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Front Page - Alleged Scrimmage Encourages Few
- Thread starter Ed B
- Start date
It was kinda distressing to listen to the offensive ineptitude over the radio, but it was just an intra-squad scrimmage, so I'll reserve any real concern until after I see them play the Cowgirls next weekend.
Was hoping to hear better things about our receiving corps, that seems to be the biggest concern right now.
Was hoping to hear better things about our receiving corps, that seems to be the biggest concern right now.
Sack Daddy
Veteran
Not encouraging, but .....
It is early in camp. If this occurs in the 2nd or 3rd exhibition, then I will have genuine concern. It sounds as though the WR's are still thinking too much, instead of running the route and concentrating on the catch. Hopefully, this trend reverses itself as camp continues. I don't want to consider the alternative.
It is early in camp. If this occurs in the 2nd or 3rd exhibition, then I will have genuine concern. It sounds as though the WR's are still thinking too much, instead of running the route and concentrating on the catch. Hopefully, this trend reverses itself as camp continues. I don't want to consider the alternative.
I went to the scrimmage..I bought my tickets about a week ago and had 45 yard line seats on the 2nd row behind the offense..view was good! Try to cover stuff I have not seen mentioned here..
1. Pace seemed to be in he backfield immediately on every play..in my opinion he was whipping whoever was on him.. same for wendall bryant and kvb- but wendall and kvb should be in the backfield against 2nd and 3rd teams.. Pace probably could have had a couple of sacks (not sure how many he was credited with) but with the hold up do not hit the qb rule -it is hard to tell.
2. Our depth was obviously missing on the oline..but starkey and dishman are veterans who were getting beat by 2nd and 3rd teamers.. Reggie wells - was very marginal.. I know he got some great press early on in camp but I did not see him do much (although KVB said he was very good)..reggie needs to lose some baby fat and gain some muscle.
3. I thought kasper and mccown played well together..kasper did a nice job on some third downs..I think 2x he beat the marker, made the catch, and got his feet in bounds..sounds simple..but we need to start simple with this group.
4. undrafted free agents who have a roster shot: newhouse, nelson and diamond (maybe others)..one or all three of these guys could get make the practice squad. Diamond had a couple of great practices about midweek..I know everyone is high on mike banks..but blake hit him in the #'s and he dropped it (although wilson did rattle him).
5. Michael stone rotates in very late...he may be gone...
6. I thought mccown looked above average. He had a nice possession driving down the field.
7. Burton made some big plays..linebacker will probably be harder to sort out than any other position - including receiver.
8. draft pick most likely to not make the roster - gilbert.
All in all..I think it was a sucess for a couple of reasons
1. no injuries.
2. speed on defense is way up. Kvb and bryant made the oline look like a marginal college team...pace did not make that many plays - but he was always deep in he backfield on passing plays..and yea..he looks just like simeon rice (including simeons old rookie #)..but I did see pace involved in some running plays the other way..something we did not see much of from simeon.
3. the offense will look alot better if the following guys play: kendall, davis,shelton, clement (For more than one play), jones and bush, spikes, emmitt, boldin and do not forget...foster is a starter right now and did not play..so effectively we had 7 or 8 starters not playing..blakes biggest problem was no time to set and throw..at least I did not see him throw the ball right at a defensive player - which I cannot say of past years..
1. Pace seemed to be in he backfield immediately on every play..in my opinion he was whipping whoever was on him.. same for wendall bryant and kvb- but wendall and kvb should be in the backfield against 2nd and 3rd teams.. Pace probably could have had a couple of sacks (not sure how many he was credited with) but with the hold up do not hit the qb rule -it is hard to tell.
2. Our depth was obviously missing on the oline..but starkey and dishman are veterans who were getting beat by 2nd and 3rd teamers.. Reggie wells - was very marginal.. I know he got some great press early on in camp but I did not see him do much (although KVB said he was very good)..reggie needs to lose some baby fat and gain some muscle.
3. I thought kasper and mccown played well together..kasper did a nice job on some third downs..I think 2x he beat the marker, made the catch, and got his feet in bounds..sounds simple..but we need to start simple with this group.
4. undrafted free agents who have a roster shot: newhouse, nelson and diamond (maybe others)..one or all three of these guys could get make the practice squad. Diamond had a couple of great practices about midweek..I know everyone is high on mike banks..but blake hit him in the #'s and he dropped it (although wilson did rattle him).
5. Michael stone rotates in very late...he may be gone...
6. I thought mccown looked above average. He had a nice possession driving down the field.
7. Burton made some big plays..linebacker will probably be harder to sort out than any other position - including receiver.
8. draft pick most likely to not make the roster - gilbert.
All in all..I think it was a sucess for a couple of reasons
1. no injuries.
