Holes on this team

[NashDishesDimes]

After these last 5 weeks im having problems identifying what holes the cards even have at this point? (based on play the last 5 weeks)

At the beginning of the season we all complained about:

-adrian wilson being overrated (coverage liability)
-weak and inexperienced corners without DRC and toler
-no LB core except a promising D wash
- no pass rush
- kolb was awful
- no 2nd reciever
- tackles were liability in passing game

Today:

I feel like all these questions have been answered other than the line (which has improved). And you can argue kolb may still not be the answer but he has potential.

 

[crisper57]

Yeah, I think OT is still a glaring weakness that continues to lag. It has improved, but not with the same ferocity as other aspects of our team.

 

[juza76]

one tackle , a speed and elusive receiver,a right guard better then hadnot,a good defensive end to rotate with dockett and campbell.one edge pass rusher a young strong safety,i like marshal as a nickel corner or free safety cause is a very good tackler.he was also the key in some of peterson succesfull punt returns.i follow him on twitter he loves to be here he loves to be a cardinals and love cardinals fans..

 

[BurqueCardFan]

Yep, regardless of the results lately, the OT's are horrible more often then not. When Ware was full strength in the first half, the pocket was collapsing from the edges non stop.

 

[LarryStalling]

I noticed that some of the time the OT's were getting help from the tight ends for a change in pass protection.

 

[Shane]

one tackle , a speed and elusive receiver,a right guard better then hadnot,a good defensive end to rotate with dockett and campbell.one edge pass rusher a young strong safety,i like marshal as a nickel corner or free safety cause is a very good tackler.he was also the key in some of peterson succesfull punt returns.i follow him on twitter he loves to be here he loves to be a cardinals and love cardinals fans..

Rex Hadnot least of OL problems.

 

[crisper57]

Rex Hadnot least of OL problems.

I would take a stud LT in the draft, move Levi to RT and figure out if Deuce could return to starting at guard next year. Sign some quality depth. That lineup would make me satisfied to start.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Rex Hadnot least of OL problems.

agree

... and I do not know of many tackles which do not have problems with Mr.Ware, but Levi and especially Keith are a weak spot. But Brown would be such a great guard with his run blocking ability, he actually has a meaner disposition than Leonard Davis had (if Davis had Reggie Wells disposition, he would have been a monster)

 

[Cardiac]

Based on the OP (holes); I only can think of one, the LT position.

We could use an upgrade at RT, that could be taken care of by sliding Levi back over there. I haven't given up on BK since he isn't fully recovered from his knee injury of last year but I'm not banking on him either.

QB: I don't think anyone feels the position isn't still a concern but if Kolb can maintain his play from yesterday and then continue to improve then I'm good with him as our starter. Question is how high is his ceiling?

We do need to add to the OLBer position simply due to Porter being gone next year and Haggans has at most another year in him.

I would also love to add a speedster at the WR position.

After that it's all about depth and developing replacements for some of our aging stars.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I would take a stud LT in the draft, move Levi to RT and figure out if Deuce could return to starting at guard next year. Sign some quality depth. That lineup would make me satisfied to start.

I agree with all except I think the ship has sailed with Lutui. I'm not sure why the even re-signed him. Hadnot may not be the most pressing need on the OL but his position could still use an upgrade. He hasn't played bad but he's probably would be better as backup in the long run.

 

[RonF]

How about lack of discipline causing stupid penalties to occur at key times during the game. I place the blame on the coaching staff for this one.

 

[Phrazbit]

We still need more depth in the secondary. Peterson is going to be a superstar, Wilson is still a great player, then we have a bunch of guys or are somewhere between average and awful.

The O-line is no where near as bad as some posters make it out to be, but it could certainly be improved.

A speed receiver would be awesome, we should be about to find one in the draft. Desean Jackson is not a realistic target, too expensive and too stupid, his ego also would not allow him to be #2 to Fitz.

And I still think we need a QB. Kolb actually found a pulse yesterday for a half of football and was no longer a complete corpse, but he is not a franchise potential QB. If one of the top QB prospects slips to us in the draft (looking doubtful as we will probably get 7 wins) then the Cards would be fools to not gobble them up.

