Jurecki's Observations - Super Bowl Week

[Jim O]

Jurecki's Observations - Super Bowl Week
by: Mike Jurecki

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As a local radio personality, the opinions expressed in Mike Jurecki’s columns are not necessarily those shared by the Arizona Cardinals.

Mike Jurecki’s Observations, coming to you from Houston, Texas

Now that the coaching staff is in place and back from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, I imagine that the next step Denny Green and Co. will do, is take a closer look at the current roster. They will find out where some of the holes are and what their needs are. The bottom line is that each of these position coaches will need to evaluate his players to find out what they really have. From there, the best way of doing that is to look back on the previous season.

When I break down this team, as of now they are a lot closer on offense than they are on defense. If you remember during his initial press conference, Coach Green stated that his philosophy when it comes to the upcoming National Football League draft is to take the best available athlete regardless of need. Considering that the Cardinals are drafting third overall in the annual player’s selection in April, there will be plenty of time to speculate. Trading down may be the best option. If they stay status quo at that third spot, more than likely it could be an offensive player who would move them much closer to having a more explosive offense.

It’s important to remember that when this new coaching staff looks at last year’s game film, two players that were starters going into last season will not appear on the footage. The good news here is that both cornerback Duane Starks and left defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch are right on schedule when it comes to their rehab. Getting these two back healthy should help this defense overnight.

My wish list for this Cardinals team going into the off-season is to find another cornerback, defensive tackle, veteran wide receiver, safety, and a team can always use an outside linebacker and a defensive end who can rush the quarterback from the edge. The $64,000 question is whether or not it is time to draft a franchise quarterback with their first round pick.

If a team wants a formula for success, there are three things that need to be done: must be able to run the ball, play good run defense, and have a quality kicking game. Just look at the teams playing in Super Bowl XXXVIII, there’s nothing fancy about them but they play physical and they don’t beat themselves.

I think that there’s a strong possibility that Denny Green will change the attitude similar to what Marvin Lewis did with the Cincinnati Bengals. When it was all said and done Lewis had 25 new players on the Bengals roster in his first season. Half the battle is changing the perception of what it’s been. Realistically, with a couple of free agents, a good draft, and the development of the players on the current roster, finishing .500 is an obtainable goal for next season. This would be a step in the right direction and is something to build on.

Birdseed:

In case you were wondering. (Price for a Super Bowl 30 second commercial over
the years)
Year S.B. $$
1967 I 42,000
1977 XI1 25,000
1987 XXI 600,000
1997 XXXI 1,200,000
2003 XXXVII 2,100,000

Memo to all the players

The dates are out and it should be real interesting when it comes to the attendance for the upcoming “voluntary” mini camps. With the new coaching staff coming in, the National football League allows each organization an extra mini camp to get the players and coaches familiar with each other. My prediction is that there will be successful participation because of the new coaching staff, job security (fear), plus players will want to see if they fit into the Denny Green “mold”. Fellas, if you don’t have the dates and times, I have them for you…

Thursday, March 25
1st Voluntary Mini Camp Report

Friday, March 26 - Sunday, March 28
1st Voluntary Mini Camp

Thursday, April 1
2nd Voluntary Mini Camp Report

Friday, April 2 - Sunday, April 4
2nd Voluntary Mini Camp

Monday, April 5
14-Week Weight Training and Conditioning Program begins

Thursday, April 29
Mandatory Mini Camp Report

Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2
Mandatory Mini Camp

Who’s staying and who’s going

The free agent market kicks off on March 3 when teams around the league can go out and sign unrestricted and restricted free agents from other teams including their own. I expect the Cardinals to be active so they can go out and obtain some productive playmakers. The list below is the current Redbirds free agent list.

I’d be shocked if the Cardinals used their franchise or transition tag this year. The deadline is February 24 (which allows clubs the option to designate franchise or transition players).

Unrestricted: (6)
CB David Barrett
G Chris Dishman
DB Justin Lucas
CB Emmanuel McDaniel
DL Derrick Ransom
OL Jason Starkey - Injured reserve

Restricted: (5)
DT Marcus Bell
PK Bill Gramatica
CB Renaldo Hill
WR Kevin Kasper
S Adrian Wilson


2004 NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE CALENDAR

February 8…AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (ESPN).

February 8…NFL Europe League NFL Allocated Player Draft.

February 18-24…Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

February 24…Deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players.

February 27…NFL Europe League training camps open.

