Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
QB (3): 4-Kolb; 19-Skelton; 2-Bartel
Kolb is trying very hard---and making mistakes. But, as jazz icon Wynton Marsalis says so aptly, "If you aren't making mistakes, then you aren't trying."
His short throws to Andre Roberts were well timed and accurate. His longer throws were late, too well, telegraphed (one to Fitz on a deep inside curl should have been picked off) and inaccurate...like the deep z-out left to Fitz.
That's a play I love and is one my players had a great deal of success with. If we were running it left, as the Cardinals did last night, we called it "slot left, 36, waggle zig-zag pass." In other fake the off-tackle run to the right (36), QB waggle (deeper bootleg) left and the slot and wide WRs both run 45 degree inside zigs and then 45 degree zags toward the opposite sideline. It is an extremely difficult pass to defend---first there's the play action aspect and then there's the misdirection.
It's a much harder play for a right handed QB to make waggling to his left. We usually ran the zig-zags to the right. But when we ran it left, I had my QB stop his waggle at the upper line of the tackle box, because it takes time for the QB to set his feet and square his shoulders---and if the QB waggles too wide, by the time he throws the ball the defense has a chance to recover---which is exactly what we saw. So---next time, a shortened waggle is the thing.
The good news is Fitz was wide open deep and Roberts was even more wide open underneath.
There was some very good play calling by the Cardinals in this game---I loved the goal-line FB pass to Anthony Sherman, for example. Another play that is very difficult to defend.
The TE passes to Housler were very well designed and executed. Housler is slippery and man he has outstanding hands.
Loved too how Skelton attacked the GB zone on a 2nd and 15 by trying to hit Stephen Williams up the left sideline between the underneath LB and the over the top DB. Williams HAS to make that catch.
Bartel was very tidy and efficient all night until the interception---which for a second down play was totally unnecessary---4th down, sure. Both he and Kolb need to know when to throw the ball away. Kolb's sack was inexcusable as well.
Whiz did to Max Hall something similar to what he did with ML last year---don't keep him in the game---he might prove you wrong.
I felt very bad for Hall on his last throw because it looked clear to me that Chansi Stuckey ran his out route about 4 yards longer than he should---which is why we saw Max cuss and rip at his chin straps---the announcers felt this displayed Max's less than stellar arm strength---but there are few QBs in this league who could have gunned and threaded that out pass to Stuckey from that distance and that short of a window.
Yup---Max is toast. It took only until the 2nd pre-season game to know this for sure. Whiz wanted to see Bartel in the 2 minute drill, when it was Max's turn to play. Why even play Max for a series if you are going to bring Bartel back? This only adds more question to Whiz's handling of people and personnel. Max hHall, for all his size limitations, would give his left nut to make the team. He deserves a better scenario than what he got last night. It would have been classier to not play him and tell him that he would get the 4th quarter in one of the next two games.
Why was Whiz practically hiding Ryan Williams for two pre-season games? It's hard for any player to sit for an entire half and then go into the game in the second half...especially a highly tuned athlete like Williams. The players were all saying what a major factor Williams was going to be---and we fans all sensed it. Why then does he not get one first half carry in two games? Not one carry with the first team o-line?
Speaking of first teams---if the Cardinals don't settle into the personnel groups that will be starting the first game---especially with a new QB and so many new faces---timing and chemistry will continue to struggle.
The penalties last night were same old same old---exact same ones as last year. Levi jumping off-sides---Haggans jumping off-sides---holding calls that erase huge gains---etc. Penalties like these are a reflection of the coaching staff, especially when they are same old same old---same guys, same penalties, over and over.
You can say that THT ruined drives last year---and some key ones---by fumbling. But how many drives has Levi Brown ruined by stopping the momentum of a drive by putting the team in a 1st and 15 or 1st and 20 hole?
When is it going to stop?
RB (3): 26-Wells; 36-Stephens-Howling; 46-Smith.
Wells was productive last night. His best burst was on the screen pass he niftily snagged out of the grasp of a defender---but was called back. But---there is an awkwardness to Beanie---not sure how else to explain it---it looks like he's fighting himself most the time---
And it was interesting because a man from Mesa called in to Cardinals' Talk last night and asked John if he thought Whiz was being too hard publicly on Beanie in Whiz's post game comments---the caller said that maybe Whiz should air his critiques of Beanie privately.
