Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
this has been a solid off-season.
For a franchise with a history of self-destructing even more off the field than on, this has been an amazing off-season. It's not so much that they signed big name players; it's that they started with a real plan and executed it. Much of the credit for at least picking the targets must go to Mr. Green, though you have to give Mr. Graves much credit, as well.
Green laid down the parameters early. They wanted affordable free agents who appeared to be coming into their own. If you read my article on free agent defensive ends, Berry was probably the best fit for that description. Macklin had been one of my favorites since his appearance in the draft. Neither player may turn out to be an all-star, but it is hard to argue that this was money not well spent. Berry has shown much improvement over the last two seasons. Having spent his pre-NFL career as a linebacker, he had to acquire the moves needed to make the transition to defensive end. Many players never do, but Berry looks solid. He may not be "a freak," but he is an impact player. He will take enough heat to likely upgrade the play of everyone on the line. Better line play, in turn, will mean the secondary can be far more effective.
Even before Macklin was signed, an upgraded line figure to make everyone in the secondary a little more aggressive. Macklin furthers the mode of aggression. Don't be fooled by his modest interception numbers. It usually takes a corner three years to blossom in the NFL. Macklin started to show signs last season that he was a force to be reckoned with. When he was in the draft pool, I said he could develop into a top corner and he has done nothing to change that opinion. If he stays healthy, I look for him to post a career high in interceptions this season. He is the type of impact player that can make a game turning play.
King is a decent quarterback who figures to push McCown in the best way possible. King is simply too talented to ignore. If McCown wants to keep his job, he had better play smart football. King is a team player who will not shoot off his mouth about not starting. Instead he will quietly stay prepared. If McCown flubs his opportunity, it wouldn't surprise me if King developed into a solid quarterback.
It may be asking too much, but if this team can sign Dez White, add an impact player in round one of the draft and a solid offensive lineman somewhere along the line, I think they can challenge for a playoff spot.
For a change the Cards have actually filled holes with players who markedly upgraded this team. Make no mistake; this team is on the right track. Of course, remember what Wil Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, if you don't keep movin' you'll get run over."
For a franchise with a history of self-destructing even more off the field than on, this has been an amazing off-season. It's not so much that they signed big name players; it's that they started with a real plan and executed it. Much of the credit for at least picking the targets must go to Mr. Green, though you have to give Mr. Graves much credit, as well.
Green laid down the parameters early. They wanted affordable free agents who appeared to be coming into their own. If you read my article on free agent defensive ends, Berry was probably the best fit for that description. Macklin had been one of my favorites since his appearance in the draft. Neither player may turn out to be an all-star, but it is hard to argue that this was money not well spent. Berry has shown much improvement over the last two seasons. Having spent his pre-NFL career as a linebacker, he had to acquire the moves needed to make the transition to defensive end. Many players never do, but Berry looks solid. He may not be "a freak," but he is an impact player. He will take enough heat to likely upgrade the play of everyone on the line. Better line play, in turn, will mean the secondary can be far more effective.
Even before Macklin was signed, an upgraded line figure to make everyone in the secondary a little more aggressive. Macklin furthers the mode of aggression. Don't be fooled by his modest interception numbers. It usually takes a corner three years to blossom in the NFL. Macklin started to show signs last season that he was a force to be reckoned with. When he was in the draft pool, I said he could develop into a top corner and he has done nothing to change that opinion. If he stays healthy, I look for him to post a career high in interceptions this season. He is the type of impact player that can make a game turning play.
King is a decent quarterback who figures to push McCown in the best way possible. King is simply too talented to ignore. If McCown wants to keep his job, he had better play smart football. King is a team player who will not shoot off his mouth about not starting. Instead he will quietly stay prepared. If McCown flubs his opportunity, it wouldn't surprise me if King developed into a solid quarterback.
It may be asking too much, but if this team can sign Dez White, add an impact player in round one of the draft and a solid offensive lineman somewhere along the line, I think they can challenge for a playoff spot.
For a change the Cards have actually filled holes with players who markedly upgraded this team. Make no mistake; this team is on the right track. Of course, remember what Wil Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, if you don't keep movin' you'll get run over."
I hope you dont mind but this is great. 