March 2…Deadline for submission of qualifying offers by clubs to their restricted free agents whose contracts have expired and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.

March 2…Deadline for clubs to submit offer of minimum salary to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with fewer than three seasons of free agency credit whose contracts have expired.

March 3…Veteran free agency signing period begins.

March 3...Trading period begins.

April 3…NFL Europe League season begins.

April 16…Signing period ends for restricted free agents.

April 23…Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to
restricted free agents.

April 24-25…NFL Draft, New York City.

Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year:

This year’s rookie of the year winner as determined by fan balloting on NFL.com will take place on Thursday. The press conference is scheduled for 1:00 pm (Phoenix time) hosted by Deion Sanders. It would be a stinkin’ crime if Boldin doesn’t bring home the hardware.

The five finalists are:
LB- Nick Barnett- Packers
WR- Anquan Boldin- Cardinals
RB- Domanick Davis- Texans
WR- Andre Johnson- Texans
LB- Terrell Suggs- Ravens

Fact:
Where the numbers tell the story - Super Bowl teams with fewer turnovers than their opponents are 28-2 (.933).

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by Jim Omohundro
...left defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch...back healthy should help this defense overnight.

How someone can blindly assert this after KVB's three seasons in the league is mind-boggling. Great guy, hard worker, but below-average NFL starting defensive end. I'd rather have Dennis Johnson starting on the outside. At least you know that he can play effectively.

 

[ajcardfan]

I'm happy that we don't even have to think about using a tag this offseason.

 

[BuckeyeCardinal]

KVB

Dennis Johnson hopefully will be our secret weapon this year.

He improved tenfold over overhyped guys like Bryant.

I still haven't given up on KVB...he may surprise.

 

[kerouac9]

Re: KVB

Originally posted by BuckeyeCardinal
Dennis Johnson hopefully will be our secret weapon this year.

He improved tenfold over overhyped guys like Bryant.

I still haven't given up on KVB...he may surprise.

Surprise how? By being an adequate NFL starter? By not getting injured again (I think he's running out of ligaments to tear)?

I think that Bryant will really emerge next season with adequate coaching. He may not be a dominating force like Albert Haynesworth or John Henderson, but as a quality starting one-gap defensive tackle. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to a couple of Pro Bowls in his career. I wasn't all that excited when we drafted him, but I really like what I saw from him early this season before he got the high-ankle sprain and was jerked around from position to position by Mac's staff. I think that once he's put in one position and feels comfortable, he'll be just fine.

 

[NMCard]

KVB did'nt help when he was healthy.

 

[BuckeyeCardinal]

OK

Let's hope he gets injured again and never plays football again.

You guys will be happy.

Why do you guys hate an overachiever?

He doesn't have NFL skills but he can contirbute.

Would you accept him as a rotation backup?

Of course not....drafted too high...he's hurt....can't run....don't give him a chance.....blah blah friggin blah.

 

[40yearfan]

Re: OK

Originally posted by BuckeyeCardinal
Let's hope he gets injured again and never plays football again.

You guys will be happy.

Why do you guys hate an overachiever?

He doesn't have NFL skills but he can contirbute.

Would you accept him as a rotation backup?

Of course not....drafted too high...he's hurt....can't run....don't give him a chance.....blah blah friggin blah.

AMEN!!!!!

 

[kerouac9]

Re: OK

Originally posted by BuckeyeCardinal
Let's hope he gets injured again and never plays football again.

You guys will be happy.

Why do you guys hate an overachiever?

He doesn't have NFL skills but he can contirbute.

Would you accept him as a rotation backup?

Of course not....drafted too high...he's hurt....can't run....don't give him a chance.....blah blah friggin blah.

I don't hate overachievers. I hate players on the roster who aren't very good. If a player doesn't have NFL skills, what is he doing in the NFL? Explain that to me.

I don't have a problem with him really being on the roster, but what my comment was on was Jurecki's ridiculous comment that

...left defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch...back healthy should help this defense overnight.

That's a silly statement. He wasn't helping the defense too much when he was playing last season. Honestly, him and Fred Wakefield are about at the same rating in my mind. They're decent backups, but if they're starting, it's a big problem for your defense. One of them should be on the roster come September, one of them should not.

 

[Capital Card]

Re: OK

Originally posted by BuckeyeCardinal
Let's hope he gets injured again and never plays football again.

You guys will be happy.

Why do you guys hate an overachiever?

He doesn't have NFL skills but he can contirbute.

Would you accept him as a rotation backup?

