For Kool Aid People

[Garthshort]

I know this is a topic for Mitch, but for some reason I feel depressed and need to read some good news. These are the positives, in no particular order, that I ended the PS with:
1. Play of Bobby Massie, or rather the improved play of Bobby Massie. He got lit up in the HOF game but improved as the PS went on. Not there yet, but there is hope that we have a RT for the future.
2. The ST play of Justin Bethel. Looks like he'll be a VG gunner on ST's and will probably block a kick or two during the season. With teams paying close attention to him PP might block a kick, also.
3. The downfield blocking of Michael Floyd. He's not afraid to stick his head in and this will help our running game. I do think that he'll move into the starting lineup, on the outside with Andre Roberts moving to the slot.
4. The promise of the running game, especially Ryan Williams.
5. The emergence of Stuart Bradley. And while I'm not as high on Reggie Walker as some, he did some good things.
6. The QB play of Ryan Lindley. Not sure if he's the long term answer, but he was a pleasant surprise to me. What I had read that he was not very accurate, and for a rookie, he looked fairly accurate.
7. The punting of Dave Zastudil. Leg looked stronger than last year.
8. LaRon Byrd. 'nuff said.
9. Our DB's, corner backs and safeties as a group. They seemed to improve after the HOF game. Of course it could be said they had to. And remember they were not the beneficiary of a good pass rush. In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.
10. Hoping that Quentin Groves can step in for O'Brien Schofield, who, imo, hasn't stepped up. Will Bradley be moved outside?
11. David Carter, he looked better than DD. At the very least he's "first team" worthy.
12. The mobility of Dan Williams. For a big man, that dude can move.
13. A shaky vote of confidence for D'Anthony Batiste. I believe Mitch was pushing him for a long time and he played very well. It will be interesting to see how he does when the real games start. But so far so good, considering his limited time at LT.
14. CKW for making the correct call at QB, even if it took him a long time to make it. Remember he first had to go to Michael B. and say, "remember the $20M we paid KK..........".
15. I'll close with the hope that there will be a pleasant surprise or two from the WW.

 

[Garthshort]

I forgot to single out Jamell Flemming. He's a player.

 

[Cardiac]

I know this is a topic for Mitch, but for some reason I feel depressed and need to read some good news. These are the positives, in no particular order, that I ended the PS with:
1. Play of Bobby Massie, or rather the improved play of Bobby Massie. He got lit up in the HOF game but improved as the PS went on. Not there yet, but there is hope that we have a RT for the future.
2. The ST play of Justin Bethel. Looks like he'll be a VG gunner on ST's and will probably block a kick or two during the season. With teams paying close attention to him PP might block a kick, also.
3. The downfield blocking of Michael Floyd. He's not afraid to stick his head in and this will help our running game. I do think that he'll move into the starting lineup, on the outside with Andre Roberts moving to the slot.
4. The promise of the running game, especially Ryan Williams.
5. The emergence of Stuart Bradley. And while I'm not as high on Reggie Walker as some, he did some good things.
6. The QB play of Ryan Lindley. Not sure if he's the long term answer, but he was a pleasant surprise to me. What I had read that he was not very accurate, and for a rookie, he looked fairly accurate.
7. The punting of Dave Zastudil. Leg looked stronger than last year.
8. LaRon Byrd. 'nuff said.
9. Our DB's, corner backs and safeties as a group. They seemed to improve after the HOF game. Of course it could be said they had to. And remember they were not the beneficiary of a good pass rush. In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.
10. Hoping that Quentin Groves can step in for O'Brien Schofield, who, imo, hasn't stepped up. Will Bradley be moved outside?
11. David Carter, he looked better than DD. At the very least he's "first team" worthy.
12. The mobility of Dan Williams. For a big man, that dude can move.
13. A shaky vote of confidence for D'Anthony Batiste. I believe Mitch was pushing him for a long time and he played very well. It will be interesting to see how he does when the real games start. But so far so good, considering his limited time at LT.
14. CKW for making the correct call at QB, even if it took him a long time to make it. Remember he first had to go to Michael B. and say, "remember the $20M we paid KK..........".
15. I'll close with the hope that there will be a pleasant surprise or two from the WW.