John answered the question very diplomatically---he said that Whiz was upset about Ryan Williams and that Whiz was simply being honest. All true.
However---there comes a time when coaches have to understand whether it is better to massage a player's ego or to rip into him...with the knowledge of what's the best way to motivate that particular player.
Case in point: earlier in the game WR coach John McNulty ripped into Stephen Williams for his drops and mental errors. It was Haley-esque! Obviously, this lit a fire under Williams' arse because he played a good second half and scored a beautiful TD on the fade pass.
However---as awkward as Beanie appears---he looks like the kind of player that needs to be talked up and massaged---as in---"Hey man, you are Beanie Wells---THE Beanie Wells---from THE Ohio State University---from THE National Champions---you are a superstar---now go out there and be the superstar you are!"
Nitpicking and nagging on Beanie is not probably going to work. Just a hunch. But good HC's need to be able to massage certain players' egos---like Rex Ryan does and he's a master of it. Bill Parcells, for as rough and tough as he was on guys like QB Phil Sims (who needed it), he was the complete opposite with guys like Lawrence Taylor---because he knew the right buttons to push.
It might make one wonder about Whiz. And if he can't coddle a player who needs to be coddled then they shouldn't draft those type of personalities, because it isn't going to work.
LSH---now that kickoffs are becoming more and more obsolete---one would imagine that LSH's role in the offense will increase. But---there's only certain things he's good at, and running between the tackles isn't one of them. This puts the RB situation into even more of an uncertainty.
Alphonso Smith, on the other hand, is showing that he will hit whatever hole you ask him to run---and he advances consistently forward on his runs, unlike Beanie (although Beanie was better last night on a few occasions). If Smith develops as a blocker and receiver, he could be a factor in this offense.
But---because LSH limits the RB scenarios---it behooves the Cardinals to add another all-purpose RB. It will be interesting to see what they do and how imminent they view the situation. For now I will leave the unknown player off the roster---but add him in if and when he arrives.
FB (1): 35-Sherman.
Did you see Sherman's blocks in the second half? If he isn't running with the first team this week that would be just flat-out wrong.
Maui'a has been solid---but he doesn't cue up the LB or knock him backward the way Sherman does...and he's not nearly the ST player.
Charles Ali had a nice strip on the kickoff.
WR (6): 11-Fitzgerald; 12-Roberts; 85-Doucet; 89-Sampson; 18-Williams; TBD (Komar/Stuckey/I. Williams).
Fitz's catch? Two weeks in a row for the all-time Houdini of NFL WRs.
Roberts and Kolb are starting to click.
Doucet has been solid on the short routes---but we need to get some RACs and longer receptions out of him.
Sampson is the real deal. He's the reason why Whiz is saying they will be using different Z WRs. Plus, Sampson's ST play has been stellar.
Stephen Williams redeemed himself---the talent is obvious---but now John McNulty knows what buttons to push.
My guess of the remaining three? Komar makes it, with I. Williams to the PS again. Stuckey is deeper on the depth chart than what one would expect and has not made much of splash. For a 5 year veteran who has had some success, that's peculiar. But it may speak more to the talent and depth the Cardinals have at the position.
TE (4): 86-Heap; 87-King; 81-Dray; 84-Housler.
Didn't see much of Dray and if and when a new RB arrives, Dray may me the last man out. Housler was big in the passing game. But, did you see the play where he motioned and then pulled through the off-tackle hole to block and couldn't seem to find a man so he stopped and turned around? That's the last thing you want to do is stop in the hole. But the way he's catching the ball---send him out for passes every time he's in, even if as a decoy to occupy the LB.
OL (8): 75-Brown; 71-Colledge; 63-Sendlein; 76-Lutui; 73-Bridges; 74-Batiste; 70-Hadnot; 72-Keith.
I think the Cardinals would prefer to keep 9 OL, but it may be difficult to do so.
The tough choices are with G Pork Chop Womack and C Ben Claxton---but I could see the Cardinals keeping G Cliff Louis or Tom Pestock and C Kris O'Dowd on the PS...and T Jason Sperendon.
