Days 4, 5 of FA Thoughts

[Chopper0080]

Losing Campbell and Jefferson are going to hurt and are scary. Those aren't bottom half of the roster guys. People were saying not to worry about losing R. Johnson and J. Powers last season, and we missed them a ton.

I agree on Campbell, but disagree on Jefferson. We are taking a much larger leap with Nkemdiche & Gunter filling in for Campbell vs Matheiu playing the position Jefferson filled while Mathieu was rehabbing.

Losing a dependable S in the back end hurt and that was evident by the number of big plays allowed. Powers was less of an impact, but still a step down.

Maybe I'm being a homer, but I am more worried about the offense than the defense, especially the secondary. We have demonstrated an ability to shuffle players in and out at CB and S with very minimal impact. When Antonio Cromartie left, we were in trouble. When Rashad johnson and Powers left, we were in trouble. When Mathieu has gotten hurt, we have been in trouble. In the end, the affect has been minimal. We have found ways to make players like Tony Jefferson (UDFA), DJ Swearinger (street FA), and Marcus Cooper (traded for a 7th rounder) work when moved into roles very quickly. Powers was pretty good in our system, and has been pretty average outside of it. Cromartie was better here than he has been anywhere else since. I think we can make it work between the players we have, the FA still available, and the draft class, and maybe be even better in the secondary.

In relation to the defensive line...losing Campbell wasn't a surprise to Keim, Arians or Bettcher. Again, maybe I'm being a homer, but I have to believe the Cardinals would have made DE a bigger priority if they were worried about the players they had who will have to fill in.

 

[Shane]

I agree on Campbell, but disagree on Jefferson. We are taking a much larger leap with Nkemdiche & Gunter filling in for Campbell vs Matheiu playing the position Jefferson filled while Mathieu was rehabbing.

Losing a dependable S in the back end hurt and that was evident by the number of big plays allowed. Powers was less of an impact, but still a step down.

Maybe I'm being a homer, but I am more worried about the offense than the defense, especially the secondary. We have demonstrated an ability to shuffle players in and out at CB and S with very minimal impact. When Antonio Cromartie left, we were in trouble. When Rashad johnson and Powers left, we were in trouble. When Mathieu has gotten hurt, we have been in trouble. In the end, the affect has been minimal. We have found ways to make players like Tony Jefferson (UDFA), DJ Swearinger (street FA), and Marcus Cooper (traded for a 7th rounder) work when moved into roles very quickly. Powers was pretty good in our system, and has been pretty average outside of it. Cromartie was better here than he has been anywhere else since. I think we can make it work between the players we have, the FA still available, and the draft class, and maybe be even better in the secondary.

In relation to the defensive line...losing Campbell wasn't a surprise to Keim, Arians or Bettcher. Again, maybe I'm being a homer, but I have to believe the Cardinals would have made DE a bigger priority if they were worried about the players they had who will have to fill in.

Good post Chopper

 

[Yuma]

So NE resigns Hightower. After getting him back, arguably the Pats have had the best free agency period, and Bellicek was worried they were starting late because of the Super Bowl. I hate to say it, but NE is the team to beat again this season, and they haven't even drafted a player yet!

 

[Shane]

So NE resigns Hightower. After getting him back, arguably the Pats have had the best free agency period, and Bellicek was worried they were starting late because of the Super Bowl. I hate to say it, but NE is the team to beat again this season, and they haven't even drafted a player yet!

Barring catastrophic injuries... you may as well go ahead and give them the trophy... ughh

 

[kerouac9]

I agree on Campbell, but disagree on Jefferson. We are taking a much larger leap with Nkemdiche & Gunter filling in for Campbell vs Matheiu playing the position Jefferson filled while Mathieu was rehabbing.

Losing a dependable S in the back end hurt and that was evident by the number of big plays allowed. Powers was less of an impact, but still a step down.