Great stuff Garth!

I'll add to the Bethel comment: ADub has also blocked some kicks in his time and of course with CC coming up the middle teams will be stressed and stretched to cover inside and outside kick blockers.

Bethel also had a ton of tackles in game 5 so while I don't expect him to be first man in for nickle packages his future looks very bright.

Zastudil has become what the FO thought he was by being fully healed and getting some extra coaching this year. The ST's portion of the formula to win the battle of field position looks to be on target.

Opposing punters will have to be wary of Bethel so we could see some punts without good hang time. Of course their is PP back their waiting to EXPLODE so I will say the oppositions net punting stats will be one of the worst against the Cards.

Now Zastudil is banging them high and long and looks to be at least solid with kicks inside the 20. I have complete confidence our cover units will be very good now that we are done trying players out during the PS.

In regards to Bradley, I think we will see all kinds of combos of LBers on the field during the games with Bradley playing all over the place.

I heard a radio interview with Walker and was very unimpressed. Dude sounded unmotivated and admitted to coming in last year not fully committed to being great. His play however has been very encouraging so I'm hoping he just doesn't interview well.

I'm not sure if it took Whiz a long time to make up his mind or just a long time to announce it. Either way I'm excited to see how Bones will do.

Like I said great stuff. If I didn't comment on it I agree 100%.

 

[gmabel830]

I saw a tweet/quote somewhere that said Fantastudil led the league in punting average this preseason.

 

[Cardiac]

I saw a tweet/quote somewhere that said Fantastudil led the league in punting average this preseason.

Zasty finished 29th last year with a 38.4 net and 18th with a 45 gross avg.
I blame him for the lack of hang time last year and it looks like he as fixed that now.

 

[PACardsFan]

I know this is a topic for Mitch, but for some reason I feel depressed and need to read some good news. These are the positives, in no particular order, that I ended the PS with:
1. Play of Bobby Massie, or rather the improved play of Bobby Massie. He got lit up in the HOF game but improved as the PS went on. Not there yet, but there is hope that we have a RT for the future.
2. The ST play of Justin Bethel. Looks like he'll be a VG gunner on ST's and will probably block a kick or two during the season. With teams paying close attention to him PP might block a kick, also.
3. The downfield blocking of Michael Floyd. He's not afraid to stick his head in and this will help our running game. I do think that he'll move into the starting lineup, on the outside with Andre Roberts moving to the slot.
4. The promise of the running game, especially Ryan Williams.
5. The emergence of Stuart Bradley. And while I'm not as high on Reggie Walker as some, he did some good things.
6. The QB play of Ryan Lindley. Not sure if he's the long term answer, but he was a pleasant surprise to me. What I had read that he was not very accurate, and for a rookie, he looked fairly accurate.
7. The punting of Dave Zastudil. Leg looked stronger than last year.
8. LaRon Byrd. 'nuff said.
9. Our DB's, corner backs and safeties as a group. They seemed to improve after the HOF game. Of course it could be said they had to. And remember they were not the beneficiary of a good pass rush. In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.
10. Hoping that Quentin Groves can step in for O'Brien Schofield, who, imo, hasn't stepped up. Will Bradley be moved outside?
11. David Carter, he looked better than DD. At the very least he's "first team" worthy.
12. The mobility of Dan Williams. For a big man, that dude can move.
13. A shaky vote of confidence for D'Anthony Batiste. I believe Mitch was pushing him for a long time and he played very well. It will be interesting to see how he does when the real games start. But so far so good, considering his limited time at LT.
14. CKW for making the correct call at QB, even if it took him a long time to make it. Remember he first had to go to Michael B. and say, "remember the $20M we paid KK..........".
15. I'll close with the hope that there will be a pleasant surprise or two from the WW.