2. speed on defense is way up. Kvb and bryant made the oline look like a marginal college team...pace did not make that many plays - but he was always deep in he backfield on passing plays..and yea..he looks just like simeon rice (including simeons old rookie #)..but I did see pace involved in some running plays the other way..something we did not see much of from simeon.
3. the offense will look alot better if the following guys play: kendall, davis,shelton, clement (For more than one play), jones and bush, spikes, emmitt, boldin and do not forget...foster is a starter right now and did not play..so effectively we had 7 or 8 starters not playing..blakes biggest problem was no time to set and throw..at least I did not see him throw the ball right at a defensive player - which I cannot say of past years..
Sack Daddy
Veteran
Thanks for the post Pinnacle
Good stuff. Always good to hear different views.
Good stuff. Always good to hear different views.
Krangodnzr
Captain of Team Conner
Nice synopsis.
The players that caught my eye:
Josh McCown
Marcus Bell
Calvin Pace
Wendell Bryant
Kenny King
Nijrel Eason
and almost every other defender.
The players that caught my eye:
Josh McCown
Marcus Bell
Calvin Pace
Wendell Bryant
Kenny King
Nijrel Eason
and almost every other defender.
Buckybird
Hoist the Lombardi Trophy
Are we 7 days into camp? don't be alarmed it is early.
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McKown looked pretty good to me - Kasper had some nice grabs - Pace had a nice isnide move for a "sack" I believe, but saw him going outside and getting pushed that way often - although he looks like with coaching he could end up being a player. KVB looks much bigger than he did the last two years - McAddley had a nice drop - Blake - loved watching him throw the ball in warm-ups - looked pretty shaky - sure McDrops let one go - but against that D - not to get one first down in four series wasn't what I would call confidence boosting - nor was his JAKE-HEAVE - throwing the ball up in the air 30 yards down field under pressure to the fullback i believe = who was double covered. Pretty dissapointed by the scrimmage today overall - but it's early.
Quick question - is Emmitt Smith too good to have lined up today? Is there a reason he didn't play or are the coaches treating him with kid gloves? Anyone know?
Quick question - is Emmitt Smith too good to have lined up today? Is there a reason he didn't play or are the coaches treating him with kid gloves? Anyone know?
az1965
Love Games!
More scrimmage notes from official site
Honeywell Red/White Scrimmage Notes
Antwone Savage celebrateing his touchdown with teammates.
The Arizona Cardinals and Head Coach Dave McGinnis staged in the 16th annual Honeywell Red/White Scrimmage presented by Alltel and America West Saturday at the Walkup Skydome on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in front of 7,782 fans.
The players first worked individual drills with their position coaches before transitioning to team drills. The quarterbacks sported blue jerseys, alerting defenders to the no-contact decree.
The starting defensive unit came out strong holding Jeff Blake and his offensive cast one yard. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch had two sacks against the first unit.
“It felt good," shared Vanden Bosch. "The first time you get some live action, it feels real good. I think as a defense we moved around today and made some big plays.”
“I thought the defense showed a lot of speed out there,” said Head Coach Dave McGinnis. “I was very impressed with the way we were coming off the ball defensively upfront. I also liked the speed of those two safeties and the speed of our linebackers. I think that showed up a lot.”
The offensive unit was missing several of its key starters including running back Emmitt Smith, linemen Leonard Davis, Pete Kendall, L.J. Shelton, Cameron Spikes, and receiver Bryan Gilmore.
“We had a lot of guys sitting out today but we went out there and had fun,” offered Blake. “We eventually got the ball down the field and I think we showed people we can push the ball down the field. The defense obviously played well today. It seems like they always have the upper hand in things like this, but that is fine. We’ll get back at it on Monday and we’ll see what’s really going on when we play Dallas.”
“We were very short on the offensive line today and also short at receiver, but what I did like was that our offense kept pounding the thing in there and tried to take some shots down the field,” added McGinnis.
Josh McCown completed 6 of 9 passes to help move the offense into the redzone before the defense held.
“We got the ball and moved it around a little bit today,” stated McCown. “We got down the field and would have liked to punch it in on the one drive but it didn’t work out. On the last time down, Lorenzo (Diamond) made a big play and got down there and Antwone (Savage) made the catch in the endzone. We got in the endzone which is all you want to do, and then come out of this thing healthy.”
The scrimmage concluded with Savage’s 4-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Preston Parsons, coming on the heels of an impressive 49-yard pass to Lorenzo Diamond. Diamond made the catch on a crossing pattern and then broke several tackles to move the ball down to the 4-yard line.
“I just wanted the opportunity to come out and impress the coaches a little bit, make a couple of plays, and show my speed a little bit,” said Diamond. “It was a good feeling. The offense wasn’t moving that well so for me to step up and make a big play like that was huge.”
“Lorenzo Diamond made the play you have to make in a rookie scrimmage if you are going to try to make this football team,” emphasized McGinnis.
