I guess I am one of the few people who really hopes we sign Emmitt Smith. I think a two year deal would be outstanding for the Cardinals.
Yes, I believe he should start over Shipp. Shipp signed a four year deal, and would have two years to start after Emmitt was gone. He could still see significant time as a change of pace back.
The Steelers, Broncos, and Raiders all used more than one running back to great effect. Running the football is what wins in this league.
What does Emmitt bring to this team?
#1 A change of philosophy. While the Cardinals may want Smith as window dressing....Emmitt will come here to win. He is notorious for being the first in the weight room, the first to practice, and an avid studier of film. He will be respected in the locker room, both as a winner...a hall of famer...and an outstanding character guy. He is a leader on a team with little veteran leadership right now (especially on the offensive side of the ball).
#2 People will talk about the Cardinals. Let's say Emmitt is a PR move....GREAT!!! Let's fill Sun Devil Stadium. Let's get people cheering the Cardinals. Let's have a home field advantage. Let's get on Monday Night Football.
#3 You can argue all you want about whether or not Marcel Shipp is the better running back right now....but what you can't argue is that Emmitt is better at all the little things. He is one of the best at picking up blitzes in the league. Signing Emmitt makes our pass blocking better. It gives Marcel a chance to see how it should be done, and frankly his blitz pickup was average at best last year.
#4 It helps our receivers. Again, no slight to Marcel Shipp, but people will scheme around stopping Emmitt. It's hard to sit in zone all game when you are looking at a hall of fame running back.
As to some of the arguements I have seen against bringing in Smith, I have to laugh.
First off, making the blanket statement that Shipp is better than Emmitt Smith reeks of homerism. I mean absolutely reeks. You are talking about comparing a guy who had a nice half a season against a hall of fame back.
The funniest to me was the comment that it will send the wrong message to the Cardinals players. Which message is that? The "we want to win" message? Do you honestly believe that ANY Cardinals player wouldn't want to play with Emmitt Smith?
Another comment I saw was that Emmitt would be a cancer in the locker room? Based on what??? Oh I guess because Emmitt Smith would never accept losing, would challenge those around him, and lead by example...if that is indeed a "cancer" then infect this whole frackin' team because they need it.
Bring in Emmitt...Bring in the runner, the leader, the teacher, and the winner. Finally, give us a true winner in town.
Yes, I believe he should start over Shipp. Shipp signed a four year deal, and would have two years to start after Emmitt was gone. He could still see significant time as a change of pace back.
The Steelers, Broncos, and Raiders all used more than one running back to great effect. Running the football is what wins in this league.
What does Emmitt bring to this team?
#1 A change of philosophy. While the Cardinals may want Smith as window dressing....Emmitt will come here to win. He is notorious for being the first in the weight room, the first to practice, and an avid studier of film. He will be respected in the locker room, both as a winner...a hall of famer...and an outstanding character guy. He is a leader on a team with little veteran leadership right now (especially on the offensive side of the ball).
#2 People will talk about the Cardinals. Let's say Emmitt is a PR move....GREAT!!! Let's fill Sun Devil Stadium. Let's get people cheering the Cardinals. Let's have a home field advantage. Let's get on Monday Night Football.
#3 You can argue all you want about whether or not Marcel Shipp is the better running back right now....but what you can't argue is that Emmitt is better at all the little things. He is one of the best at picking up blitzes in the league. Signing Emmitt makes our pass blocking better. It gives Marcel a chance to see how it should be done, and frankly his blitz pickup was average at best last year.
#4 It helps our receivers. Again, no slight to Marcel Shipp, but people will scheme around stopping Emmitt. It's hard to sit in zone all game when you are looking at a hall of fame running back.
As to some of the arguements I have seen against bringing in Smith, I have to laugh.
First off, making the blanket statement that Shipp is better than Emmitt Smith reeks of homerism. I mean absolutely reeks. You are talking about comparing a guy who had a nice half a season against a hall of fame back.
The funniest to me was the comment that it will send the wrong message to the Cardinals players. Which message is that? The "we want to win" message? Do you honestly believe that ANY Cardinals player wouldn't want to play with Emmitt Smith?
Another comment I saw was that Emmitt would be a cancer in the locker room? Based on what??? Oh I guess because Emmitt Smith would never accept losing, would challenge those around him, and lead by example...if that is indeed a "cancer" then infect this whole frackin' team because they need it.
Bring in Emmitt...Bring in the runner, the leader, the teacher, and the winner. Finally, give us a true winner in town.