Don't let the doomsday crew bring you down! I've been following this franchise since 1963 & we have more talent, balance & depth on both sides of the ball than at any time that I've followed them. The 60's, 70's & even the 80's brought decent offense, but mostly pathetic defense. Our problem today resides at the QB position. Realistically, MOST of the NFL teams have the same problem. Bottom line, we NEED to continue to take the risks necessary to get one. Contrary to some on this board, Whiz is NOT the problem. He's done a phenomenal job of balancing this team on both sides of the ball. A great QB will make an average OL look very good. We blew our chances of drafting BOTH Manning's & we're paying for it. With either Manning, Whiz arguably would have already won 2 SB's. If we were to fire Whisenhunt, this team would return to wandering in the desert status.

 

[THESMEL]

The San Francisco 49ers kicked our teeth in last year by going back to fundementally sound football- taking NFL pass defending talented defenses on a ride on the Gore Train! While us and other forced the pass down defense's ready throats. Then Alex Smith became an NFCC game QB- Who would thunk it! ME! I know AZ fans are tired of me screaming this but it the damned truth.

FEED THE BEAN-

Everything good the Cardinals can do this year starts and ends with Beanie Wells- Skeltons health and growth depends on it- Fitz's records depends on it- the defenses rest depends on it - ST field position depends on it- RWILL is good but he will not make defenses cower- He will break their heart and spirit after The Bean breaks them down.

Now everybody talks about the time a QB gets to pass- but we need to reduce the time a defense gets to react to a quicker handoff occasionally- yea the slower developing draws and plays belong but We need to put the pressure on them not Our oline in the run game.

That will open up the WR's - give Skelton a full second more time in the pocket later in the halves- that is tried that is true- that is the way you become consistant in all phases of each game- We have to eliminate the run/screen game penalties- fundementally we pass practice way more than we run practice.

44% runs is the NFL average- Don't fan out of fear of injury we have a great back ups this time! at all 3 skilled positions! Seattle specifically has a better defense- don't test their 2ndary- rule it! Running on 3rd down is much better than a 5 receiver no protection turnover- again and again-
NFL defense will not stand for it! bust em in their chops with Beanie and RWILL- Punt is a good play with our defense.

 

[PJ1]

The San Francisco 49ers kicked our teeth in last year by going back to fundementally sound football- taking NFL pass defending talented defenses on a ride on the Gore Train! While us and other forced the pass down defense's ready throats. Then Alex Smith became an NFCC game QB- Who would thunk it! ME! I know AZ fans are tired of me screaming this but it the damned truth.


I thought we split with the Niners?

 

[THESMEL]

actually

I'm talking about competing for the NFCW Division! Our first priority any year. They never just executed fundementally sound game plans against the NFCW- but all teams we had in common. They were 13-3 - I would rather lose both to the Niners and win the division or make the playoffs.

The San Francisco 49ers kicked our teeth in last year by going back to fundementally sound football- taking NFL pass defending talented defenses on a ride on the Gore Train! While us and other forced the pass down defense's ready throats. Then Alex Smith became an NFCC game QB- Who would thunk it! ME! I know AZ fans are tired of me screaming this but it the damned truth.


I thought we split with the Niners?

 

[PJ1]

I'm talking about competing for the NFCW Division! Our first priority any year. They never just executed fundementally sound game plans against the NFCW- but all teams we had in common. They were 13-3 - I would rather lose both to the Niners and win the division or make the playoffs.






Our QB play was horrendous last year and we finished 8-8. We didn't get our teeth kicked in. Can't contend for a damn thing wiithout the QB.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I'll do position by position, skipping QB where I think we pretty much suck:

RB: With Ryan Williams, I think we have a potential gamebreaker here. I watched him quite a bit his redshirt sophomore year, and he was a chain mover with big play ability. While all of the fans have been excited about a scrub (Powell), I've excited about the juking, and underrated power of Ryan Williams. In my opinion, he'll take quite a few carries from Wells and may wrest the starting job from him. He's just more dynamic.

