Cards D

[NashDishesDimes]

The Cards D is obviously pretty good, but what makes them so good? When you think about individual players, really only two come to mind, Tyrann, and PP21. When I think about the front 7, i really dont think of any one name, Calais? I was thinking today about all the guys the Cards have quietly lost the last few years: Dwash, Dockett, Dan Williams, Cromartie, Abraham, etc. All of those guys were very good.

I am actually astonished the run D is as good as last year without big Dan. The Dline is anchored by Frostee and Gunter!

I think this D comes down to one of three things:
1. The individual players are better than they get credit for.
2. They are a very smart defense
3. Or James Betcher knows something

If I was to suspect some underrated guys, Id start with Rashad Johnson, then move to maybe Frostee or Minter.

 

[Catfish]

I will say this about our personnel. I recall most of the draftees being self starting gym rats who work hard to make themselves as strong and fast as possible. Then too, most of them were captains of their college units, thus showing great character and leadership qualities. While a number of them are from small schools, they all have that in common.

I am quite sure that Keim looks for that a lot in the free agents that he brings in for visits. They also seem to be great character and leadership types. They may not have great names or great recognition factors, but they are all solid players from top to bottom.

 

[Sunburn]

PP21 and Honey are by far the most impactful guys. Without them, our D would take a huge step back. However, everyone seems to do their job, and do it well, with maybe the exception of fill-in Bethel at corner. I think Belichick would be satisfied.

 

[NJCardFan]

I'd say Rucker had been pretty damned good this season.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

Agree with Catfish, definitely some high character guys. Also, if the run D is this good, lets start giving some credit to Minter and Bucannon. Buc hasnt even ever played linebacker, pretty amazing really.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Peterson is as important to the defense as Palmer is to the offense... no PP and we are in doo doo

 

[Darkside]

Peterson is as important to the defense as Palmer is to the offense... no PP and we are in doo doo

This. Without PP this D is in trouble. He's able to cut the field in half on D, allow Matheiu to roam with his incredible range, and allow others to make mistakes without paying the ultimate price. Years from now I truly believe people will recognize what he's done.

There really aren't any corners like him anymore, so I think it's difficult to recognize with the new rules and all. He's like Rod Woodson if you ask me, very similar.

If you watch him play, I mean isolated on him, when the ball isn't thrown his way, he uses his hands WAY too much for today's game, but as far as technique he's the best bar none. He's able to use one hand to "tap" the WR shoulder pad, to re-orient him in his route and put himself (PP) into position once he realizes where the WR is going. He's very very good.

(Taps on the shoulder pad may not seem like a big deal, but these guys are going full speed and if you can reposition a WR even one degree or a half second and reroute him, that's exceptional. PP does it all the time)