Rookie Calvin Pace also stood out in the scrimmage displaying the speed that first attracted the Cardinals personnel staff.
“Calvin has some speed,” said McGinnis. “You can see that very, very quickly. The speed on this defensive football team stood out immediately.”
“I think I could definitely have gotten more pressure on the quarterback but this was the first scrimmage,” offered Pace on his performance. “I have many more practices to get ready and I think I’ll be fine,” said Pace.
Kicker Bill Gramatica had the edge over kicker Tim Duncan in today’s kicking contest. Gramatica was 9/10 with his only miss from 43-yards out, while Duncan hit 8/10 missing from 43 and 53 yards out.
“I think it was huge to go out there in almost a real-game situation and be able to make almost all of my kicks,” offered Gramatica. “It was really important for me and I’m looking forward to next week against Dallas and seeing what happens.”
Offensive linemen Leonard Davis, Pete Kendall, Cameron Spikes, L.J. Shelton, running back Emmitt Smith, tight ends Steve Bush and Freddie Jones, wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Bryan Gilmore, defensive backs David Barrett, Justin Lucas, Coby Rhinehart, Duane Starks, linebacker Levar Fisher, and defense lineman Alton Moore did not participate in the scrimmage.
“I think we ran 51 plays today and we gave a lot of young kids a chance to do something,” shared McGinnis. “We have got to get our offensive line back in there together. We’ve got to get settled on some receivers and this week we’ll be pointing towards a big preseason game against Dallas and we hope all of our fans will come out and support us with this.”
More scrimmage notes…
The Cardinals held two kids camps at the Skydome Saturday morning. Cornerbacks Coby Rhinehart and David Barrett hosted a camp for the Prescott Valley Boys and Girls Club, while Jason Starkey and Damien Anderson hosted a Honeywell Kids Camp. Also, prior to the scrimmage, players and cheerleaders participated in a half-hour autograph session.
“We had huge lines for autographs especially with Emmitt,” said McGinnis. “Emmitt Smith is Emmitt Smith. He’s going to bring a lot of excitement to what we are doing.”
Chrissy Mauck, azcardinals.com
Honeywell Red/White Scrimmage Notes
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Antwone Savage celebrateing his touchdown with teammates.
The Arizona Cardinals and Head Coach Dave McGinnis staged in the 16th annual Honeywell Red/White Scrimmage presented by Alltel and America West Saturday at the Walkup Skydome on the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus in front of 7,782 fans.
The players first worked individual drills with their position coaches before transitioning to team drills. The quarterbacks sported blue jerseys, alerting defenders to the no-contact decree.
The starting defensive unit came out strong holding Jeff Blake and his offensive cast one yard. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch had two sacks against the first unit.
“It felt good," shared Vanden Bosch. "The first time you get some live action, it feels real good. I think as a defense we moved around today and made some big plays.”
“I thought the defense showed a lot of speed out there,” said Head Coach Dave McGinnis. “I was very impressed with the way we were coming off the ball defensively upfront. I also liked the speed of those two safeties and the speed of our linebackers. I think that showed up a lot.”
The offensive unit was missing several of its key starters including running back Emmitt Smith, linemen Leonard Davis, Pete Kendall, L.J. Shelton, Cameron Spikes, and receiver Bryan Gilmore.
“We had a lot of guys sitting out today but we went out there and had fun,” offered Blake. “We eventually got the ball down the field and I think we showed people we can push the ball down the field. The defense obviously played well today. It seems like they always have the upper hand in things like this, but that is fine. We’ll get back at it on Monday and we’ll see what’s really going on when we play Dallas.”
“We were very short on the offensive line today and also short at receiver, but what I did like was that our offense kept pounding the thing in there and tried to take some shots down the field,” added McGinnis.
Josh McCown completed 6 of 9 passes to help move the offense into the redzone before the defense held.
“We got the ball and moved it around a little bit today,” stated McCown. “We got down the field and would have liked to punch it in on the one drive but it didn’t work out. On the last time down, Lorenzo (Diamond) made a big play and got down there and Antwone (Savage) made the catch in the endzone. We got in the endzone which is all you want to do, and then come out of this thing healthy.”
The scrimmage concluded with Savage’s 4-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Preston Parsons, coming on the heels of an impressive 49-yard pass to Lorenzo Diamond. Diamond made the catch on a crossing pattern and then broke several tackles to move the ball down to the 4-yard line.
“I just wanted the opportunity to come out and impress the coaches a little bit, make a couple of plays, and show my speed a little bit,” said Diamond. “It was a good feeling. The offense wasn’t moving that well so for me to step up and make a big play like that was huge.”
“Lorenzo Diamond made the play you have to make in a rookie scrimmage if you are going to try to make this football team,” emphasized McGinnis.