Maybe I'm being a homer, but I am more worried about the offense than the defense, especially the secondary. We have demonstrated an ability to shuffle players in and out at CB and S with very minimal impact. When Antonio Cromartie left, we were in trouble. When Rashad johnson and Powers left, we were in trouble. When Mathieu has gotten hurt, we have been in trouble. In the end, the affect has been minimal. We have found ways to make players like Tony Jefferson (UDFA), DJ Swearinger (street FA), and Marcus Cooper (traded for a 7th rounder) work when moved into roles very quickly. Powers was pretty good in our system, and has been pretty average outside of it. Cromartie was better here than he has been anywhere else since. I think we can make it work between the players we have, the FA still available, and the draft class, and maybe be even better in the secondary.

In relation to the defensive line...losing Campbell wasn't a surprise to Keim, Arians or Bettcher. Again, maybe I'm being a homer, but I have to believe the Cardinals would have made DE a bigger priority if they were worried about the players they had who will have to fill in.

I don't think that Jefferson was playing the Mathieu role. Tyvon Branch was supposed to play that role, but he wasn't good. Mathieu is an inside corner; Jefferson is a safety. I don't think the Cards are going to make the mistake again of positioning Mathieu inside the tackle box.

I don't know if you can keep hemorrhaging safeties and assume that you can fill them in with garbage. Having a vastly improved pass rush helped cover up for the loss of Powers and Jefferson. If anything, I'm more concerned about the run defense without Campbell, Swearinger, Jefferson and to a lesser extent Minter. I think that Los playing smart and playing physical more than helps make up for the loss of Minter, but Campbell provided so much flexibility on the interior, and Jefferson and Swearinger knew where to find themselves when Bucannon found the wrong gap again.

And, no, I don't believe that Bucannon is finally going to safety.

But I agree, the questions on offense are much more troubling than they are on defense.

 

[TheCardFan]

Barring catastrophic injuries... you may as well go ahead and give them the trophy... ughh

LOL...why even play then? Maybe they have a bigger target on their back now. I like the challenge.

 

[Yuma]

NE's off season, they just showed the additions and subtractions on ESPN, NE replaced older players they lost, with younger, better players. The consensus on ESPN, is NE is extending their window by going younger.

 

[Yuma]

Can someone post Todd McShay's Mock 3.0? They are only showing the top 8 on ESPN, and he has some guys moving up and down in just the top 8. Curious what he has for the Cards!

 

[oaken1]

I agree on Campbell, but disagree on Jefferson. We are taking a much larger leap with Nkemdiche & Gunter filling in for Campbell vs Matheiu playing the position Jefferson filled while Mathieu was rehabbing.

Losing a dependable S in the back end hurt and that was evident by the number of big plays allowed. Powers was less of an impact, but still a step down.

Maybe I'm being a homer, but I am more worried about the offense than the defense, especially the secondary. We have demonstrated an ability to shuffle players in and out at CB and S with very minimal impact. When Antonio Cromartie left, we were in trouble. When Rashad johnson and Powers left, we were in trouble. When Mathieu has gotten hurt, we have been in trouble. In the end, the affect has been minimal. We have found ways to make players like Tony Jefferson (UDFA), DJ Swearinger (street FA), and Marcus Cooper (traded for a 7th rounder) work when moved into roles very quickly. Powers was pretty good in our system, and has been pretty average outside of it. Cromartie was better here than he has been anywhere else since. I think we can make it work between the players we have, the FA still available, and the draft class, and maybe be even better in the secondary.

In relation to the defensive line...losing Campbell wasn't a surprise to Keim, Arians or Bettcher. Again, maybe I'm being a homer, but I have to believe the Cardinals would have made DE a bigger priority if they were worried about the players they had who will have to fill in.

This is largely my perspective as well. for one reason or another we appear to have a system of defense that works and the staff bring in the right players for that system.

 

[gimpy]

I think McShay had T. White going to the cards. I don't know who that is.

 

[kerouac9]

I think McShay had T. White going to the cards. I don't know who that is.

Tre'Davious White is a CB prospect out of LSU: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061255/tredavious-white

 

[MartinD]

Enjoyed the post, Mitch, and I agree that our moods can swing from day to day. There are days when I think the Cardinals are messing up. Other days, I don't have a problem with their relative lack of signings.