The o-line play was solid in the game---both in pass pro and the running game...save the penalties, which altered the momentum of the offense on numerous occasions.
If the Cardinals want the best continuity and chemistry for game one they had better decide on the starters this week. What appears wisest---is to move Deuce and Bridges into the starting lineup---
NT (2): 92-Williams; 79-Carter.
Big Dan with the Big sack! This may motivate him!
There's a player in the supplemental draft who is a very intriguing DT prospect---Keenan Mace (6-3, 306, Lindwood). Low center of gravity---bull strong and quick to the ball. The Cowboys love him. He will be selected, imo. Wonder if the Cardinals are interested? I think they like David Carter enough to pass on Mace, but Mace looks like a more natural NT, which is where he played and wreaked havoc in college.
DE (4): 90-Dockett; 93-Campbell; 91-Holliday; 94-Eason.
When Dockett and Campbell are this active, our defense up front is pretty dang good.
The silver lining of the THT deal is having the versatile Holliday for key depth at DE. Eason is solid as well.
Didn't see much this week from last week's surprise DE Ronald Talley.
ILB (4): 58-Washington; 51-Lenon; 97-Bradley; 56-Walker.
They were all solid in the game and, like the DBs, are improving in coverage.
OLB (5): 53-Haggans; 55-Porter; 50-Schofield; 94-Acho; PTBA
Haggans was not good in this game. Seems to be playing the guessing game out there and is guessing wrong. He used to be good at contain. Where has that gone? And the jumping off-sides on a key 3rd down situation has got to stop---for him and for everyone else. Porter was good in coverage and in run support---but he was not a factor as a rusher, which is a big concern. Acho is active,. but not quick off the edge. Schofield, thank goodness is quick, and gave us a glimmer of edge rushing hope.
In Monday's supplemental draft, there is a very intriguing edge rusher, Mike McAdoo (6-6, 250, North Carolina). McAdoo was one of the suspended players at UNC---he sued the NCAA because he didn't feel he should have been sanctioned the same as the others---but McAdoo was headed for what could have been a real breakout season. He had 4 sacks sacks and an interception in the UNC Spring Game and was named defensive MVP of the game. He didn't play that much before because he was behind Robert Quinn and Bruce Carter, amongst other blue-chip talents. McAdoo could be a steal and just what the Cardinals need. I hope they have done their homework on him and I hope they are willing to give up a middle round draft pick to get him. At this point, the potential reward in an area of utmost need is greater than the risk.
CB (5): 20-Jefferson; 28-Toler; 21-Peterson; 31-Marshall; 27-Adams.
Man there was all kinds of sticky coverage going on last night. I thought that Jefferson and Toler were outstanding. Peterson is not playing the ball yet obviously---that's his GAME. Once he starts seeing the ball---watch out! Marshall is used best in press overage---and I stlll think he would be a good option at SS.
S (5): 25-Rhodes; 49-Johnson; 24-Wilson; 21-Abdullah; 22-Ware.
It appears the Cardinals won't upgrade the position and that's a shame.
ST (3): 3-Feely; 5-Graham; 82-Leach.
Feely was outstanding in the game. Graham, who was not, and now finds himself in a bit of a competition with Derek Epperson, who boomed two punts for a 48 yard average. The problem with that is Graham is such a great holder for Feely the team needs to take that somewhat into consideration...that is unless Bartel is the answer (3rd string QBs are now eligible on game days).
One of the plays that bothered me most was Whiz's decision to kick the second FG. It was after Fitz's unreal catch. Kolb was fired up and was motioning to go for it. It was a 4th and 3 at the Packers' 35 yard line. Why not?
Everyone was saying after---including Whiz---too bad all we got is FGs. Well, how about making a statement and going for it on 4th down?
This week we need to see the real starting lineups---and we have to hope that the four week ice on the FOs' pens has thawed by now, because if they don't start signing some important depth players---this team, personnel-wise is not nearly as strong as it needs to be.
Kolb is trying very hard---and making mistakes. But, as jazz icon Wynton Marsalis says so aptly, "If you aren't making mistakes, then you aren't trying."