WR: I liked the core of Fitzgerald, Roberts, and Doucet. With a good QB this is an adequate group. But adding Floyd and Byrd to this group? This group could emerge soon as one of the best WR corps in the league. Floyd is David Boston 2.0. While he's good on jump balls, where he really excels is making tough catches in traffic and making yards after the catch. Byrd is more of a jump ball guy, and brings great size to the group. I really like this group of players. The Cardinals should add Isiah Williams to the practice squad; he's got big play ability and could be valuable if any of the slot guys get hurt (Doucet/Roberts).

OL: I think we've solved the RT problem. Bobbie Massie had moments in the preseason where he absolutely dominated his man. He also had moments where his technique fell apart and his man beat him. But that happens to even the best. I remember watching Orlando Pace get his ass handed to him a few times his rookie year. Massie is everything advertised: he has the quickness to quickly get into his pass sets, and if he gets his hands on you, you're done son. Kelemete had his ups and downs but he looks to have a bright future as well; he's tenacious and he looks like he wants "it". You've read it here first, Ohrnberger will be a starter at RG sometime this year. I was very impressed, he looks technically sound and plays to the whistle. Snyder is hot garbage and I can't believe he'll start and entire season with Ohrnberger on the roster.

TE: Heap, King, and Housler represent the best group of players the Cardinals have had here since Jay Novacek bolted in the early 90's. Heap is criticized a lot on this board, but he still belongs. He's no longer the dominant player he once was, but he's a crafty veteran and a vastly underrated blocker. King is the starter here and is a try hard guy, and an underrated receiver. Obviously Housler is the wild card and had an up and down preseason. But he did show he can get open down the deep seam and if Skelton can even complete a 1/3 of the passes to him in this area, The passing game will have be more effective.

DL: This group will be improved from last year. Anyone who thinks we saw the best from Campbell; Campbell is till getting used to learning the leverage of the position and should continue to improve against the run and pass. Where we'll see more improvement is from the play of Dumpster Dan and David Carter. While Dan has cut some weight, he still looks plenty stout and his presence should improve early run downs. Carter has improved; the guy is a nightmare to block and is extremely athletic for a 300 lber. Carter will be a starter down the road playing with Williams and Campbell once Dockett starts to slow down.

LB: While OLB remains a concern, I think we can finally mark off ILB as a concern as well with Bradley finally learning the defense and Reggie Walker looking like he deserves some time on early run downs. What excites me about Bradley was his play rushing the passer from the inside. If he steps up, We have two guys (him and Washington) who can rush from the interior. A pass rush consisting of Acho, Campbell, Dockett, Bradley, Schofield and Washington is intriguing, but what's really cool is that these are guys you can play on run downs as well, giving the defense more ability to disguise blitzes.

CB: Flemming looks like a legitimate prospect, and while he had struggles with penalties I think we've found our starter opposite PP21. What's nice is that he won't be counted on to start right away, which can ruin the confidence of young DBs if they make mistakes. With Gay and Toler as well, we have some veterans who've started games and had moments where they've excelled, so the depth is proven. Keeping Adams was something I warmed on, since he's a very good special teams player. Trading AJ Jefferson for draft picks is a coup, turning a UDFA into draft capital.

S: Justin Bethel has a chance to become a pretty good NFL player if he learns the technique to play safety. He's an elite athlete, especially at safety.

Special Teams: I'm not really hearing enough on this board about just how good our special teams could be this year. Peterson, LSH, Bethel, Campbell, Adams, Reggie Walker, and Schofield (underrated) are an elite special teams core. LSH, Bethel, and Adams are very good gunners. Peterson is one of the all time greats returning punts. Need a kick/punt block? Try kicking around Campbell, Peterson, and Bethel. Schofield and Walker are good at chasing down would be kick returners. This is the single strongest area of our team.

 

[PJ1]

Thing that really impressed me about Byrd was his ability to take a hit and hold onto the ball. He took some nasty shots and still made the catches.

 

[Pariah]

Will Bradley be moved outside?

No.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

I'll do position by position, skipping QB where I think we pretty much suck:

RB: With Ryan Williams, I think we have a potential gamebreaker here. I watched him quite a bit his redshirt sophomore year, and he was a chain mover with big play ability. While all of the fans have been excited about a scrub (Powell), I've excited about the juking, and underrated power of Ryan Williams. In my opinion, he'll take quite a few carries from Wells and may wrest the starting job from him. He's just more dynamic.

