Cheesebeef's Mea Culpa!

[Gee!]

Failed his physical in Cincy.

What? Thats awesome! Not because he's fat but because he is back with the Cards.. He is back with the Cards right? Cuz I havent heard about that..

 

[jw7]

Yes there is something very different about the Cards this year.

I have never seen them go this hard in FA before.

As a season ticket holder I have received 5 phone calls with the message "is there anything we can do better? Please call us if you have any concerns"

Never has this happened before.

I wish B. Bidwill a happy 80th, but I think it is Mike that deserves the credit for this. I met him once and he loves the fans.

 

[Gee!]

Actually I have liked you being the devil's advocate because it helps keep me grounded.

Do Jewish people belive there is a devil? I just took cheese complaining as some sort of Jewish thing.. haha

 

[Jersey Girl]

What? Thats awesome! Not because he's fat but because he is back with the Cards.. He is back with the Cards right? Cuz I havent heard about that..

I believe that's how it works. Definitely a bonus for us!

 

[desertdawg]

What? Thats awesome! Not because he's fat but because he is back with the Cards.. He is back with the Cards right? Cuz I havent heard about that..

1 year is the word, K9 should be stoked.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Way to go buddy-----I knew there was a real Cards fan in there someplace. Welcome back to the big red storm in the desert.

I would put cheesebeef as a fan against about anyone including myself. The guy travels from out of state multiple times every year to the Cards games.

Same with guys like Shane and all of the out of towners. Pretty easy for me to be super fan when I got a half hour drive to see them.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Yes there is something very different about the Cards this year.

I have never seen them go this hard in FA before.

As a season ticket holder I have received 5 phone calls with the message "is there anything we can do better? Please call us if you have any concerns"

Never has this happened before.

I wish B. Bidwill a happy 80th, but I think it is Mike that deserves the credit for this. I met him once and he loves the fans.

Fitz tweeted that this is the most active he has ever seen the team in free agency.

I think Mikey B. is gonna be great for this franchise ... actually, he already is.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Hahaha Ill take it. Good for you Cheese.

I have been an optimist from the get go this offseason, but I couldnt have even predicted this.

Deuce failing his physical and coming back to us? Getting something of value for Hightower? WTF? Are the football gods actually smiling on us?

 

[DemsMyBoys]

Ratings hit.

Our front office making it happen.

Raining roquefort for da Cheese mon.

(Apologies to Thesmel and Dawg.)

 

[Crazy Canuck]

You get the hat trick, Cheese:

 

[JCSunsfan]

Still, the best move of the off season was cutting DAnderson.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I was wrong. Now that i'm out of the worm hole I've been in at work, after looking at what this team has done in it's entirety, I'm actually VERY impressed with what we've accomplished.

Heap allays my fears about our receiving weapons... our secondary should be just as good if not better than last year... with Deuce back, Colledge and Pork Chop, our O-line should be better... anyone has to be better than Hayes last year and we've got a QB of the future. that's pretty freaking awesome. now, if any of our young guys can make any kind of progress from last year and I expect at least a little from Scho, Washington and Williams, this team could not just be a contender in the weak NFC West, but they might actually be a pretty damn good team REGARDLESS of where we play.

I am STOKED about this year AND the FUTURE of this team.

how you like them apples Kool-Aiders? or maybe I should call you guys REALISTS for once!

+1 Especially after today. I took one morning off, BAM. All kinds of stuff happens.

Crazy in a good way

 

[desertdawg]

Still, the best move of the off season was cutting DAnderson.

And bringing in Horton, and getting Kolb. Could be Peterson who seems to be getting lost in the awesome mix that is this year's off season. Could be the deal we sign with Fitz. But cutting DA does have my vote.

 

[splitsecond]

Alert the authorities, Cheese' computer has been hacked.

