High Expectations for Mr. Dockett

[JC_AZ]

In his first two years in the NFL, Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has proven to be a solid performer. The Cardinals drafted the former Florida State star in the third round of the 2004 draft, hoping he'd be worthy of a starting job on what was a porous defense.
Not only has Dockett been a starter for 31 of his first 32 games as a pro, but he's been one of the Cardinals' best tackles in quite some time. Given the Cardinals' recent history at defensive tackle, that may not be saying much, but it's something.
As a rookie in '04, Dockett racked up 39 total tackles, 3 ½ sacks and an interception. He was certainly a pleasant surprise for the Cardinals' coaching staff, especially head coach Dennis Green. When Arizona entered that season, Dockett was a starter. He could have been a success or failure, and he succeeded, providing the Cardinals' fans some joy in an otherwise disappointing season.
Dockett entered last year with high expectations from both the Cards' fans and defensive coaching staff. Unfortunately for Dockett and the other parties mentioned, the 293-pounder's 2005 was little more than a letdown. In Arizona's 5-11 season, Dockett ended up with 10 less tackles than his rookie year (29), three less sacks (½) and the same interception total. Clearly, Dockett's sophomore season in the pros saw him slump substantially.
However, entering the new season, the Cardinals and Dockett have new expectations heaped on them. The formerly hapless Cardinals are supposed to compete for a playoff spot in 2006, while Dockett will have to form a terrific duo up front with a new starting tackle next to him, veteran Kendrick Clancy.
One big motivation likely to fuel Dockett is his contract situation. At the close of the season, he'll become a restricted free agent. He'll be paid $425,000 for the final year of his contract, and the Arizona Cardinals will have the right to match any new offers Dockett might receive from other franchises.
Of course, if Dockett finally breaks out and has a huge year, it means he'll be set to rake in some big-time money. The bad news for the Cardinals is that a big season from Dockett could mean they'll have trouble matching large offers from other teams, but they'll cross that bridge when they get to it.
Currently, the most accomplished ex-Florida State tackle in the league is the Indianapolis Colts ' Corey Simon. For most of his six-year career, Simon--also 293 pounds--has been an elite player.
Should Dockett perform nearly as well as his Seminole colleague, the chances of the Cards' defense experiencing success this season will be quite high.
--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at [email protected]

 

[joeshmo]

Dockett will have the benifit of many things this year:

This is all depending on healthy of course.

1. Healthy Berry for the whole year.

2. More DL depth and better rotation keeping fresher throughout the whole game.

3. Kendrick Clancy - Without a doubt an upgrade from who ever the heck was playing the slant last year and at the least a slight upgrade(I think its a big upgrade) over Davis from Dockett's rookie year.

4. Pendy - Pendy himself stated that Dockett was playing in a different style then he was his rookie year becuase he had to take on different reponsibilies becuase of the large amounts of DL injuries. He should be playing in his rookie style again.

For our DL to take the next step Dockett needs to not only play like his rookie year but show the improvements on his rookie year now playing as a veteran. He without a doubt has the fire to make it to that level. Lets wait and see.

 

[DRVNFAST]

Everytime I watched last year he was constantly taking on more than the one O-lineman at a time. So natually his numbers are going to go down. He's still a stud that takes a whole lot of attention on the OL part.

 

[Sandan]

Docket's numbers went down last year because CP wanted him to cover for the lack of a good NT [due to injuries}

CP came out and said this months ago

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Docket's numbers went down last year because CP wanted him to cover for the lack of a good NT [due to injuries}

CP came out and said this months ago

Maybe. I mean if he says so I guess it is true, but I also noticed him "taking plays off" last year as well. Seems like if he didnt get into the backfield on that initial burst he was content with arm dancing with the lineman.

Didnt see the fire or intensity from him I did as a rookie (and I think he was only adequate as a rookie not stellar as some would lead you to believe) He has a very important role on this DL, so he needs to step up.

Oh and I dont remember many teams -if any- that double teamed him on a consistent basis.

 

[Sandan]

Maybe. I mean if he says so I guess it is true, but I also noticed him "taking plays off" last year as well. Seems like if he didnt get into the backfield on that initial burst he was content with arm dancing with the lineman.

That's exactly what CP asked him to do. Stay home and cover

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Dockett will have the benifit of many things this year:

This is all depending on healthy of course.

1. Healthy Berry for the whole year.

2. More DL depth and better rotation keeping fresher throughout the whole game.

3. Kendrick Clancy - Without a doubt an upgrade from who ever the heck was playing the slant last year and at the least a slight upgrade(I think its a big upgrade) over Davis from Dockett's rookie year.

4. Pendy - Pendy himself stated that Dockett was playing in a different style then he was his rookie year becuase he had to take on different reponsibilies becuase of the large amounts of DL injuries. He should be playing in his rookie style again.

For our DL to take the next step Dockett needs to not only play like his rookie year but show the improvements on his rookie year now playing as a veteran. He without a doubt has the fire to make it to that level. Lets wait and see.

I would add in Gabe Watson. At 340lbs he will need to be double teamed which will free up Dockett.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Maybe. I mean if he says so I guess it is true, but I also noticed him "taking plays off" last year as well.

Like Gabe Watson says, " We had some long drives."

 

[O]

Personally, I think Double D breaks out this year.
I expect big things from Double D.

 

[vince56]

Dockett will have the benifit of many things this year:

This is all depending on healthy of course.

1. Healthy Berry for the whole year.

Man, I've read that three times now, and I keep thinking you're saying Halle Berry.

I'd probably perform pretty well too if I had Halle Berry for the whole year

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

That's exactly what CP asked him to do. Stay home and cover

Did he also ask him to take plays off and let RB's run through his arm tackles?

 

[kerouac9]

Did he also ask him to take plays off and let RB's run through his arm tackles?

 

[Sandan]

Did he do that or was he playing a little out of his skill zone.

He is there to penerate not occupy blockers, at least not to the extent the other DT is supposed to do.

It's hard showing up well, when the guy next to you isn't good enough

 

[jstadvl]

LV and a couple of others; one is bound to, especially when one is in the limelight as much as dockett was, to look as if one is skimping on some plays ( with injuries to others and oneself). I think the variables that went into last year have alot to do with apearances. i don't think he's was skimping.
I'd put money on him having a stellar year, this year. As I would any Card player. I think they know, they are very close, to being a very special team.
I gotta go with "Muffin". He's ready to step up, and barring unnatural happennings, with all we've added, "MONSTER" comes to mind.