I don't think that is everyone not being excited about RWill, just that we have had high expectations of RWill for over a year and Powell seemed to come out of nowhere and looks good. Personally I can't wait to see this running game all around come regular season, it could be something special to watch.

 

[Mitch]

I know this is a topic for Mitch, but for some reason I feel depressed and need to read some good news. These are the positives, in no particular order, that I ended the PS with:
1. Play of Bobby Massie, or rather the improved play of Bobby Massie. He got lit up in the HOF game but improved as the PS went on. Not there yet, but there is hope that we have a RT for the future.
2. The ST play of Justin Bethel. Looks like he'll be a VG gunner on ST's and will probably block a kick or two during the season. With teams paying close attention to him PP might block a kick, also.
3. The downfield blocking of Michael Floyd. He's not afraid to stick his head in and this will help our running game. I do think that he'll move into the starting lineup, on the outside with Andre Roberts moving to the slot.
4. The promise of the running game, especially Ryan Williams.
5. The emergence of Stuart Bradley. And while I'm not as high on Reggie Walker as some, he did some good things.
6. The QB play of Ryan Lindley. Not sure if he's the long term answer, but he was a pleasant surprise to me. What I had read that he was not very accurate, and for a rookie, he looked fairly accurate.
7. The punting of Dave Zastudil. Leg looked stronger than last year.
8. LaRon Byrd. 'nuff said.
9. Our DB's, corner backs and safeties as a group. They seemed to improve after the HOF game. Of course it could be said they had to. And remember they were not the beneficiary of a good pass rush. In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.
10. Hoping that Quentin Groves can step in for O'Brien Schofield, who, imo, hasn't stepped up. Will Bradley be moved outside?
11. David Carter, he looked better than DD. At the very least he's "first team" worthy.
12. The mobility of Dan Williams. For a big man, that dude can move.
13. A shaky vote of confidence for D'Anthony Batiste. I believe Mitch was pushing him for a long time and he played very well. It will be interesting to see how he does when the real games start. But so far so good, considering his limited time at LT.
14. CKW for making the correct call at QB, even if it took him a long time to make it. Remember he first had to go to Michael B. and say, "remember the $20M we paid KK..........".
15. I'll close with the hope that there will be a pleasant surprise or two from the WW.

All great points, Garth!

1. As Massie told Wolfley, his biggest hurdle is the mental side of assimilating into the offense. Once he can play without having to think too much, he could shine.

2. Bethel is special...not only in STs but in his approach to defense. Like Acho last year, I think Bethel will receive more and more playing time as the season progresses.

3. Floyd's game is physical---not too many college WRs come into the NFL and quickly assimilate to the physical aspects of the game. Floyd's transition, in that sense, has been smooth. Now he needs to find ways to use his body to get open on a more consistent basis.

4. I don't think running the ball is going to be as easy as people seem to think. Our running plays are so predictable that even in the pre-season, Colin McCarthy was in the backfield to meet the RB before the RB had any chance. And this is where we are going to miss Levi brown the most. "Beanie Left" (Paging, THESMEL!) has been a big play for the Cardinals the past couple of years, and that's because Brown was opening highways out there.

5. Bradley and Walker were the LB stars of the pre-season---Lenon too in Game 4. Horton should find a way to get these guys on the field---inside or out. Bradley showed he can cover, which is just what Horton needs from him.
Walker is a little too slow to set up in coverage and needs to amend that.

6. Lindley is a good prospect---I have been saying this from the get-go because like the Cardinals when I watched the tape of Demarco Sampson two years ago, Lindley stood out as being strong armed, willful and decisive.

7. Zastudil looks like a CPA---and is now deserving the same letters on his punts: Commendable Punting Average. The problem is he is punting the so deep that the coverage team is having difficult getting to the punt returner before he gets a head of steam going.

