Lomax to Green 84
Hall of Famer
Ok, I am 0 for forever in my draft projections the last 5 years. I thought we would trade down with the Rams in 98, take Isaac Bruce and draft Grant Winstrom. In 1999 I was absolutely convinced that we would either trade up for Ricky Williams or draft Edgerrin James. In 2000 I predicted we would take Shaun Alexander. I thought we would trade down and take Andre Carter in 2001, and I was sure we would take Roy Williams in 2002. So I suck at draft projections, but it still is fun to speculate.
Now, once again the air is being taken out of my sails. First I was on the Willis McGahee bandwagon until he snapped his leg in two. Now, lately I have been flooding the board with Bryon Leftwich propaganda, but I have finally come to admit that I am way off base. In my tormented feeble little mind I tried to concoct some power struggle between Rod Graves and Dave McGinnis. The press conference yesterday confirmed that my theory is pure bunk. These two guys are on the same page and the Cardinals are better off for it.
There is a very calculated and well thought out plan with this current Cardinal regime. There are no smoke screens, no BS, just a solid plan to improve the on the field production of our team. I saw it in the eye of Dave McGinnis yesterday. He is getting the type of team he wants and Rod Graves is making it happen for him.
Look at the proof:
1. Quarterback change-All along Mac has said that he can win with solid quarterback play, a solid running game, and a bend but not break defense. In Jeff Blake the Cards have a solid, reliable verteran who will not lose games through bonehead mistakes.
2. Power Running game-James Hodgins is arguably the most rugged blocking fullback in the league. He was awesome in 2001, paving huge holes for Marshall Faulk. Emmitt Smith may have some tread worn off the tires, but we are talking about the ultimate between the tackles runner. Combine him with Marcel Shipp and we have a 2 headed monster at running back specifically designed to run behind a power offensive line.
3. Speed at the safety position-Gone are the days of Tommy Bennett, Pat Tillman, and Kwamie Lassiter. In are two fast athletic cover 2 type safeties in Jackson and Wilson.
4. Improved depth-The coaching staff knows that injuries are a part of the business of football and they have significantly improved their depth on the offensive line (Roundtree and Garcia) and at linebacker with Darling.
5. Pass Rush-This is where they either go after Terrell Suggs, trade down and take Jerome McDougal, or take a 2nd rounder like Cory Redding or Dewayne White.
6. Speed at receiver-Bring in a great deep ball passer like Blake and draft a big, fast receiver either in Andre Johnson or in a guy like Bryant Johnson in round two.
The plan is taking shape and I must admit it doesn't involve Byron Leftwich.
Now, once again the air is being taken out of my sails. First I was on the Willis McGahee bandwagon until he snapped his leg in two. Now, lately I have been flooding the board with Bryon Leftwich propaganda, but I have finally come to admit that I am way off base. In my tormented feeble little mind I tried to concoct some power struggle between Rod Graves and Dave McGinnis. The press conference yesterday confirmed that my theory is pure bunk. These two guys are on the same page and the Cardinals are better off for it.
There is a very calculated and well thought out plan with this current Cardinal regime. There are no smoke screens, no BS, just a solid plan to improve the on the field production of our team. I saw it in the eye of Dave McGinnis yesterday. He is getting the type of team he wants and Rod Graves is making it happen for him.
Look at the proof:
1. Quarterback change-All along Mac has said that he can win with solid quarterback play, a solid running game, and a bend but not break defense. In Jeff Blake the Cards have a solid, reliable verteran who will not lose games through bonehead mistakes.
2. Power Running game-James Hodgins is arguably the most rugged blocking fullback in the league. He was awesome in 2001, paving huge holes for Marshall Faulk. Emmitt Smith may have some tread worn off the tires, but we are talking about the ultimate between the tackles runner. Combine him with Marcel Shipp and we have a 2 headed monster at running back specifically designed to run behind a power offensive line.
3. Speed at the safety position-Gone are the days of Tommy Bennett, Pat Tillman, and Kwamie Lassiter. In are two fast athletic cover 2 type safeties in Jackson and Wilson.
4. Improved depth-The coaching staff knows that injuries are a part of the business of football and they have significantly improved their depth on the offensive line (Roundtree and Garcia) and at linebacker with Darling.
5. Pass Rush-This is where they either go after Terrell Suggs, trade down and take Jerome McDougal, or take a 2nd rounder like Cory Redding or Dewayne White.
6. Speed at receiver-Bring in a great deep ball passer like Blake and draft a big, fast receiver either in Andre Johnson or in a guy like Bryant Johnson in round two.
The plan is taking shape and I must admit it doesn't involve Byron Leftwich.