His short throws to Andre Roberts were well timed and accurate. His longer throws were late, too well, telegraphed (one to Fitz on a deep inside curl should have been picked off) and inaccurate...like the deep z-out left to Fitz.
That's a play I love and is one my players had a great deal of success with. If we were running it left, as the Cardinals did last night, we called it "slot left, 36, waggle zig-zag pass." In other fake the off-tackle run to the right (36), QB waggle (deeper bootleg) left and the slot and wide WRs both run 45 degree inside zigs and then 45 degree zags toward the opposite sideline. It is an extremely difficult pass to defend---first there's the play action aspect and then there's the misdirection.
It's a much harder play for a right handed QB to make waggling to his left. We usually ran the zig-zags to the right. But when we ran it left, I had my QB stop his waggle at the upper line of the tackle box, because it takes time for the QB to set his feet and square his shoulders---and if the QB waggles too wide, by the time he throws the ball the defense has a chance to recover---which is exactly what we saw. So---next time, a shortened waggle is the thing.
The good news is Fitz was wide open deep and Roberts was even more wide open underneath.
There was some very good play calling by the Cardinals in this game---I loved the goal-line FB pass to Anthony Sherman, for example. Another play that is very difficult to defend.
The TE passes to Housler were very well designed and executed. Housler is slippery and man he has outstanding hands.
Loved too how Skelton attacked the GB zone on a 2nd and 15 by trying to hit Stephen Williams up the left sideline between the underneath LB and the over the top DB. Williams HAS to make that catch.
Bartel was very tidy and efficient all night until the interception---which for a second down play was totally unnecessary---4th down, sure. Both he and Kolb need to know when to throw the ball away. Kolb's sack was inexcusable as well.
Whiz did to Max Hall something similar to what he did with ML last year---don't keep him in the game---he might prove you wrong.
I felt very bad for Hall on his last throw because it looked clear to me that Chansi Stuckey ran his out route about 4 yards longer than he should---which is why we saw Max cuss and rip at his chin straps---the announcers felt this displayed Max's less than stellar arm strength---but there are few QBs in this league who could have gunned and threaded that out pass to Stuckey from that distance and that short of a window.
Yup---Max is toast. It took only until the 2nd pre-season game to know this for sure. Whiz wanted to see Bartel in the 2 minute drill, when it was Max's turn to play. Why even play Max for a series if you are going to bring Bartel back? This only adds more question to Whiz's handling of people and personnel. Max hHall, for all his size limitations, would give his left nut to make the team. He deserves a better scenario than what he got last night. It would have been classier to not play him and tell him that he would get the 4th quarter in one of the next two games.
Why was Whiz practically hiding Ryan Williams for two pre-season games? It's hard for any player to sit for an entire half and then go into the game in the second half...especially a highly tuned athlete like Williams. The players were all saying what a major factor Williams was going to be---and we fans all sensed it. Why then does he not get one first half carry in two games? Not one carry with the first team o-line?
Speaking of first teams---if the Cardinals don't settle into the personnel groups that will be starting the first game---especially with a new QB and so many new faces---timing and chemistry will continue to struggle.
The penalties last night were same old same old---exact same ones as last year. Levi jumping off-sides---Haggans jumping off-sides---holding calls that erase huge gains---etc. Penalties like these are a reflection of the coaching staff, especially when they are same old same old---same guys, same penalties, over and over.
You can say that THT ruined drives last year---and some key ones---by fumbling. But how many drives has Levi Brown ruined by stopping the momentum of a drive by putting the team in a 1st and 15 or 1st and 20 hole?
When is it going to stop?
RB (3): 26-Wells; 36-Stephens-Howling; 46-Smith.
Wells was productive last night. His best burst was on the screen pass he niftily snagged out of the grasp of a defender---but was called back. But---there is an awkwardness to Beanie---not sure how else to explain it---it looks like he's fighting himself most the time---
And it was interesting because a man from Mesa called in to Cardinals' Talk last night and asked John if he thought Whiz was being too hard publicly on Beanie in Whiz's post game comments---the caller said that maybe Whiz should air his critiques of Beanie privately.