8. Byrd---perfect name for a Cardinal----and he too has shown rare assimilation as a rookie to the physical aspect of the game. He's been catching the ball cleanly up the seams knowing he is going to get popped---and he bounces up hungry for more. Gotta love that!

9. The secondary is talented, but inexperienced at the CB spots. We have to remember that. The problem is our veteran safeties are not very good in helping the CBs out. Our safety situation is a lot weaker than people realize.

10. No OLB this pre-season got any kind of sustained pressure on the passer and neither did any of them play the run well. Schofield's knee is a real issue at this point as is his lack of size and strength in trying to anchor the strong side. Groves is active---but he too needs to be stronger and more of a pass rushing threat. Acho doesn't look like the same player of last year thus far. He looks slower and more pedestrian. The team is in big trouble at this position---and year after year they continue to ignore it in free agency and early in the draft.

11. Because Carter is so good---I've been privately wondering if the Cardinals would trade Darnell Dockett, particularly if they could get a good OLB and T in return. Nick Eason looks in good shape too---but beyond that the depth is thin. I also feel that Campbell should be at LDE and Carter or Dockett at RDE. Right handed QBs love throwing to their right---and Campbell would take the romance out of that.

12. Dan Williams looks like he has arrived! Man does he look good.

13. Last pre-season Batiste played almost exclusively as the #2 LT---too bad he wasn't from the start this year. But it looks like it is coming along for him. He will need help---and maybe this works great for the Cardinals because where they might have been tempted to keep Levi Brown mostly on an island---they cannot afford to do that with Batiste until he has shown he can handle the isolations.

14. As you know, I do not like the way CKW has handled the QB situation all along. But I am willing to keep an open mind---and as John Skelton said himself, CKW was a "man of his word." That is true and admirable, albeit that he has made the wait and prolonged scrutiny exasperating for everyone involved. Thank goodness, Skelton maintains his own self-confidence, because everything he's gotten here from Whisenhunt has been tempered with caution and caveats.

15. Jamell Fleming looks like a 3-4 year veteran out there. He even tries to get away with veteran tricks---which he won't get away with in real games with the regular officials. Fleming stick his nose right in there and at times he has a good nose for the ball.

16. Yes, the waiver wire possibilities have me checking the wire every half an hour. It's tough, though, because the Cardinals are #13 in line---and thus it's unlikely that a good tackle, pass rusher or wide receiver will get through---but hopefully the right ones will.

Thanks, Garth! YOU THE MAN!

 

[WildBB]

In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.

I forgot to single out Jamell Flemming. He's a player.

These two questions will go a long way in determining a decent season or not.

The D needs to step up BIG TIME and pick up where they left off. I'm real happy we got Flemming now though.

 

[Duckjake]

No.

Don't be too quick to say that. You will remember that Horton moves guys all over the place. In watching replays last season I'd have to take a few seconds to find where guys were on defense on a lot of plays.

 

[WildBB]

2. Bethel is special...not only in STs but in his approach to defense. Like Acho last year, I think Bethel will receive more and more playing time as the season progresses.

3. Floyd's game is physical---not too many college WRs come into the NFL and quickly assimilate to the physical aspects of the game. Floyd's transition, in that sense, has been smooth. Now he needs to find ways to use his body to get open on a more consistent basis.

Hoping it still doesn't become too big for Bethel in the regular season, but he'll adjust. Looking forward to him playing some, and esp. his ST's play - yr. 1.

Floyd's Fitzesque catch, should propell him into the regular season on a good note. We'll need him to contribute quickly. He has the capability and the tools. We need to exploit smaller DB's that will undoubtedly be on him in single coverage.

 

[THESMEL]

was it

i thought are QB play was improved from the year before? I'm not sure horrendus is the word compared to the winless Lions? but I have some confidence in Skelton- He played it tight to the vest and kept us in games- and produced enough moxy to win games late.

He can get better earlier with 1st string reps and Fitz and Floyd. They kicked in the teeth of entire NFC - they earned it and I respect the changes Harbaugh made in one year with practically the same talent.
Your entitled to your own opinion - 13-3 against mostly common opponents -

They did it running and defense and patiently setting up the pass game with alot less talent at WR then we have. Gore is old - Jackson is old- Lynch is old- We were more patient - improved on defense - Beanie was hurt- Rwill was out- LSH did his part - skelton can play within himself.