 

[gmabel830]

@cheesebeef -- yesterday when you were ragging on the prospect of adding Heap, and I asked you what your alternative would be, you laid out what you would have done in free agency and I thought your approach was very reasonable. You seemed to think/expect that we would go after younger guys like Zach Miller, Tulloch, etc. that we could add as core players. After our 5-11 season, I can definitely see where that perspective comes from.

I think the front office has shown the past two offseasons that they are going with an approach of building through the draft (except for a strategic acquisition like Kolb that we had more faith in than any of the draft prospects), locking up our most important/core players to long-term deals, and letting other young productive players not deemed to be core players walk and replacing them with veteran players who can fill roles/be productive parts. I feel we have added a lot of good vets who fill key roles this offseason, but certainly we haven't added a huge difference maker who changes the direction of our team outside of Kolb.

Our core players are Kolb, Fitz, Dockett, Peterson, and Wilson. Washington and maybe Schofield may grow into that role, but they could end up like Dansby, Rolle, Breaston, and almost Deuce (productive players that can be replaced). Maybe one of our RBs could grow into the role as well, but in this day and age I think a set of productive backs can do just fine (see Packers for example).

Two places where I think we should get a core player -- OT and OLB. Next year's OT class looks strong, so I'd target one of those with our first round picks and let Levi walk. I'd consider going after a strong OLB in free agency if one is available and letting Porter/Haggans move on after this year. If no elite OLB is available via FA, fill it with a competent vet & keep developing our younger guys for the short term, and OLB probably becomes the big need in 2013 draft.

I think a core group of Kolb, Fitz, Franchise OT, Dockett, Peterson, Wilson, and OLB/pass rusher would cover us at all of the crucial positions. Everything else could be filled with veteran role players/contributing parts and we would be very serious contenders starting maybe in 2012 for several years. I think we are contenders for a division title and playoff spot this year, but with so many changing parts and still a few key holes I think expecting a deep playoff run this year just isn't realistic -- but then again those weren't realistic expectations three seasons ago either.

 

[Cardiac]

@cheesebeef -- yesterday when you were ragging on the prospect of adding Heap, and I asked you what your alternative would be, you laid out what you would have done in free agency and I thought your approach was very reasonable. You seemed to think/expect that we would go after younger guys like Zach Miller, Tulloch, etc. that we could add as core players. After our 5-11 season, I can definitely see where that perspective comes from.

I think the front office has shown the past two offseasons that they are going with an approach of building through the draft (except for a strategic acquisition like Kolb that we had more faith in than any of the draft prospects), locking up our most important/core players to long-term deals, and letting other young productive players not deemed to be core players walk and replacing them with veteran players who can fill roles/be productive parts. I feel we have added a lot of good vets who fill key roles this offseason, but certainly we haven't added a huge difference maker who changes the direction of our team outside of Kolb.

Our core players are Kolb, Fitz, Dockett, Peterson, and Wilson. Washington and maybe Schofield may grow into that role, but they could end up like Dansby, Rolle, Breaston, and almost Deuce (productive players that can be replaced). Maybe one of our RBs could grow into the role as well, but in this day and age I think a set of productive backs can do just fine (see Packers for example).

Two places where I think we should get a core player -- OT and OLB. Next year's OT class looks strong, so I'd target one of those with our first round picks and let Levi walk. I'd consider going after a strong OLB in free agency if one is available and letting Porter/Haggans move on after this year. If no elite OLB is available via FA, fill it with a competent vet & keep developing our younger guys for the short term, and OLB probably becomes the big need in 2013 draft.

I think a core group of Kolb, Fitz, Franchise OT, Dockett, Peterson, Wilson, and OLB/pass rusher would cover us at all of the crucial positions. Everything else could be filled with veteran role players/contributing parts and we would be very serious contenders starting maybe in 2012 for several years. I think we are contenders for a division title and playoff spot this year, but with so many changing parts and still a few key holes I think expecting a deep playoff run this year just isn't realistic -- but then again those weren't realistic expectations three seasons ago either.

Very good post.