On none of those days this year did I think our team wouldn't be better than SF and the Rams. Hoyer at QB? Middle of the road is about his best. He's a solid back-up. I wish he was the Cardinals' back-up. If he was Arizona's starter, I'd be worried. Happily, he's SF's great hope. As far as LA goes, they have to pray that Goff gets a lot better, fast. If that miracle doesn't happen, they have a QB that isn't yet ready to be a solid back-up.

Seattle has Wilson, and Wilson is significantly better than last year's edition of Palmer. The Seahawks seem...I don't know, dysfunctional. All I know is, I wasn't surprised the Cardinals beat them last year, I was only surprised that the team didn't beat them twice.

I think AZ wins the division this year. But I'm in an optimistic mood today.

 

[Yuma]

ESPN Stat: The Patriots have spent $65M in guarantees in free agency signings this offseason, $20M more than the last 4 Super Bowl winners combined in the offseason following their win.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Mitch, time to step away from the ledge. The "winners" in winter's Free Agency are usually the losers in the Fall.

 

[Chopper0080]

I don't think that Jefferson was playing the Mathieu role. Tyvon Branch was supposed to play that role, but he wasn't good. Mathieu is an inside corner; Jefferson is a safety. I don't think the Cards are going to make the mistake again of positioning Mathieu inside the tackle box.

I don't know if you can keep hemorrhaging safeties and assume that you can fill them in with garbage. Having a vastly improved pass rush helped cover up for the loss of Powers and Jefferson. If anything, I'm more concerned about the run defense without Campbell, Swearinger, Jefferson and to a lesser extent Minter. I think that Los playing smart and playing physical more than helps make up for the loss of Minter, but Campbell provided so much flexibility on the interior, and Jefferson and Swearinger knew where to find themselves when Bucannon found the wrong gap again.

And, no, I don't believe that Bucannon is finally going to safety.

But I agree, the questions on offense are much more troubling than they are on defense.

We may disagree, but what I saw is that Jefferson would match up with the TE and then play close to the line while Swearinger covered deep middle. Now, the Cards made adjustments to enable them to play both Jefferson and Mathieu at the same time. That is the role I see Mathieu filling unless they add someone else. I do think the Cardinals are comfortable with Mathieu in the slot as a CB, and it could be the direction they are going long term.

I can understand the run defense concern. The Cardinals have generally been at the top of the league in terms of causing negative yard runs. A large portion of that was aggressive S's and Calais Campbell up front. That being said, I do believe a more disciplined defense will better serve us long term and I believe we will be more disciplined with the changes made.

Bucannon is not a S anymore. I have come to grips with that.

If you get a chance, take a look at the S class. It is pretty impressive. I'm guessing we add two. There is a kid late, Xavier Woods out of Louisiana Tech who is a similar box player to Tony Jefferson. Also, Josh Jones out of NC State could be a special player had in the 2nd round and Marcus Williams out of Utah is an ideal FS ala Malik Hooker.

 

[Chopper0080]

Tre'Davious White is a CB prospect out of LSU: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061255/tredavious-white

He would be a great #2 because he is a very disciplined CB. his fundamentals could hold up to the onslaught that the CB opposite of Peterson faces. Kevin King would also be a good fit for similar reasons.

 

[JeffGollin]

I think the Cards may be able to afford the luxury of "hemorrhaging safeties" because SK did a great job of pulling a quality safety out of his butt every time another safety got injured. This left him with a surplus of quality safeties.

I also think NE's secret to success was their MO started several years ago of trading down for more picks and then using those extra picks to trade back up to get the player they wanted (either in the draft or via trade). Having good scouting intel didn't hurt either. (That plus a little luck). Unless a lot has changed, that should havve left them with healthy cap space and a surplus of accumulated draft picks (again)!

 

[cardpa]

I'm still concerned that the defense has no real FS that can cover from sideline to sideline. I think that hurt the defense last year and will do so again until they find a true FS. If anything is an Achilles heel for this defense it's a lack of a decent FS. At some point come training camp SK will bring in some vet to short term fill CC's position. He may not be quite up to CC's ability but he will do a good enough job to plug the hole. The only position on the Oline that needs attention is RG. WR needs some attention and I think depth overall on the offense is questionable.