We should be able to compete- at their game and beat them at our game- It aint rocket science - If we are top ten in rush attempts we will be a top 10 run team. We were 24th in rush attempts and was 24th in run game- we were 31st in atttempts and 31st in run game.

less one dimensional team took us to 8-8 - more multidimensional gameplan we compete for the west-

Ilike this thread - lets pluck the Seahawks.

I'm talking about competing for the NFCW Division! Our first priority any year. They never just executed fundementally sound game plans against the NFCW- but all teams we had in common. They were 13-3 - I would rather lose both to the Niners and win the division or make the playoffs.







Our QB play was horrendous last year and we finished 8-8. We didn't get our teeth kicked in. Can't contend for a damn thing wiithout the QB.

 

[LarryStalling]

I must admit that I was not a fan of Reggie Walker early in the PS. I thought he was too slow and looked lost out there. He certailnly looked much better in the last game.

 

[Darkside]

I'm all about Koolaid dude. I think every year is the year.

1. Play of Bobby Massie, or rather the improved play of Bobby Massie. He got lit up in the HOF game but improved as the PS went on. Not there yet, but there is hope that we have a RT for the future.

He looked so bad to me in the HOF game. He was standing straight up out of his breaks. I even said at one point it looked like someone had a string attached to his head and was just pulling on it after the snap. He still got blown by a few plays the last couple games, but for a rook I'm excited to see what he can do.

2. The ST play of Justin Bethel. Looks like he'll be a VG gunner on ST's and will probably block a kick or two during the season. With teams paying close attention to him PP might block a kick, also.

He's been a pleasant surprise. Saw his youtube video, which showed his athleticism, when we first got him, but I never expected all those blocked kicks. Outstanding.

3. The downfield blocking of Michael Floyd. He's not afraid to stick his head in and this will help our running game. I do think that he'll move into the starting lineup, on the outside with Andre Roberts moving to the slot.

People keep saying he doesn't block as well as Boldin but I totally disagree. He has absolutely blown dudes up downfield. And I mean blown them up and knocked them on their ass. People underestimate how much that contributes to the running game. It's not just that--it shows a total commitment to team. You see Fitz doing it. That is a professional attitude. Furthermore, his catch for a TD in the endzone was totally reminiscent of Fitz's catch in the playoffs. That doesn't just happen. It's not an accident. It's not a fluke.

4. The promise of the running game, especially Ryan Williams.

Unless Beanie has some spectacular running I expect Williams to take his starting job. Even in his limited preseason work, I saw him pick up blocks that Beanie hasn't. He's a natural in all phases of the running game.

5. The emergence of Stuart Bradley. And while I'm not as high on Reggie Walker as some, he did some good things.

This is my preseason surprise, Stew Bradley. I'm so happy about his emergence, people have no idea. He excelled in my opinion more than anyone. Anyone! He freaking attacks holes and crushes RB's. He destroyed runners and IMO is the best run-stopping LB we have. He really adds a toughness we need on D against the run, he is a total BEAST. He adds so much to our team against the run, because I think our other kickass players lack run defense. They aren't bad, but that's not their forte. Strew Bradley excels in run defense! He's a huge component for our D. Huge.

6. The QB play of Ryan Lindley. Not sure if he's the long term answer, but he was a pleasant surprise to me. What I had read that he was not very accurate, and for a rookie, he looked fairly accurate.

He's who I'm using in Madden 13 because Kolb and Skelton suck ass. Lindley is rated higher in the medium and deep ball. Not sure what else to say.

9. Our DB's, corner backs and safeties as a group. They seemed to improve after the HOF game. Of course it could be said they had to. And remember they were not the beneficiary of a good pass rush. In fact, the one guy I'm most concerned with is PP, who while talking a good game, he hasn't backed up the talk.