Let's see if Levi sucks out loud again this year before committing to drafting a LT in rd1. Let's also see how O'Brien and Acho develop this year.

I'm hoping we can add CC and Dumpster Dan to your list of core players after this year.

I really like the BPA approach we focused on more heavily this year so I'm hoping that continues.

 

[gmabel830]

Very good post.

Let's see if Levi sucks out loud again this year before committing to drafting a LT in rd1. Let's also see how O'Brien and Acho develop this year.

I'm hoping we can add CC and Dumpster Dan to your list of core players after this year.

I really like the BPA approach we focused on more heavily this year so I'm hoping that continues.

At a certain point, something would have to give on the D-Line if CC and Dan Williams develop. On a long-term successful franchise you inevitably have to let really good players go and find suitable replacements. If CC and Big Dan develop, I don't think you can pay all three big money. I'd put the priority on Williams if he develops into a big time 3-4 NT (Casey Hampton has always been the key to the Steelers DL, and made really average DEs look good). Then, either let CC go or pay CC or let Dockett go. Let guys play through their rookie contracts, then you need to end up making strategic decisions about who is worth paying and who can be replaced.

 

[Cardiac]

At a certain point, something would have to give on the D-Line if CC and Dan Williams develop. On a long-term successful franchise you inevitably have to let really good players go and find suitable replacements. If CC and Big Dan develop, I don't think you can pay all three big money. I'd put the priority on Williams if he develops into a big time 3-4 NT (Casey Hampton has always been the key to the Steelers DL, and made really average DEs look good). Then, either let CC go or pay CC or let Dockett go. Let guys play through their rookie contracts, then you need to end up making strategic decisions about who is worth paying and who can be replaced.

Good perspective. I'm wondering if the new CBA will enable teams to afford a couple more core players earning good money or if the top 5 just make more money.

 

[gmabel830]

Very good post.

Let's see if Levi sucks out loud again this year before committing to drafting a LT in rd1. Let's also see how O'Brien and Acho develop this year.

I'm hoping we can add CC and Dumpster Dan to your list of core players after this year.

I really like the BPA approach we focused on more heavily this year so I'm hoping that continues.

To put another way, you can't have too many franchise/core players. Think about the really successful teams:

Steelers - I'd say their core players are Ben, Hampton, Harrison, and Troy. Think about all of the good WRs, LBs, O-Lineman, and RBs who have come and gone over the years.

Ravens - Flacco, Ngata, Lewis, and Reed. A lot of O-Line, RB, WR, etc. churn over the years.

Patriots - Brady, Wilfork, Mayo, maybe Welker. How many good Pats have come and gone over the years?

At a certain point, if young guys really develop, you need to either let them move on or invest in adding them to your core at the expense of letting current core players (usually the older ones) go.

If we end up paying too many guys top dollar, it will be at the expense of having enough to bring in the right veteran pieces and the overall team suffers. I think Wilson drops from the list of core players when his contract is up (either going elsewhere or taking money that reflects he isn't one of our core guys anymore) and eventually a decision on Dockett needs to come if Williams/CC develop.

 

[Cardiac]

To put another way, you can't have too many franchise/core players. Think about the really successful teams:

Steelers - I'd say their core players are Ben, Hampton, Harrison, and Troy. Think about all of the good WRs, LBs, O-Lineman, and RBs who have come and gone over the years.

I guess defining core players is a bit subjective. Hines Ward and Lamar Woodley would be what I consider core players.

Ravens - Flacco, Ngata, Lewis, and Reed. A lot of O-Line, RB, WR, etc. churn over the years.

Ray Rice and Boldin?

Patriots - Brady, Wilfork, Mayo, maybe Welker. How many good Pats have come and gone over the years?

Pats simply don't fit any know model, Billicheck is freaky good.

At a certain point, if young guys really develop, you need to either let them move on or invest in adding them to your core at the expense of letting current core players (usually the older ones) go.