 

[Yuma]

I'm still concerned that the defense has no real FS that can cover from sideline to sideline. I think that hurt the defense last year and will do so again until they find a true FS. If anything is an Achilles heel for this defense it's a lack of a decent FS. At some point come training camp SK will bring in some vet to short term fill CC's position. He may not be quite up to CC's ability but he will do a good enough job to plug the hole. The only position on the Oline that needs attention is RG. WR needs some attention and I think depth overall on the offense is questionable.

I couple your concern with a possible drop off in pass rush from losing CC. You counter lack of coverage with a good pass rush. I am concerned about the combination of both those areas. I think we can get a FS in the draft, trade, or later FA. Getting a credible pass rusher has me more concerned. However, the combination of both positions is worrisome to me.

 

[JeffGollin]

I'm still concerned that the defense has no real FS that can cover from sideline to sideline. I think that hurt the defense last year and will do so again until they find a true FS. If anything is an Achilles heel for this defense it's a lack of a decent FS. At some point come training camp SK will bring in some vet to short term fill CC's position. He may not be quite up to CC's ability but he will do a good enough job to plug the hole. The only position on the Oline that needs attention is RG. WR needs some attention and I think depth overall on the offense is questionable.

I thought Ty Branch was supposed to have the pure speed and range to provide sideline to sideline deep support

 

[cardpa]

I thought Ty Branch was supposed to have the pure speed and range to provide sideline to sideline deep support

Maybe he does Jeff, I'm not sure but he needs to stay healthy first. If Branch can provide that kind of play then maybe the FS need isn't too troubling. There is still a lack of depth I think in the back. Suddenly the team seems to have a plethora of CBs and not a lot of safeties. It wasn't that long ago that Safety didn't seem like a big problem but CB was. Well maybe CB still is a problem but there are certainly a good number of bodies that claim that position's designation of CB. It just seems like the secondary is a big mess right now outside of PP. Mathieu is coming back from another injury so we don't know where he is at and FS and the #2 CB is nothing but question marks.

 

[JeffGollin]

Maybe he does Jeff, I'm not sure but he needs to stay healthy first. If Branch can provide that kind of play then maybe the FS need isn't too troubling. There is still a lack of depth I think in the back. Suddenly the team seems to have a plethora of CBs and not a lot of safeties. It wasn't that long ago that Safety didn't seem like a big problem but CB was. Well maybe CB still is a problem but there are certainly a good number of bodies that claim that position's designation of CB. It just seems like the secondary is a big mess right now outside of PP. Mathieu is coming back from another injury so we don't know where he is at and FS and the #2 CB is nothing but question marks.

First of all, you said "plethora" (Once, when I was 16, my pop wouldn't let me sit down to eat until I told him what plethora meant).

Don't disagree about lack of safety depth, though I feel the skill-sets lost by the exits of Jefferson and Swearinger beg for help at SS more than FS. Finally, although this draft is said to be deep in quality corners, I think Hooker, Peppers or Adams would be bigger difference-makers than White, Lattimore, Teezer etc. (Just one person's perception - you could be right).

 

[Jetstream Green]

First of all, you said "plethora" (Once, when I was 16, my pop wouldn't let me sit down to eat until I told him what plethora meant).

Don't disagree about lack of safety depth, though I feel the skill-sets lost by the exits of Jefferson and Swearinger beg for help at SS more than FS. Finally, although this draft is said to be deep in quality corners, I think Hooker, Peppers or Adams would be bigger difference-makers than White, Lattimore, Teezer etc. (Just one person's perception - you could be right).

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[Cheesebeef]

First of all, you said "plethora" (Once, when I was 16, my pop wouldn't let me sit down to eat until I told him what plethora meant).

Was your Dad's name El Guapo?

 

[cardpa]

First of all, you said "plethora" (Once, when I was 16, my pop wouldn't let me sit down to eat until I told him what plethora meant).

Don't disagree about lack of safety depth, though I feel the skill-sets lost by the exits of Jefferson and Swearinger beg for help at SS more than FS. Finally, although this draft is said to be deep in quality corners, I think Hooker, Peppers or Adams would be bigger difference-makers than White, Lattimore, Teezer etc. (Just one person's perception - you could be right).

Very funny stuff Jeff. Dads did that sort of thing way back when.