Cardinals Signed Jason Wright
- Thread starter AzWins23
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Perfectionist
Objectively Correct
Agree with most that this is a nice signing. Special teams we definately needed help and also this guy is great in the locker room. Hope we here alot of him next season.
Treefiddy
Richard Cranium
30% is the average amount of snaps a 3rd down back is expected to see in Cleveland.
Shogun
Never doubt Mitch. EVER.
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I like it. He impressed me when I watched Cleveland play.
binkar
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These are both from espn.com
1st Analysis: Wright had a flash of fantasy relevance in '07 when Jamal Lewis suffered a foot injury and couldn't play in Weeks 5 and 6, but otherwise Wright was basically unused. In his four-year career, he has gained a reputation as a good receiver, but he doesn't play much on third down because he's not a good blocker. He's also not particularly fast or elusive. But if something happens to Lewis, Wright figures to be the first man in.
2nd Analysis: Wright is Jamal Lewis' direct backup. While he certainly isn't flashy and doesn't have exceptional physical prowess, Wright is tough, determined and very reliable in all facets, including special teams -- where he shines. He doesn't get a lot of action, but is a change of pace to the bruising Lewis. He isn't particularly big, strong, nifty or fast, but he studies the game and gets the very most out of his abilities. He sees the hole and attacks it. He also shows good patience, balance and keeps his feet churning on contact. He has soft hands and consistently secures the ball away from his frame, dropping very few passes. He is very impressive in pass protection. Wright will not run away from anyone at this level and doesn't have the girth or power to carry the load for an extended period of time. He isn't real abrupt in his cuts and lacks the explosiveness you look for from this position. As a special teams player, he shows grit and enthusiasm. He is also a good tackler and a core contributor in all facets. His best role would be as a No. 3 running back, rather than a No. 2, and a valuable contributor on special teams.
3rd Analysis: Wright is the type of player that coaches love because he will do anything asked of him. However, the only area of the game where he can be considered above average is as a special teamer. As a runner, he is strictly backup material, but does everything well enough to contribute, including blitz pickup and has the ability to catch the ball cleanly. Wright is a patient runner who sees the field well, but doesn't have the natural tools to explode through a crevice or abruptly change directions. His power is also rather marginal. He isn't particularly fast and struggles to separate once he does get away from the first level. His intelligence, versatility and want-to are his best attributes.
I am hoping the 2nd 2 are more accurate.
1st Analysis: Wright had a flash of fantasy relevance in '07 when Jamal Lewis suffered a foot injury and couldn't play in Weeks 5 and 6, but otherwise Wright was basically unused. In his four-year career, he has gained a reputation as a good receiver, but he doesn't play much on third down because he's not a good blocker. He's also not particularly fast or elusive. But if something happens to Lewis, Wright figures to be the first man in.
2nd Analysis: Wright is Jamal Lewis' direct backup. While he certainly isn't flashy and doesn't have exceptional physical prowess, Wright is tough, determined and very reliable in all facets, including special teams -- where he shines. He doesn't get a lot of action, but is a change of pace to the bruising Lewis. He isn't particularly big, strong, nifty or fast, but he studies the game and gets the very most out of his abilities. He sees the hole and attacks it. He also shows good patience, balance and keeps his feet churning on contact. He has soft hands and consistently secures the ball away from his frame, dropping very few passes. He is very impressive in pass protection. Wright will not run away from anyone at this level and doesn't have the girth or power to carry the load for an extended period of time. He isn't real abrupt in his cuts and lacks the explosiveness you look for from this position. As a special teams player, he shows grit and enthusiasm. He is also a good tackler and a core contributor in all facets. His best role would be as a No. 3 running back, rather than a No. 2, and a valuable contributor on special teams.
3rd Analysis: Wright is the type of player that coaches love because he will do anything asked of him. However, the only area of the game where he can be considered above average is as a special teamer. As a runner, he is strictly backup material, but does everything well enough to contribute, including blitz pickup and has the ability to catch the ball cleanly. Wright is a patient runner who sees the field well, but doesn't have the natural tools to explode through a crevice or abruptly change directions. His power is also rather marginal. He isn't particularly fast and struggles to separate once he does get away from the first level. His intelligence, versatility and want-to are his best attributes.
I am hoping the 2nd 2 are more accurate.
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JeffGollin
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Admittedly, if we stocked all 53 spots on our roster with guys like this, we'd probably wind up 8 & 8.
But that said - you need a decent number of guys like Wright to build a winning attitude in order to make or keep your team successful.
At a point in the development of the franchise where we're (a) coming off an "almost" Super Bowl win, (b) facing a bunch of assistant coaching changes and (c) will have to say "goodbye" to a few folks and "hello" to a few others - guys like Wright provide much needed ballast and stability on the roster.
Nice, unsexy pickup.
But that said - you need a decent number of guys like Wright to build a winning attitude in order to make or keep your team successful.