Of course not....drafted too high...he's hurt....can't run....don't give him a chance.....blah blah friggin blah.

You forgot to add that he went to Nebraska, and no NU players are good NFL players.... We should only be looking at Florida players.

Go Cards!!!

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by kerouac9
Surprise how? By being an adequate NFL starter? By not getting injured again (I think he's running out of ligaments to tear)?

I think that Bryant will really emerge next season with adequate coaching. He may not be a dominating force like Albert Haynesworth or John Henderson, but as a quality starting one-gap defensive tackle. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to a couple of Pro Bowls in his career. I wasn't all that excited when we drafted him, but I really like what I saw from him early this season before he got the high-ankle sprain and was jerked around from position to position by Mac's staff. I think that once he's put in one position and feels comfortable, he'll be just fine.

What exactly did you see in Bryant that makes you think he not only will be a solid DT for this team but also go to a couple of Pro Bowls?

Let me tell you what I saw! A guy who did very little all season and got very little push up the middle. I agree moving him around may have hurt is progression some, but he showed zilch!

He seemd to take, not only plays, but whole series off, and he is the exact opposite of KVB in one regard: Motor and work ethic. He seems lazy and did a lot of "swatting; at the ball carrier as opposed to trying to reach and grasp him, and once a play went by him he seemed to just stop. Didnt try to chase the play down at all. He was supposedly in 'great shape' in camp, but he still seemed out-of-shape and slow during the season.

I couldn't disagree more with your assesment. I think he very well could be one of the suprise roster cuts of Green or at least lose his starting job.

 

[cardsunsfan]

So far I think KVB has shown more than Bryant, but Bryant doesn't have any injuries we have to worry about either...

 

[kerouac9]

Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by LVCARDFREAK
What exactly did you see in Bryant that makes you think he not only will be a solid DT for this team but also go to a couple of Pro Bowls?

Let me tell you what I saw! A guy who did very little all season and got very little push up the middle. I agree moving him around may have hurt is progression some, but he showed zilch!

He seemd to take, not only plays, but whole series off, and he is the exact opposite of KVB in one regard: Motor and work ethic. He seems lazy and did a lot of "swatting; at the ball carrier as opposed to trying to reach and grasp him, and once a play went by him he seemed to just stop. Didnt try to chase the play down at all. He was supposedly in 'great shape' in camp, but he still seemed out-of-shape and slow during the season.

I couldn't disagree more with your assesment. I think he very well could be one of the suprise roster cuts of Green or at least lose his starting job.

I'm looking mainly at early in the season. Wendell, before the ankle sprain, was the only Cardinals defensive lineman getting push up the middle. He was getting no help from anyone else against good competition (the Lions have a very good offensive line, and the Seahawks have a good offensive line). It didn't show up on the stat sheet, but defensive tackles seldom do (Albert Haynesworth had 32 tackles all season).

I think that both the lack of committment to one position and the high ankle sprain, combined with the absolutely awful defensive line coaching, are attributible to Bryant's lack of production in 2003. I agree that Wendell needs to be motivated better and committment to training needs to be address, but that was a systemic problem (our offensive line, for example) of the Mac regime. Wendell is not without his warts, but Mac and Graves chose to focus on "high-character" players, to which Bryant's easy-going attitude can be attributable. I still think that the Cards should maintain their committment to him through at least the last two years of his contract.

I have to say that your one-play example out of the entire 2003 season is just damning.

If Bryant is cut from the roster after training camp, I'll self-ban for the 2004 season. I'll stake money that he'll still be on the roster. It'd be hard for him to lose "his starting job", since he doesn't have one at the moment. I'm willing to bet that he'll be starting in Week 1, though.

As for the rest of you: I don't think anyone's saying that they don't like KVB because he's an overachiever, or because he's from Nebraska, or because he's a "high motor guy," or because he's white, or any other reason. The reason that I don't like KVB is because he's a bad NFL starting Defensive End, and a horrible 2nd round draft pick. He was chosen at the top of the second round.

Instead of KVB, we could have had Alge Crumpler (TE-ATL), Chad Johnson (WR-CIN), Idrees Bashir (CB-IND), Kendrell Bell (LB-PIT), Ken Lucas (CB-SEA), Robert Ferguson (WR-GB), Kris Jenkins (DT-CAR [!!!]), Fred Smoot (CB-WAS), or Chris Chambers (WR-MIA). Good lord. Is there anyone on this board who can honestly say that they'd rather have KVB than any of these players?