If we end up paying too many guys top dollar, it will be at the expense of having enough to bring in the right veteran pieces and the overall team suffers. I think Wilson drops from the list of core players when his contract is up (either going elsewhere or taking money that reflects he isn't one of our core guys anymore) and eventually a decision on Dockett needs to come if Williams/CC develop.

I get what you are saying but a team like the Colts are heavily invested in QB, TE, WR, 2 DE's and just last year spent good money on MLB. That's 6 guys so maybe the number is 6 instead of 4? If you have enough great players then you can be a bit younger and weaker at some other positions.

One thing just jumped out at me during our conversation, no O-line are listed in either of our examples. I know the Pats and Colts have very good money invested in these units, at least at a couple of positions.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

The only thing I can think of is Necessary Roughness had another good week and he's in a good mood. It making him soft.

Stay with us and fight the good fight.

 

[gmabel830]

I get what you are saying but a team like the Colts are heavily invested in QB, TE, WR, 2 DE's and just last year spent good money on MLB. That's 6 guys so maybe the number is 6 instead of 4? If you have enough great players then you can be a bit younger and weaker at some other positions.

One thing just jumped out at me during our conversation, no O-line are listed in either of our examples. I know the Pats and Colts have very good money invested in these units, at least at a couple of positions.

Damnit -- I had a really drawn out reply and the site/my internet crashed out on me, so I'll summarize.

I'll give you Ward/Boldin, but Rice/Woodley are classified as guys on rookie contracts in my reply below..

You have three types of players on your team: (1) Franchise players you invest large dollars over a long time period; (2) Guys on their rookie contracts (which includes one year commitments like using franchise tag after a rookie contract and 5th year of new rookie contracts); (3) Veterand who round out your roster. I think you have 4-5 franchise players max.

When a guy's rookie contract is up, you decide if he is a franchise player. If so, sign him to a franchise dollars and if needed remove a franchise player by cutting/trading him, re-working his deal/re-signing him to a "veteran contract", or letting him walk in free agency. If not, offer him veteran contract money (because that's what you think he is) or let him walk if someone else is going to pay him franchise player money. This means you lose good players along the way (i.e. Dansby, Rolle, Breaston, DRC, Branch, Hightower) and replace them with key vets or new rookies. Looking at our current team:

FRANCHISE PLAYERS:
Kolb, Fitz, Dockett, Wilson

ROOKIE CONTRACTS:
Peterson, Ryan/Dan Williams, CC, Beanie, Levi Brown, Daryl Washington, Toler, all our other young LBs, Roberts/Doucet, Housler are the key ones off the top of my head

KEY VETS:
Rhodes, Porter/Haggans, Marshall, Bradley, Rest of O-Line, Potential #2 WR, Heap/King

Key vets are necessarily dispensible. Your QB better be a franchise player or solid rookie your are developing if you want to be successful (see last year!). So, Peterson probably eventually replaces Wilson as a franchise player, you eventually make a decision on Dockett/CC/Williams depending on how CC/Williams develop, and you look at rookies/key veteran pickups at positions of need like OT, OLB, etc.

And that's all it takes to build a successful franchise!!

 

[MadCardDisease]

just saw that we're in the running there too... i think I'll die of shock... and start wondering something really ridiculous... if this team CAN gel... and Kolb IS the real deal... what the hell is stopping us from being a serious contender for the... wait for it...

SUPER BOWL

Lay off the koolaid buddy!

 

[ajcardfan]

This board needs a cheesebeef for every Catfish. If everyone broke out the pom-poms and waved them furiously for every single move the Cards made, that would be just as bad as everyone bagging on every single move made.

 

[Gee!]

This board needs a cheesebeef for every Catfish. If everyone broke out the pom-poms and waved them furiously for every single move the Cards made, that would be just as bad as everyone bagging on every single move made.

I just don't get why some people have to go hard on bashing what's going on before it has fully developed.. For God's sake cheese said he wanted RG hung in one post.. Talk about a witch hunt.. SMH