 

[Phrazbit]

Oh, also we need a kicker. I have no faith in Feeley to hit anything over 43 yards. If the Cards are going to be a defensive team who grinds out close wins then getting a good kicker is a requirement.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

A veteran CB and the return of Toler should make the secondary better. Pretty soon teams are going to start treating Peterson like Bailey and Nnamdi and not even throw at him. I think moving Marshall to safety has been a key on passing downs. He has really played well lately, now he needs to catch the ball when it's at him. There was even a Rashard Johnson sighting yesterday.

I still think the biggest need on defense is a guy like Te'o for the SILB. Lenon has even played decent lately but he's a backup on most teams. Also, another pass rusher,like Zach Brown, wouldn't hurt at all. The good thing is if the Cards keep winning, and I think they beat Seattle and Cleve while the other two are toss-ups, they'll be drafting low enough where a guy like Te'o(maybe) or Keuchly aren't major reaches.

 

[Duckjake]

A veteran CB and the return of Toler should make the secondary better. Pretty soon teams are going to start treating Peterson like Bailey and Nnamdi and not even throw at him. I think moving Marshall to safety has been a key on passing downs. He has really played well lately, now he needs to catch the ball when it's at him. There was even a Rashard Johnson sighting yesterday.

I still think the biggest need on defense is a guy like Te'o for the SILB. Lenon has even played decent lately but he's a backup on most teams. Also, another pass rusher,like Zach Brown, wouldn't hurt at all. The good thing is if the Cards keep winning, and I think they beat Seattle and Cleve while the other two are toss-ups, they'll be drafting low enough where a guy like Te'o(maybe) or Keuchly aren't major reaches.

This is #1 for the Defense. Lenon is 34 years old and Paris is not London. We've seen what a big difference a much younger player can make at LB already this year.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

I would take a stud LT in the draft, move Levi to RT and figure out if Deuce could return to starting at guard next year. Sign some quality depth. That lineup would make me satisfied to start.

Exactly. id even say draft a stud LT, move levi to LG (restructure his contract), put deuce in at RG, and let Keith, bridges, and a rookie battle it out for the RT.

All of the sudden that line would have some serious run blocking potential and pass blocking potential.

 

[Totally_Red]

This team's #1 need is an elite left tackle who can be plugged in for the next 10 years, someone in the Orlando Pace/Walter Jones mold. Those commodities are extremely rare and with the current winning streak, we aren't likely to be in position to get one next April.

I agree that replacing Rex Hadnot and Paris Lenon are important and urgent; and a speed receiver would be nice.

But offensive left tackle is THE critical weakness on the team right now IMO.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

After these last 5 weeks im having problems identifying what holes the cards even have at this point? (based on play the last 5 weeks)

At the beginning of the season we all complained about:

-adrian wilson being overrated (coverage liability)
-weak and inexperienced corners without DRC and toler
-no LB core except a promising D wash
- no pass rush
- kolb was awful
- no 2nd reciever
- tackles were liability in passing game

Today:

I feel like all these questions have been answered other than the line (which has improved). And you can argue kolb may still not be the answer but he has potential.

I disagree. I think a lot of those are still holes, and are still glaring.

Our OLB, and ILB core has to improve. Our CB's have to improve, our Safety depth is horrific, our OT's are still quite horrible, we definately DO NOT have a #2 WR, and Kolb didn't do too much last game to make me think he is the answer to anything.

 

[Chopper0080]

This is #1 for the Defense. Lenon is 34 years old and Paris is not London. We've seen what a big difference a much younger player can make at LB already this year.

I would also like to see our LB corp get younger and more athletic at SILB as well as OLB. I would hesitate to immediately try and plug a 260lb guy into that spot because you need a MLB that plays with power and leverage more than just a big guy (ala Stewart Bradley). You also would like to get a guy that can also play in nickel packages, so ideal size would be about 6'1" 245 (similar to Bowman and Willis from San Fran)

As far as our team needs go, they are more than you think...(and harder to fill)

Immediate needs (definite holes w/o a solution on the roster)
LT
RT
SILB
OLB
WR2


Intermediate needs (needs for depth, age)
SS
CB
OG
NT
DE
QB

What is going to suck is that a franchise LT probably won't be available when we pick in the first and the best o-lineman will most likely be David DeCastro who would be a huge upgrade at RG, but would not fill as big of a need. Reiff is a RT in my opinion from having watched him this year, and I can't see Martin falling that far. A guy to watch is Nate Potter out of Boise St. He has totally fallen off the radar, but is one of the few true LT's in this draft. Built alot like Solder who was drafted by the Pats, Potter has regressed in terms of film, but has also been apart of some really successful teams at Boise St.