By the way, instead of Mike Stone, we could have drafted Travis Henry. Thank goodness that Mac is gone.

 

[Jim O]

What gets me is that people say that KVB is a flop. Then, they make an excuse for Wendell Bryant that the reason that he has stuggled is because of the coaching.

KVB has shown much more than Wendell Bryant has. Why doesn't KVB get the benefit of the doubt that Wendell gets? After all, KVB has shown more than Bryant and they have had the same coaching in the NFL.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by Jim Omohundro
What gets me is that people say that KVB is a flop. Then, they make an excuse for Wendell Bryant that the reason that he has stuggled is because of the coaching.

KVB has shown much more than Wendell Bryant has. Why doesn't KVB get the benefit of the doubt that Wendell gets? After all, KVB has shown more than Bryant and they have had the same coaching in the NFL.

KVB's mostly shown that he can spend two-thirds of his career on injured reserve. I fail to see how that's "showing more" than Wendell Bryant. As I remember, the last thing that he "showed" was that he could get put in a dress by Reggie "The Human Turnstile" Wells in Flagstaff. This, by the way, when he was in "the best shape of his career" as well as "ready to explode and become the type of player that the Cardinals were hoping for". The fact of the matter is that through the first 3/4 of his contract, KVB has done nothing to justify his draft status or signing bonus.

If you'll read my posts, you'll see that Bryant's woes are many, and only 1/3 of the major ones have to do with coaching. 2002 was a big waste for Bryant because of his holdout, I think we all can agree. 2003 was better before (1) the high-ankle sprain, which, I've been told (mostly in relation to Davis's injury) makes it extremely difficult for linemen to push off, and (2) he was shuttled around between defensive tackle (where he was meant to play) and defensive end (where he's too big and not quite quick enough). Gary wasn't reviewing tape at that point in the season, but for the first couple weeks (before the ankle injury), I tried to pay attention to Bryant, and it seemed like he was getting good push up the middle.

 

[azdad1978]

Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by kerouac9

Instead of KVB, we could have had Alge Crumpler (TE-ATL), Chad Johnson (WR-CIN), Idrees Bashir (CB-IND), Kendrell Bell (LB-PIT), Ken Lucas (CB-SEA), Robert Ferguson (WR-GB), Kris Jenkins (DT-CAR [!!!]), Fred Smoot (CB-WAS), or Chris Chambers (WR-MIA). Good lord. Is there anyone on this board who can honestly say that they'd rather have KVB than any of these players?

By the way, instead of Mike Stone, we could have drafted Travis Henry. Thank goodness that Mac is gone. [/B]

Damn that's a lot of good football players we could have got. Yes KVB has heart and motor but how far can it get you? He doesn't have the Quickness or Burst to the ball. He gets manhandle by Elite NFC West Left Tackles. KVB is not in the same class as his former Nebraska Alum ( Winstrom ). If you draft on the top of the 2nd round you have to be sure you are getting an impact player that slid down to the 2nd round ala Boldin or Kris Jenkins or Chad Johnson. That's my IMO.

 

[MAKTEN]

KVB and Wendell are two different players. KVB happens to be better in my opinion. Wendell, for whatever reason, lacks the heart for the game. His "high-ankle" sprain is probably not hurting his game as much as his willingness to play and play with passion for the team and game.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by kerouac9
I'm looking mainly at early in the season. Wendell, before the ankle sprain, was the only Cardinals defensive lineman getting push up the middle. He was getting no help from anyone else against good competition (the Lions have a very good offensive line, and the Seahawks have a good offensive line). It didn't show up on the stat sheet, but defensive tackles seldom do (Albert Haynesworth had 32 tackles all season).

I think that both the lack of committment to one position and the high ankle sprain, combined with the absolutely awful defensive line coaching, are attributible to Bryant's lack of production in 2003. I agree that Wendell needs to be motivated better and committment to training needs to be address, but that was a systemic problem (our offensive line, for example) of the Mac regime. Wendell is not without his warts, but Mac and Graves chose to focus on "high-character" players, to which Bryant's easy-going attitude can be attributable. I still think that the Cards should maintain their committment to him through at least the last two years of his contract.

I have to say that your one-play example out of the entire 2003 season is just damning.

If Bryant is cut from the roster after training camp, I'll self-ban for the 2004 season. I'll stake money that he'll still be on the roster. It'd be hard for him to lose "his starting job", since he doesn't have one at the moment. I'm willing to bet that he'll be starting in Week 1, though.

