Leadership Around The Corner

[BullheadCardFan]

Leadership Around The Corner

http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and...e-Corner/941e6a07-6737-43b2-9e55-d5479a437b30

 

[BullheadCardFan]

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DRC a leader? “No!” Rodgers-Cromartie said, emphasizing it with a shake of the head. “No sir. That’s Michael Adams. He’s older. He’s smarter. Don’t make me no leader.”

Bryant McFadden

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was traded, and Rodgers-Cromartie was the Pro Bowler, so it stood to reason DRC might end up with that mantel among the cornerbacks – except that’s never really been DRC’s personality either, and he’s still admittedly trying to learn the game himself.​

Adams is a wealth of knowledge, and currently first-string in McFadden’s absence, but even he shakes off the notion he’s the group leader. “Nah,” Adams said. “I’m just here fighting for my life.”​

 

[BullheadCardFan]

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DRC “65 percent” but efforting

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

They can turn to safeties like Matt Ware

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– a one-time cornerback – or Adrian Wilson

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, but, Toler admits, “There are times you look for answers and sometimes none of us have them because we haven’t been around the block to see everything.”

THIS IS A LITTLE TROUBLING.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

DRC needs all the work, still. He remains blunt when talking about himself and his game, even with a Pro Bowl in his pocket. “When I watched film (Friday), the coach still corrected me on everything,” he said. “I am still just a guy who relies on his talent more than anything else. I still have a lot to learn from a technical standpoint.”

Like reading this about DRC. When he got off his cocky horse last year he really improved. Hopefully with this attitude he will build on last year.

 

[Catfish]

I really believe that this is where Donnie Henderson can excell. I believe that he can impart onto DRC the knowlege that he needs to become a leader on this team. He WAS our best corner last year, and aside from him rehabing yet, there is no reason why he shouldn't be our best this year too. Even Lott has said that he is far ahead of the game in his rehab.

That being said, it would seem that there has to be at least some willingness on DRC's part to become that leader. So far he has not shown that, but at some point, he should start showing that ability, at least by action, if not by words. Leadership by example sometimes makes the very best of all leaders.

 

[Stout]

This article makes me sad

 

[Krangodnzr]

I'm worried.

But one thing that no one has brought up: maybe the staff believes that Barksdale or McBride can play at the same level of McFadden. Which would suck, but it wasn't a disaster for most of the year.

 

[Shane]

I'm worried.

But one thing that no one has brought up: maybe the staff believes that Barksdale or McBride can play at the same level of McFadden. Which would suck, but it wasn't a disaster for most of the year.

Mcbride was a 9 game starter for the Bears. So he isnt all that raw and inexperienced.. Hes been around for a little while.

 

[DakotaCardsFan]

They can turn to safeties like Matt Ware – a one-time cornerback – or Adrian Wilson, but, Toler admits, “There are times you look for answers and sometimes none of us have them because we haven’t been around the block to see everything.”

Isn't this why there is a Defensive Back's coach on the staff?

 

[Krangodnzr]

Mcbride was a 9 game starter for the Bears. So he isnt all that raw and inexperienced.. Hes been around for a little while.

I know, I'm just trying to rationalize...we've been proven right on a few occasions already by the Whiz regime, so I think if they say that they feel good then they obviously think losing McFadden isn't a big deal.

 

[Dayman]

I'm worried.

But one thing that no one has brought up: maybe the staff believes that Barksdale or McBride can play at the same level of McFadden. Which would suck, but it wasn't a disaster for most of the year.

I hope you're right, but I don't feel good about the possibility. McBride is roughly the same size as Michael Adams. Having both of them on the field together could pose problems. Barksdale has been cut by 4 teams in the past 3 years, including the Chiefs. McFadden was tough to watch, at times, but we might be wishing he's back if these two have to play a lot.

I think we'll pick up a FA closer to the season. If not, I hope Rashad Johnson improves enough to let Ware fill in at CB in some nickel/dime formations.

 

[schutd]

Seems like DRC did everything in his power to deflect the title of leader. That bothers me. I love the guy, but at some point the natural ability and bravado have to turn into proper mechanics and leadership. Sorry, DRC. Its time right now. No more deflecting. Man up.

 

[joeshmo]

Mcbride was a 9 game starter for the Bears. So he isnt all that raw and inexperienced.. Hes been around for a little while.

First he was only a starter in 07 becuase of injuries, second he sucked so bad he went from a 9 game starter to only playing 90 snaps in 08, then he was outright waived after 1 game in 09 because of a knee sprain, no other teams wanted him so he was placed on injured reserve for an injury that would only take 3-4 weeks to heal.

I think he is raw and inexperianced, played 9 games his rookie year in 2007 and has dont nothing since.

Just don't have any faith in a 5-9 midget who is slow as molasses. You have to be really special to be a 5-9 CB and play well in this league.

 

[Duckjake]

I'm worried.

But one thing that no one has brought up: maybe the staff believes that Barksdale or McBride can play at the same level of McFadden. Which would suck, but it wasn't a disaster for most of the year.