John answered the question very diplomatically---he said that Whiz was upset about Ryan Williams and that Whiz was simply being honest. All true.
However---there comes a time when coaches have to understand whether it is better to massage a player's ego or to rip into him...with the knowledge of what's the best way to motivate that particular player.
Case in point: earlier in the game WR coach John McNulty ripped into Stephen Williams for his drops and mental errors. It was Haley-esque! Obviously, this lit a fire under Williams' arse because he played a good second half and scored a beautiful TD on the fade pass.
However---as awkward as Beanie appears---he looks like the kind of player that needs to be talked up and massaged---as in---"Hey man, you are Beanie Wells---THE Beanie Wells---from THE Ohio State University---from THE National Champions---you are a superstar---now go out there and be the superstar you are!"
Nitpicking and nagging on Beanie is not probably going to work. Just a hunch. But good HC's need to be able to massage certain players' egos---like Rex Ryan does and he's a master of it. Bill Parcells, for as rough and tough as he was on guys like QB Phil Sims (who needed it), he was the complete opposite with guys like Lawrence Taylor---because he knew the right buttons to push.
It might make one wonder about Whiz. And if he can't coddle a player who needs to be coddled then they shouldn't draft those type of personalities, because it isn't going to work.
LSH---now that kickoffs are becoming more and more obsolete---one would imagine that LSH's role in the offense will increase. But---there's only certain things he's good at, and running between the tackles isn't one of them. This puts the RB situation into even more of an uncertainty.
Alphonso Smith, on the other hand, is showing that he will hit whatever hole you ask him to run---and he advances consistently forward on his runs, unlike Beanie (although Beanie was better last night on a few occasions). If Smith develops as a blocker and receiver, he could be a factor in this offense.
But---because LSH limits the RB scenarios---it behooves the Cardinals to add another all-purpose RB. It will be interesting to see what they do and how imminent they view the situation. For now I will leave the unknown player off the roster---but add him in if and when he arrives.
FB (1): 35-Sherman.
Did you see Sherman's blocks in the second half? If he isn't running with the first team this week that would be just flat-out wrong.
Maui'a has been solid---but he doesn't cue up the LB or knock him backward the way Sherman does...and he's not nearly the ST player.
Charles Ali had a nice strip on the kickoff.
WR (6): 11-Fitzgerald; 12-Roberts; 85-Doucet; 89-Sampson; 18-Williams; TBD (Komar/Stuckey/I. Williams).
Fitz's catch? Two weeks in a row for the all-time Houdini of NFL WRs.
Roberts and Kolb are starting to click.
Doucet has been solid on the short routes---but we need to get some RACs and longer receptions out of him.
Sampson is the real deal. He's the reason why Whiz is saying they will be using different Z WRs. Plus, Sampson's ST play has been stellar.
Stephen Williams redeemed himself---the talent is obvious---but now John McNulty knows what buttons to push.
My guess of the remaining three? Komar makes it, with I. Williams to the PS again. Stuckey is deeper on the depth chart than what one would expect and has not made much of splash. For a 5 year veteran who has had some success, that's peculiar. But it may speak more to the talent and depth the Cardinals have at the position.
TE (4): 86-Heap; 87-King; 81-Dray; 84-Housler.
Didn't see much of Dray and if and when a new RB arrives, Dray may me the last man out. Housler was big in the passing game. But, did you see the play where he motioned and then pulled through the off-tackle hole to block and couldn't seem to find a man so he stopped and turned around? That's the last thing you want to do is stop in the hole. But the way he's catching the ball---send him out for passes every time he's in, even if as a decoy to occupy the LB.
OL (8): 75-Brown; 71-Colledge; 63-Sendlein; 76-Lutui; 73-Bridges; 74-Batiste; 70-Hadnot; 72-Keith.
I think the Cardinals would prefer to keep 9 OL, but it may be difficult to do so.
The tough choices are with G Pork Chop Womack and C Ben Claxton---but I could see the Cardinals keeping G Cliff Louis or Tom Pestock and C Kris O'Dowd on the PS...and T Jason Sperendon.
The o-line play was solid in the game---both in pass pro and the running game...save the penalties, which altered the momentum of the offense on numerous occasions.