As for the rest of you: I don't think anyone's saying that they don't like KVB because he's an overachiever, or because he's from Nebraska, or because he's a "high motor guy," or because he's white, or any other reason. The reason that I don't like KVB is because he's a bad NFL starting Defensive End, and a horrible 2nd round draft pick. He was chosen at the top of the second round.

Instead of KVB, we could have had Alge Crumpler (TE-ATL), Chad Johnson (WR-CIN), Idrees Bashir (CB-IND), Kendrell Bell (LB-PIT), Ken Lucas (CB-SEA), Robert Ferguson (WR-GB), Kris Jenkins (DT-CAR [!!!]), Fred Smoot (CB-WAS), or Chris Chambers (WR-MIA). Good lord. Is there anyone on this board who can honestly say that they'd rather have KVB than any of these players?

By the way, instead of Mike Stone, we could have drafted Travis Henry. Thank goodness that Mac is gone.

Again, to tout this guy as a future pro bowler is assinine IMO. Lets first see if he an do anything to keep his starting job. I agree with being on the Roster, I doubt he is let go, but I am hoping a FA DT or a draft pick will step up. In fact, at this point, I would rather have Kenny King getting more playing time than Bryant.

Call it what you want about lack of training program etc. whatever. Dont you remeber Jim O last year saying how many guys were in the weight room etc? How everyone has looked better, bulked up etc? The problem with Bryant isnt weight training, its laziness. He flat out appears lazy. Like I stated before, he seems to take entire series off and has zero motor.

K9, if you are going to make excuses for Bryant like

"think that both the lack of committment to one position and the high ankle sprain, combined with the absolutely awful defensive line coaching, are attributible to Bryant's lack of production in 2003"

for one player dont you think it is fare to say that about the entire DL? Pace, King, Bell, Johnson , etc? None of them performed particulalry well, but at least a couple of them showed they had the DESIRE to play hard. Bryant, IMO did not!

And by the way, I am not sure what you are refering to here:
"I have to say that your one-play example out of the entire 2003 season is just damning. "
It wasnt one play, it was the ENTIRE season!

 

[azdad1978]

Originally posted by MAKTEN
KVB and Wendell are two different players. KVB happens to be better in my opinion. Wendell, for whatever reason, lacks the heart for the game. His "high-ankle" sprain is probably not hurting his game as much as his willingness to play and play with passion for the team and game.

I don't know Mak I suffered a High Ankle spain and let me tell you it fricking hurts like hell! Imagine a 300 pounder playing with one ankle. He can't push off plus with one weight on both ankle it will give you assorted of injuries like no other. Injuries to the Shin, Quads and Hamstring will probably occur. Just look at our TE Jones. When he was with the Bolts he suffered a high ankle sprain and his production drops when he came back too early.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by kerouac9

Instead of KVB, we could have had Alge Crumpler (TE-ATL), Chad Johnson (WR-CIN), Idrees Bashir (CB-IND), Kendrell Bell (LB-PIT), Ken Lucas (CB-SEA), Robert Ferguson (WR-GB), Kris Jenkins (DT-CAR [!!!]), Fred Smoot (CB-WAS), or Chris Chambers (WR-MIA). Good lord. Is there anyone on this board who can honestly say that they'd rather have KVB than any of these players?

I agree with you on KVB. I dont think he has done anything to warrent the praise he receives. He has a high motore, great but he doesnt seem like he can rush the QB at all!

BTW, instead of taking Wendell Bryant the Cards could have had:


Shockey, Jeremy TE 6-5 255 Miami (Fla.)
Haynesworth, Albert DT 6-6
Buchanon, Phillip CB 5-10 186 Miami (Fla.)
Duckett, T.J. RB 6-0 254 Michigan State
Lelie, Ashley WR 6-3 197 Hawaii
Walker, Javon WR 6-4 210 Florida State
Thomas, Bryan DE 6-4 266 Alabama-Birmingham
Reed, Edward FS 5-11 201 Miami (Fla.)
Sheppard, Lito CB 5-10 194 Florida
St. Louis Thomas, Robert OLB 6-0 229 UCLA

 

[kerouac9]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by LVCARDFREAK
Again, to tout this guy as a future pro bowler is assinine IMO.

I don't know. I guess that Dennis Green is assinine, as well, for suggesting that Wendell Bryant has the potential to be a Pro-Bowler. Why don't you take your feelings to him?