I'm concerned as well. The current coaching staff has had a lot of success but not much of it has come on the defensive side of the ball. So I'm not just going with "in Whis we trust" on this one. The pre season games will be slightly more important this year.

Odd though that the team has had individual defensive success but not as a group.

 

[Monty]

I can understand the concerns you guys have but i think at times a little much can be put into having a leader in every aspect of the team. We have a few good leaders in our defense and some experience in various aspects of it to make this team work without having a particular leader for every fragment of the defence. Guys like Dockett, Porter, Haggans ,Wilson, Robinson and Hayes are all leaders in different aspects of the role. Wilson and Hayes will lead by example and Porter and Dockett are very focal leaders of the overall defense.

Add to this the fact that Donnie Henderson is very active almost hyper type managers that will make sure all the players are focused and concentrated 100% you have the making of a leadership mechanism that ought to work. Im not saying not having a protypical leader in the backfield is not somewhat of a concern i just dont feel it is something to really worry about. These are ultimately motivated and talented players that with good leadership around them and from their coaching should do fine.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Everyone needs to quit fretting. Its May 1st. I think the coaches will use mini camps to determine how big a hole they have in fact when it comes to 3rd corner and will either trade from strength (OL) or pick someone up from cuts.

I doubt they are going to rely on Barksdale or Calvin if they continually get toasted in these offseason activities.

And if they don't, maybe these players aren't as bad as we think. Or maybe McFadden isn't as hard to replace as we thought.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

And yeah I would like DRC to be more of a leader, but its not in everyone.

I don't think of Deion Sanders as much of a leader, but I am pretty damn sure everyone would take him on our team.

He's still young and learning and I for one am happy that he recognizes that, even with a Pro Bowl in his pocket. I like that he is still hungry.

 

[Buckybird]

And yeah I would like DRC to be more of a leader, but its not in everyone.

I don't think of Deion Sanders as much of a leader, but I am pretty damn sure everyone would take him on our team.

He's still young and learning and I for one am happy that he recognizes that, even with a Pro Bowl in his pocket. I like that he is still hungry.

Like you say being a leader isn't in everyone, some guys have it come naturally others never have it. Maybe in time DRC will come around with experience maybe not. Just because a player is a major part of a teams success/failure doesn't mean they are destined to be a leader. I'm concerned slightly but time will tell.

 

[Duckjake]

Everyone needs to quit fretting. Its May 1st. I think the coaches will use mini camps to determine how big a hole they have in fact when it comes to 3rd corner and will either trade from strength (OL) or pick someone up from cuts.

I doubt they are going to rely on Barksdale or Calvin if they continually get toasted in these offseason activities.

And if they don't, maybe these players aren't as bad as we think. Or maybe McFadden isn't as hard to replace as we thought.

Sure its May but I don't see where the Cards can get any better players between now and September.

There just aren't any better players available as free agents, we all know how waiting for cuts to fill holes works out and who knows if they can get anything in a trade over the summer.

The more things develop the more I tend to agree with Shane that this is going to be a rebuilding year, 9 potential new starters, and we need to be prepared to be having more fun at the tailgates than at the games.

 

[jw7]

Like reading this about DRC. When he got off his cocky horse last year he really improved. Hopefully with this attitude he will build on last year.

I have zero problems with his statement. Good lord, he is only going into his 3rd year out of a small school.

Fitz never wanted to be a leader, but after experience he became one.

A-dub is the leader on "D". Dockett is maturing as well. Leinart is not, yet, because he has to prove it on the field. Faneca probably will be one.

 

[Buckybird]

The more things develop the more I tend to agree with Shane that this is going to be a rebuilding year, 9 potential new starters, and we need to be prepared to be having more fun at the tailgates than at the games.

Duck how about retooling, that sounds much better.

With that said, so much of what happens record wise will be squarely on the shoulders of #7 because I don't expect this defense to be a whole lot better than what we saw last season.

 

[joeshmo]

Odd though that the team has had individual defensive success but not as a group.

Never thought of that before but you are right. 3 Pro Bowlers this year in Wilson, Dockett, and DRC. Maybe count Rolle to if you were to count a 3rd alternate that got in because no one else wanted to play.

Interesting thought.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

I think the coaches will use mini camps to determine how big a hole they have in fact when it comes to 3rd corner and will either trade from strength (OL) or pick someone up from cuts.

When was the last time we could say something like this with a straight face?
Seemed like every year the Oline was area of concern. Now we have enough depth to trade one of our young players.

 

[JeffGollin]

This article makes me sad

I know what you mean, but there's an upside.

Clearly, it would be really neat if every Cardinal starter with more than 2 years of experience emerged as a "leader."

But the full part of that glass is that DRC - a country boy (at least that's how he comes across) & an incredible athlete who is still learning how to become a successful pro - apparently realizes this.

While it would be nice if he felt willing and able to become a leader, ask yourself this:

"Would you rather have a starting corner who was an inspirational team leader/mentor but gave up 1-2 TD passes a game and only had 2 interceptions per season? Or would you rather have a 6-interception shutdown corner who preferred to keep a low profile and, instead, focused on perfecting his game?"