If the Cardinals want the best continuity and chemistry for game one they had better decide on the starters this week. What appears wisest---is to move Deuce and Bridges into the starting lineup---
NT (2): 92-Williams; 79-Carter.
Big Dan with the Big sack! This may motivate him!
There's a player in the supplemental draft who is a very intriguing DT prospect---Keenan Mace (6-3, 306, Lindwood). Low center of gravity---bull strong and quick to the ball. The Cowboys love him. He will be selected, imo. Wonder if the Cardinals are interested? I think they like David Carter enough to pass on Mace, but Mace looks like a more natural NT, which is where he played and wreaked havoc in college.
DE (4): 90-Dockett; 93-Campbell; 91-Holliday; 94-Eason.
When Dockett and Campbell are this active, our defense up front is pretty dang good.
The silver lining of the THT deal is having the versatile Holliday for key depth at DE. Eason is solid as well.
Didn't see much this week from last week's surprise DE Ronald Talley.
ILB (4): 58-Washington; 51-Lenon; 97-Bradley; 56-Walker.
They were all solid in the game and, like the DBs, are improving in coverage.
OLB (5): 53-Haggans; 55-Porter; 50-Schofield; 94-Acho; PTBA
Haggans was not good in this game. Seems to be playing the guessing game out there and is guessing wrong. He used to be good at contain. Where has that gone? And the jumping off-sides on a key 3rd down situation has got to stop---for him and for everyone else. Porter was good in coverage and in run support---but he was not a factor as a rusher, which is a big concern. Acho is active,. but not quick off the edge. Schofield, thank goodness is quick, and gave us a glimmer of edge rushing hope.
In Monday's supplemental draft, there is a very intriguing edge rusher, Mike McAdoo (6-6, 250, North Carolina). McAdoo was one of the suspended players at UNC---he sued the NCAA because he didn't feel he should have been sanctioned the same as the others---but McAdoo was headed for what could have been a real breakout season. He had 4 sacks sacks and an interception in the UNC Spring Game and was named defensive MVP of the game. He didn't play that much before because he was behind Robert Quinn and Bruce Carter, amongst other blue-chip talents. McAdoo could be a steal and just what the Cardinals need. I hope they have done their homework on him and I hope they are willing to give up a middle round draft pick to get him. At this point, the potential reward in an area of utmost need is greater than the risk.
CB (5): 20-Jefferson; 28-Toler; 21-Peterson; 31-Marshall; 27-Adams.
Man there was all kinds of sticky coverage going on last night. I thought that Jefferson and Toler were outstanding. Peterson is not playing the ball yet obviously---that's his GAME. Once he starts seeing the ball---watch out! Marshall is used best in press overage---and I stlll think he would be a good option at SS.
S (5): 25-Rhodes; 49-Johnson; 24-Wilson; 21-Abdullah; 22-Ware.
It appears the Cardinals won't upgrade the position and that's a shame.
ST (3): 3-Feely; 5-Graham; 82-Leach.
Feely was outstanding in the game. Graham, who was not, and now finds himself in a bit of a competition with Derek Epperson, who boomed two punts for a 48 yard average. The problem with that is Graham is such a great holder for Feely the team needs to take that somewhat into consideration...that is unless Bartel is the answer (3rd string QBs are now eligible on game days).
One of the plays that bothered me most was Whiz's decision to kick the second FG. It was after Fitz's unreal catch. Kolb was fired up and was motioning to go for it. It was a 4th and 3 at the Packers' 35 yard line. Why not?
Everyone was saying after---including Whiz---too bad all we got is FGs. Well, how about making a statement and going for it on 4th down?
This week we need to see the real starting lineups---and we have to hope that the four week ice on the FOs' pens has thawed by now, because if they don't start signing some important depth players---this team, personnel-wise is not nearly as strong as it needs to be.
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Realistically Housler said after the game the staff is stressing the importance of mistake free football (penalties). Stuff will happen , but they've got to clean up the mental stuff to succeed. In fairness Levi has been playing OK, but he belongs at Guard, plain and simple. If he can't handle it by next game, they ought to bring in Bridges there. 1st Half.