Our other option in the first round is probably LB, but whether it is an ILB or OLB is really the question. Once again, an OLB probably represents better talent and would be more of an impact position, but not as much of a need.

At this point I would like to trade down, but I'm not sure what sort of value that would provide us if we keep winning. As is, if we end up drafting in the 11-20 range either David DeCastro or Whitney Mercilus/Zack Brown/Vinny Curry might be our best options as far as value in concerned.

 

[kerouac9]

I would also like to see our LB corp get younger and more athletic at SILB as well as OLB. I would hesitate to immediately try and plug a 260lb guy into that spot because you need a MLB that plays with power and leverage more than just a big guy (ala Stewart Bradley). You also would like to get a guy that can also play in nickel packages, so ideal size would be about 6'1" 245 (similar to Bowman and Willis from San Fran)

As far as our team needs go, they are more than you think...(and harder to fill)

Immediate needs (definite holes w/o a solution on the roster)
LT
RT
SILB
OLB
WR2


Intermediate needs (needs for depth, age)
SS
CB
OG
NT
DE
QB

What is going to suck is that a franchise LT probably won't be available when we pick in the first and the best o-lineman will most likely be David DeCastro who would be a huge upgrade at RG, but would not fill as big of a need. Reiff is a RT in my opinion from having watched him this year, and I can't see Martin falling that far. A guy to watch is Nate Potter out of Boise St. He has totally fallen off the radar, but is one of the few true LT's in this draft. Built alot like Solder who was drafted by the Pats, Potter has regressed in terms of film, but has also been apart of some really successful teams at Boise St.

Our other option in the first round is probably LB, but whether it is an ILB or OLB is really the question. Once again, an OLB probably represents better talent and would be more of an impact position, but not as much of a need.

At this point I would like to trade down, but I'm not sure what sort of value that would provide us if we keep winning. As is, if we end up drafting in the 11-20 range either David DeCastro or Whitney Mercilus/Zack Brown/Vinny Curry might be our best options as far as value in concerned.

We have Peterson, Adams, Jefferson, and Toler all under contract. Adams is the oldest of those, and he's only 26. I think that's about as good a unit as you're going to get. What was the last Pro Bowl CB the Steelers had?

I also disagree with NT. A team isn't going to carry 3 NTs on the roster--even for depth. We have Dan Williams coming back and David Carter. That's a pretty good group. We probably are going to want to develop another DE that can play in a rotation.

The biggest immediate problems are both OT situations and QB, but for the former we know what we have and that it has to be improved. For the latter we have to see what we have and make a decision after the 2012 season.

I'd love to have and develop a 10+ sack OLB. If Levi Brown could be renegotiated down to a reasonable number, it might take the pressure off having to draft an LT with our #1 pick.

It's getting to the point, Chopper, where the Cards wouldn't be able to pick up a second-round pick even if they traded down. I think they'd be picking like 12 if the season ended today? Add on another two wins, and we'll be picking in the early teens.

 

[john h]

After these last 5 weeks im having problems identifying what holes the cards even have at this point? (based on play the last 5 weeks)

At the beginning of the season we all complained about:

-adrian wilson being overrated (coverage liability)
-weak and inexperienced corners without DRC and toler
-no LB core except a promising D wash
- no pass rush
- kolb was awful
- no 2nd reciever
- tackles were liability in passing game

Today:

I feel like all these questions have been answered other than the line (which has improved). And you can argue kolb may still not be the answer but he has potential.

