrine game. Has a very good arm, quick feet and good accuracy. BA could have fun with him as a change of pace QB and he'd give the scout team a good Russell Wilson facsimile. With all the spread offenses with 0 backfields that BA like to run, imagine if we ever have a QB who can take off to beat the pressure when need be.
6. C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame. Converted WR to RB who had good Combine and rushed for 1,032 yards and 11 TDs for the Fighting Irish this year. Good STs player.
* I am feeling very frustrated about Steve Keim---in my opinion, by offering JPP only a one year deal, he was too cautious. Had he offered a 4/$60M with $30 guaranteed, he could have added the premier pass rusher the team needs. Now---cynics will say, but what about the hand? Just yesterday, JPP stated that he had a procedure to increase the range of motion in his hand and that next year he is going to be able to shun the club in favor of a glove and that he will be able to grasp with the hand. The thing is with pass rushers---you are going to have to offer big money contracts and long-term deals. It's a poor strategy to think that JPP was going to come to AZ on a one year deal.
* Adding to my current frustration about Steve Keim is that nothing has been done about Calais Campbell's contract---and---apparently nothing has been done to sign Dwight Freeney, Keim's one year "prove it" contracts have been successful (for the one year), for the most part---but when players like Chris Johnson and Dwight Freeney do prove it, how about rewarding them with a follow-up deal. Or is Keim content in just letting the one year prove it guys get paid elsewhere? In my opinion, Freeney deserves at least a $6M base plus incentives. When Cory Redding is making $4M (coming off a 5 tackle, 0 sack season), what does Freeney deserve? Honestly, I think twice that. Will Keim pay it? I worry that he's gotten so caught up in his bargain shopping habits that he won't pay Freeney. So then what? Does anyone think a rookie at #29 would outplay Dwight Freeney this year? Ready-to-go pass rushers just don't fall into one's lap.
* I am getting the sense that Keim isn't going to pay Tony Jefferson because he wants better pass coverage at the position. First of all, Tony Jefferson is one of only a rare few players on this defense who is a good, physical tackler. Last year, Jefferson made good on 90 tackles and only missed 5....which is a very good thing because the players behind Jefferson (not named Tyrann Mathieu), are sub par and sometimes unwilling tacklers---Peterson, Rashad Johnson, Powers and surprisingly so was Justin Bethel. Secondly, when watching Jefferson in coverage this year, he was making very good strides in coverage as the year went on. He had a career high 5 pass breakups, and he had two key interceptions. Plus, he really brings it on his blitzes. Jefferson was very much dismayed by the low tender, and I can't blame him. He led the Cardinals in tackles in the playoffs with 20...the next closest was Deone Bucannon with 15. He was one of the lone bright spots when the rest of the defense hit a wall. Jefferson's all-around game is still evolving and if he gets signed elsewhere, this team is going to miss him big-time.
* Now---there is no question that Steve Keim has been the best GM the Cardinals have had in Arizona. He has pulled some fabulous rabbits out of the hat (Palmer, Veldheer, Iupati, Rucker, Freeney, etc.)---and at the same time he has hit gold on 2nd to 6th round draft picks. The roster is deeper and more talented than ever before---but---overall the roster needs to continue to get more physical and productive on both sides of the ball, it needs to cash in on first round draft picks, it needs more physical, tough and fundamentally sound tacklers and it needs to reinvent the "special" in special teams, particularly in the return games.
* With all of this in mind---here is a semblance of what I am hoping for:
FA Acquisitions:
NT B.J. Raji---adding him would allow Bettch to move Rodney Gunter to 34DE where we need his youth and explosiveness.
OLB/DE Dwight Freeney---the combination of his production with his mentoring of the young rushers is a high priority.
OLB Courtney Upshaw---pairing two junkyard dogs like Golden and Upshaw on the edges in the base defense would take the romance out of the opponent's running game---we have to stop Gurley, Hyde and Rawls just within our own division. Not a great pass rusher as of yet, but Freeney could help his technique.
CB Leon Hall---his ability to cover the slot, as well as start at RCB if need be, makes him a good choice, unless Jerraud Powers lowers his price tag. I am still high on Powers, but I think Hall fits the same bill.
RB Chris Johnson---sharing the load with DJ as the starter would be a coup for the Cardinals.
TE Jared Cook---I have always liked this guy. Big, physical and fast. Never really got on track in STL, but could find his groove under BA in AZ.
RG Jahri Evans---with young players at C and RT, having a veteran all-star like Evans between them would be a boon.
Draft:
1. Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech. Strong and quick. Can push the pocket and small down the running game.
2. Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley St. Physically gifted. High motor. Will need mentoring, but has all the tools.
3. Justin Simmons, S, Boston College. Has the versatility and length the coaches want. Can play RCB too. Solid hitter and wrap up tackler. Very good in coverage. Plays the ball well.
4. Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama. Has swag and big-play ability. Good punt returner.
5A. Jack Allen, C, Michigan St. Very under-rated just because he is a tad smaller than the average center. But, he is very physical, smart and quick to react to blitzes. I think he's the second best center in the draft behind Ryan Kelly of Alabama, who could be the Cardinals' pick at #29...Terry McDonough has been raving about Kelly, but is convinced he will be off the board before the 29th pick.
5B. Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon. Gotta love the show he put on at the East-West Shrine game. Has a very good arm, quick feet and good accuracy. BA could have fun with him as a change of pace QB and he'd give the scout team a good Russell Wilson facsimile. With all the spread offenses with 0 backfields that BA like to run, imagine if we ever have a QB who can take off to beat the pressure when need be.
6. C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame. Converted WR to RB who had good Combine and rushed for 1,032 yards and 11 TDs for the Fighting Irish this year. Good STs player.
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