In my other comment, about damning a player for one play you remember, I guess that I'm saying that it's silly to use one play (in this case, the alleged "just seemed to stop" episode) as an example of a player's entire season doesn't really seem to be a very accurate way to gauge a player's season-long performance. I can point to you play after play that Calvin Pace got ridden upfield by the tackle he was facing, but I'm not ready to give up on him.

I'm not calling for the benching of Calvin Pace, Dennis Johnson, Kenny King, or anyone else. I'm defending a player that I think has a legitimate defense and legitimate NFL potential. So, yes, coaching in part is also to blame for the poor defensive line performances this season.

 

[azdad1978]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by LVCARDFREAK
I agree with you on KVB. I dont think he has done anything to warrent the praise he receives. He has a high motore, great but he doesnt seem like he can rush the QB at all!

BTW, instead of taking Wendell Bryant the Cards could have had:


Shockey, Jeremy TE 6-5 255 Miami (Fla.)
Haynesworth, Albert DT 6-6
Buchanon, Phillip CB 5-10 186 Miami (Fla.)
Duckett, T.J. RB 6-0 254 Michigan State
Lelie, Ashley WR 6-3 197 Hawaii
Walker, Javon WR 6-4 210 Florida State
Thomas, Bryan DE 6-4 266 Alabama-Birmingham
Reed, Edward FS 5-11 201 Miami (Fla.)
Sheppard, Lito CB 5-10 194 Florida
St. Louis Thomas, Robert OLB 6-0 229 UCLA

AHHHHHHHH!!!! so many good players to choose from. I'll take Haynesworth, Reed, Shockey or Buchanon from that list. DE Thomas is a bust. WR Lelie is fast but is alway injured. WR Walker blossomed this year. CB Sheppard is a 2 CB and OLB Thomas failed in the MLB role in the Rams and moved to the nickel OLB.

 

[Skkorpion]

Watching practice this past year, it was my impression that Wendell Bryant stood out for his lack of effort. If there is one big name I think will be gone by Sept. 1, it's Wendell Bryant.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: KVB

Originally posted by kerouac9
I don't know. I guess that Dennis Green is assinine, as well, for suggesting that Wendell Bryant has the potential to be a Pro-Bowler. Why don't you take your feelings to him?

In my other comment, about damning a player for one play you remember, I guess that I'm saying that it's silly to use one play (in this case, the alleged "just seemed to stop" episode) as an example of a player's entire season doesn't really seem to be a very accurate way to gauge a player's season-long performance. I can point to you play after play that Calvin Pace got ridden upfield by the tackle he was facing, but I'm not ready to give up on him.

I'm not calling for the benching of Calvin Pace, Dennis Johnson, Kenny King, or anyone else. I'm defending a player that I think has a legitimate defense and legitimate NFL potential. So, yes, coaching in part is also to blame for the poor defensive line performances this season.

K9, I wasnt refering to one play. I watched Bryant every bit as much as you did and I agree he seems to have some physical ability, but he also seemed to completly disappear at times. He seemed slow, out of shape and lacking the desire to be a "pro bowler".

Yeah Green might have said he has the talent to be a pro bowler, but as I said last week, another NFL scout said "Bryant and R. Davis shouldnt be starting in the NFL. Period" I can only judge for myself and at this point he has shown me nothing in his desire/shape/motor at all. He seems lazy!

As far as Pace is concerned, if he is as unproductive next year as Bryant has been in his 2 years with AZ, I will be calling him out as well!

 

[Jim O]

Originally posted by kerouac9
KVB's mostly shown that he can spend two-thirds of his career on injured reserve. I fail to see how that's "showing more" than Wendell Bryant.

I was talking about production when both have been on the field. Bryant has not done anything whereas KVB has shown some things.

In early 2002, KVB had sacks in three straight games. He then tore some rib cartilage but played through it.

While KVB has not been able to play that much because of his unrelated knee injuries, he has played much better than Bryant has ever shown.

In talking with a few people, one of which I know better than anyone, KVB's knee injury last season was a fluke. His rehab is way ahead of schedule and his knee is on pace to be stronger than it was before the injury.

I think that writing KVB off this early is unfair. My question is this. Injury aside, in your mind, why does Wendell get a free pass due to perceived bad coaching when KVB is a bust already? After all, they have been exposed to the same coaching.

I am in no way anointing KVB as an excellent player, that remains to be seen. My point is that I think that it is premature to write him off completely.