Rookie Calvin Pace also stood out in the scrimmage displaying the speed that first attracted the Cardinals personnel staff.
“Calvin has some speed,” said McGinnis. “You can see that very, very quickly. The speed on this defensive football team stood out immediately.”
“I think I could definitely have gotten more pressure on the quarterback but this was the first scrimmage,” offered Pace on his performance. “I have many more practices to get ready and I think I’ll be fine,” said Pace.
Kicker Bill Gramatica had the edge over kicker Tim Duncan in today’s kicking contest. Gramatica was 9/10 with his only miss from 43-yards out, while Duncan hit 8/10 missing from 43 and 53 yards out.
“I think it was huge to go out there in almost a real-game situation and be able to make almost all of my kicks,” offered Gramatica. “It was really important for me and I’m looking forward to next week against Dallas and seeing what happens.”
Offensive linemen Leonard Davis, Pete Kendall, Cameron Spikes, L.J. Shelton, running back Emmitt Smith, tight ends Steve Bush and Freddie Jones, wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Bryan Gilmore, defensive backs David Barrett, Justin Lucas, Coby Rhinehart, Duane Starks, linebacker Levar Fisher, and defense lineman Alton Moore did not participate in the scrimmage.
“I think we ran 51 plays today and we gave a lot of young kids a chance to do something,” shared McGinnis. “We have got to get our offensive line back in there together. We’ve got to get settled on some receivers and this week we’ll be pointing towards a big preseason game against Dallas and we hope all of our fans will come out and support us with this.”
More scrimmage notes…
The Cardinals held two kids camps at the Skydome Saturday morning. Cornerbacks Coby Rhinehart and David Barrett hosted a camp for the Prescott Valley Boys and Girls Club, while Jason Starkey and Damien Anderson hosted a Honeywell Kids Camp. Also, prior to the scrimmage, players and cheerleaders participated in a half-hour autograph session.
“We had huge lines for autographs especially with Emmitt,” said McGinnis. “Emmitt Smith is Emmitt Smith. He’s going to bring a lot of excitement to what we are doing.”
Chrissy Mauck, azcardinals.com
I was wondering this myself. That was a dumb decision on the teams part. Emmitt is a player on this team and if healthy should have participated for at a minimum2 or 3 plays. If you dont think many of the 8,000 people at camp drove to camp to see Emmitt play for the first time then I think you would be mistaken.
According to the pre-game on KDUS before the scrimmage, Emmitt was held out because they didn't want him taking a pounding on the Skydome's artificial turf.
All things considered, I can see the clubs point. We all know what he is capable of. Why chance him on getting injured.
All things considered, I can see the clubs point. We all know what he is capable of. Why chance him on getting injured.
Because he is a healthy member of this club and to me regardles on whether his name is Emmitt or not he should suit up AND PLAY!
You must be kidding. Have him play 2 or 3 plays! What kind of "pounding" is that really going to subject him to?
Stout
Hold onto the ball, Murray!
Remember a guy named Rob Moore?
Stout
Hold onto the ball, Murray!
I think it actually was a combination of shielding the older guy (and more experienced-doesn't need as much of the work) and letting Shipp get more work in.
In answer to the 'And?', I don't put much stock at all in the preseason. THe only game and/or scrimmage I think the first teamers should really play significantly in is the last preseason game. Way, way, WAY too many opportunities for injury with so many preseason games.
I know what you mean about getting players out there, though. Believe me, I understand what you're saying.
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To be fair, Shipp barely played as well. This team has always been very conservative when it comes to this scrimmage, that's why I haven't gone in a few years. Practice is sooo much better.
I hope our offense plays much better next week. My main concern is that none of the starting offensive linemen played. One week into camp, and they were all out. I understand that Shelton and Clement could've played, but this is too much like last year already. Actually, sort reminds of 98-00 when there was always talk about our defensive line and how good they would be if "they could stay healthy." Hope I'm wrong.
Also, is it too late to still sign Marcus Robinson?
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The only preseason game the starters might play into the second half will be the third one, against Chicago.
Wildman©
former FOOTBALL Coach
I believe that the starters will play more than usual in the first pre-season game.
Marcus Robinson is stinking up the Ravens camp, and he's now the backup to Frank Sanders.
JeffGollin
ASFN Icon
Really like your evaluation of the scrimmage. I think out of all the reports, yours was the most accurate. Keep it coming, I'll look forward to reading your posts
With Skkorp now back home from Flag, Pinnacle has agreed to pick up the slack. When possible, he'll be calling in reports after each practice, and we'll get 'em posted (on BRS with copy on this bb).
With Skkorp now back home from Flag, Pinnacle has agreed to pick up the slack. When possible, he'll be calling in reports after each practice, and we'll get 'em posted (on BRS with copy on this bb).
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