We have solid depth, for the first time in years. Really solid. You're crazy about PP though. He's not giving anything up in preseason, didn't even body anyone up (which is his strength). And as for talking a lot, that's totally unfair, because all I've heard is him answering questions. He doesn't talk anymore than anyone else on our team.

10. Hoping that Quentin Groves can step in for O'Brien Schofield, who, imo, hasn't stepped up. Will Bradley be moved outside?

No, Bradley won't be moved outside. Scho will step it up. He has to. And we just signed some depth to that position if I'm not mistaken. So Scho has to get it done or he's done.

11. David Carter, he looked better than DD. At the very least he's "first team" worthy.

DD is a stud. I'd almost say elite. Carter is a good backup. He backs up Williams more than DD anyway.

12. The mobility of Dan Williams. For a big man, that dude can move.

I said this even when he was overweight: the dude has such sideline to sideline speed it's ridiculous. He can seriously motor off his block and pursue a RB toward the sideline. It's ridiculous for someone his size. It's really incredible.

13. A shaky vote of confidence for D'Anthony Batiste. I believe Mitch was pushing him for a long time and he played very well. It will be interesting to see how he does when the real games start. But so far so good, considering his limited time at LT.

He will play okay, and our offense will do well, and everyone will say, "See, Levi Brown sucks," even though Batiste can't hold Levi's jock.

14. CKW for making the correct call at QB, even if it took him a long time to make it.

People are chumps. They say CKW can't evaluate QB's and then applaud him for picking Skelton. I want us to win, but his pick of Skelton doesn't make me feel any better than if he'd picked Kolb. You Skelton lovers are the same ones saying he couldn't even evaluate QB's but then when he picks Skelton all the sudden he's a genius. It's just stupid. I applaud him for having the stones to pick Skelton and I'll leave it at that.

Nice post overall dude, I appreciated it. Gave me something to think about and I'm always pretty high on the Cards. I always think we're going to do well even though most of the time we suck.

Football has changed alot. I think we have a good team with good depth, and in years past that was good enough. But nowdays we're lacking the important positions in QB and even an average oline and I think we're going to struggle this year with our tough schedule. I hope I'm wrong. I'd love to win and get to the playoffs again.

 

[Garthshort]

Darkside, reference PP, I'm talking about his play against Kendall Wright and the Titans. IMO, he got lit up.

 

[Darkside]

Darkside, reference PP, I'm talking about his play against Kendall Wright and the Titans. IMO, he got lit up.

Oh I agree with that. I'm glad he did though, in preseason, not during a real game.

 

[Duckjake]

They say CKW can't evaluate QB's and then applaud him for picking Skelton. I want us to win, but his pick of Skelton doesn't make me feel any better than if he'd picked Kolb. You Skelton lovers are the same ones saying he couldn't even evaluate QB's but then when he picks Skelton all the sudden he's a genius. It's just stupid. I applaud him for having the stones to pick Skelton and I'll leave it at tha

CKW only picked Skelton because Brown is out and our offensive line would get Kolb killed before halftime of the Seattle game. No genius needed there.

Porous offensive line. Two equally less than mediocre QBs. You go with the one who is 6'5" 244.

I totally disagree with you on the offensive line. Our QBs don't have seconds to throw most times. Defenders are on top of them almost as soon as the ball gets to them.

Batiste who hasn't started an NFL game since 2007? Colledge, the so called worst lineman on the Green Bay offensive line? Snyder, the so called worst offensive lineman in the NFL last season? And a rookie in Massie? Add in schemes that leave you scratching your head trying to figure out what the heck the oline was doing on 2/3rds of the plays and that they have had only one practice game against spares and scrubs together, and you have a recipe for disaster.

But it's only pre season so who knows what's going to happen.

 

[Bodha]

Im still watching the clock hoping he snag up a LT in FA.

Going in with Batiste is such a bad idea. What is he, a 4th stringer on any other roster? He will literally be the least talented starting LT in the NFL, in the past decade, if we start him. Starting him is the equivalent of starting Bartel at QB. Any veteran would be an upgrade. Should go trade for Joe Thomas' or D'Brickshaw Ferguson's backups.