At a point in the development of the franchise where we're (a) coming off an "almost" Super Bowl win, (b) facing a bunch of assistant coaching changes and (c) will have to say "goodbye" to a few folks and "hello" to a few others - guys like Wright provide much needed ballast and stability on the roster.
Nice, unsexy pickup.
The best part of this signing for me is that I have no idea who this guy is, but trust that the organization now knows what it's doing in free agency...so I am good with it. 
Too funny!
CardinalChris
Big Man Himself
That probably had more to do with the ams than with Hightower getting a real shot. But regardless of if Hightower turns out to be a good back or not (I am hoping the 'not good' comment was directed at others on the board baceause I said/think nothing of the sort), I don't feel comfortable with him as my only option for 2009.
Zeno
Ancient
I'm with you, we can all HOPE Hightower can be a feature back but I don't think we can count on it. If Hightower is Plan A we need a strong Plan B.
CardinalChris
Big Man Himself
Previous Cardinal regiems would try to convince us that he was the star waiting to take off who just needed a chance instead of hedging thier bets and protecting the team. But like most, I love Hightower and hope he becomes what I have seen in glimpses, a slightly slower, but more powerful young Edge.
Arizona's Finest
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I wouldn't be too worried about it. I would be shocked if this team doesn't draft a RB on the first day and theres a good chance its the first pick.
Whats nice about this organization now opposed to the past as a fan you can see a clear plan on what they are doing and it makes sense. A drafted RB and Hightower will split carries with this guy doing the dirty work and ST's.
As for the Edge not being replaced by thid guy. I agree with regards to role. But now the Cardinals can not worry about the possibility of drafting 2 backs to fill out thier depth chart. This is the vet guy who will combine with the mainstays who will be in their second year and first.
az jam
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I like this signing. He is not going to be the starter. Hightower plus a draft pick this year will be the so called starters. He will for sure be on the team, play special teams and most likely take JJ Arrington's place as a third down back. Whisenhunt looks for competition and this is exactly why Wright choose the Cards. We need some experienced depth at RB and he provides that.
Stout
Hold onto the ball, Murray!
Excellent signing. Good for depth, a serviceable 3rd down back to replace JJ, and a guy to bolster some flagging special teams. Works for me, and he probably came at bargain basement prices.
NeverSayDieFan
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A contributor...
I laugh when I see the Championship emoti-con (T.J. who's your momma=CHAMPIONSHIP!!) after we sign somebody new. ...And yet this is EXACTLY the type of signing that builds a Championship team. As we all know, the NFL season is a long, grueling test of will, spirit, and body. I think last year we learned how to finish. Our will to WIN is now stronger. The chemistry on the team--being united in spirit--has developed nicely and I think that stems from solid coaching and leadership. Finally, I think John Lott & staff have done a tremendous job with strength & conditioning. So, over-all I see a Cardinal team being built the right way. TO LAST!! ...And signing a player like this, someone who will contribute over the long season, IS how you build a Championship team. He won't be flashy BUT he'll get the job done! GO CARDS!
I laugh when I see the Championship emoti-con (T.J. who's your momma=CHAMPIONSHIP!!) after we sign somebody new. ...And yet this is EXACTLY the type of signing that builds a Championship team. As we all know, the NFL season is a long, grueling test of will, spirit, and body. I think last year we learned how to finish. Our will to WIN is now stronger. The chemistry on the team--being united in spirit--has developed nicely and I think that stems from solid coaching and leadership. Finally, I think John Lott & staff have done a tremendous job with strength & conditioning. So, over-all I see a Cardinal team being built the right way. TO LAST!! ...And signing a player like this, someone who will contribute over the long season, IS how you build a Championship team. He won't be flashy BUT he'll get the job done! GO CARDS!
I got to say this about Hightower. He runs like his hair is on fire. The guy runs all out and appears to prefer to run over people rather than around them. He may surprise a lot of us this year as he learned some things from last year.
82CardsGrad
7 x 70
Classic!
And really, does anyone see this signing as justification for the release of Edge??
Seriously....
Arizona's Finest
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Classic!
And really, does anyone see this signing as justification for the release of Edge??
Seriously....
Your looking at it from a talent POV and not a rostor spot POV. The work load replacement will come from the draft likley. This will allow us to have the min 3 RB's going into the season.
I would think with all the hell he has raised the release of James will come sooner rather then later.
I strongly doubt that Wright is a "camp body". I am convinced he will be on the 53 man roster and will play a role on 3rd downs and STs. Sometimes the line between success and failure is very thin. One block on a blitzing LB gives time for Kurt to put the ball in the air where Fitz's hands can find it. Do we notice the block or the amazing catch? Wright is smart and disciplined. Judging from his STs play I'm betting he is tough also. Smart, tough, disciplined...reminds me of something I heard someone say somewhere.