I think our #2 and #3 receivers are rather good. Our LB's are good and getting better. At least Kolb showed improvement and that he did have some courage last weekend. When he ran the ball he just did not take a quick slide. He jumped into the tacklers more or less. He may end up ok or may not. We have not seen enough yet. I had given up on him until Sunday. His first half was terrible but in the second half he came to life. Hopefully that success will carry over???? Campbell is starting to look like an all star pass rusher. We need a second runner and hopefully our rookie who is out for the season can be that man. Beenie as good as he has been cannot take a beating week after week. We need a good runner who can take some of the load off of Beenie. Our total receiving corps is one of the better in the NFL. Our defense for the last 5 or so games has been outstanding. What has kept us out of the playoffs is our offense, in particular our QB play. We could use another DB of quality. Jefferson is suspect but is a rookie so there is hope.

We also as always need a new GM.

 

[Chopper0080]

We have Peterson, Adams, Jefferson, and Toler all under contract. Adams is the oldest of those, and he's only 26. I think that's about as good a unit as you're going to get. What was the last Pro Bowl CB the Steelers had?

I also disagree with NT. A team isn't going to carry 3 NTs on the roster--even for depth. We have Dan Williams coming back and David Carter. That's a pretty good group. We probably are going to want to develop another DE that can play in a rotation.

The biggest immediate problems are both OT situations and QB, but for the former we know what we have and that it has to be improved. For the latter we have to see what we have and make a decision after the 2012 season.

I'd love to have and develop a 10+ sack OLB. If Levi Brown could be renegotiated down to a reasonable number, it might take the pressure off having to draft an LT with our #1 pick.

It's getting to the point, Chopper, where the Cards wouldn't be able to pick up a second-round pick even if they traded down. I think they'd be picking like 12 if the season ended today? Add on another two wins, and we'll be picking in the early teens.

To address a couple of your points...
CB: I think that with the youth of our CB corp, you will see the Cards bring in another veteran like Richard Marshall. Toler is coming off an injury, Peterson is still inconsistent, and Jefferson has made progress, but is still a bit overmatched as a 2nd CB, if one of the top two goes down. That's why I see the Cards looking for a vet CB to add to the mix.

NT: The difference between the two of us here is that I see David Carter as a better DE than I do as a NT. Essentially I see Carter as a rotational DE to replace Holliday's role, and therefore creating a hole at the backup NT position. This would get us younger across the dline, and provide us more rotational depth.

OLB: We need a better pass rush outside, and that isn't a knock on Acho and Schofield. As we fall farther in the draft, it seems like there are some really solid players that might be able to fill this role. Just because we have been getting adaquate production from Acho and Schofield doesn't mean the position doesn't need to be upgraded. So we agree here.

As far as our draft position is concerned, you are right in a sense. It is getting to the point that we won't be able to trade down, pick up a 2nd round pick, and still have a pick in the first round. Depending on how everything plays out, we might find ourselves looking at trading out of the first round entirely and picking up multiple picks either later in the draft or future picks.

 

[john h]

Oh, also we need a kicker. I have no faith in Feeley to hit anything over 43 yards. If the Cards are going to be a defensive team who grinds out close wins then getting a good kicker is a requirement.

I know Feely has missed a few but I still lilke the guy. He routinely kicks off into the end-zone. He said he feels he can handle 55 yds in our home stadium on FG. He has been around long enough that I do not think pressure bothers him. Some of the kickers I have observed this year are horrible so if you have a decent one you better hang on to him. The Dallas FG kicker more or less cost them the game this past Sunday.

 

[john h]

This is #1 for the Defense. Lenon is 34 years old and Paris is not London. We've seen what a big difference a much younger player can make at LB already this year.

What has really struck me this year is how important depth is. Alabama and LSU have generally wore their opponents down by the second half due to their depth at nearly all positions. I can only assume the same thing works in the pros. Fresh legs will wear down even opposing stars. Being able to send in a good backup can do wonders.

 

[nationsrj]

Add marshall to the CB mix, so I dont see them bringing more than one more draft or vet.

NT- Dan Williams should return, Carter is available as rotational guy, and Eason is available to be resigned. I could see Eason being resigned to cover both NT and DE.

DE - I see them needing at least one more in this area to groom as Dockett's replacement, or to replace CC if he is not resigned.

OLB - I see Haggans being signed for at least one more year. Porter is gone. Acho and Schofield are up and coming. I see the need for one more vet or Draft in OLB for pass rusher.

ILB - Lenon and Washington are the starters, Bradley is the main backup with Walker in the mix. I could see another vet or draft pick coming in to replace Walker or possible Lenon.