look on the positive side of the loss

[RoyGreen]

Although everyone may be mad about the 4th quarter collapse, its not really going to make a difference since the Cardinals most likely would not end up going to the playoffs even if they had won; this is a rebuilding year. It will likely put them 2-3 draft picks higher in the draft. More importantly, the offense has scored 34 and 28 points the last 2 weeks and the points scored equals points scored against. This is a sign the team has improved, usually the Cardinals are really ugly in that category. Next draft the Cardinals have to address the secondary and running game, 2 areas they neglected this year, and they should be in good shape.

 

[arthurracoon]

 

[WildBB]

Although everyone may be mad about the 4th quarter collapse, its not really going to make a difference since the Cardinals most likely would not end up going to the playoffs even if they had won; this is a rebuilding year. It will likely put them 2-3 draft picks higher in the draft. More importantly, the offense has scored 34 and 28 points the last 2 weeks and the points scored equals points scored against. This is a sign the team has improved, usually the Cardinals are really ugly in that category. Next draft the Cardinals have to address the secondary and running game, 2 areas they neglected this year, and they should be in good shape.

Possibly still QB.

 

[jstadvl]

Im with ya

on the CB situation. Although i must say I'm very pleased with starks and Macklin.Just in case someone is hurt, I agree. I'm not sure how well the others hold water. That pass,the 2nd TD in S.F. as put where only the WR could get it, even with no shoving or pushing off.
I'm happy with our safeties. wilson is pro bowl for sure this year.
As for a QB, unless Green changes his philosophy a bit and Mc Cown doesn't keep progressing, it'll be Navarre.
Running backs-I see Hambrick and Croom moving up, especially if Hambrick stays and works out with the team in the off season. Croom is a natural and needs some playing time. Maybe a 2nd round pick, but I don't think he's chomping at the bit for a RB just yet.
Of course this all depends on how he rest of the season plays out.

 

[Cardiac]

The secondary needs to get shored up. Wilson has stepped up and needs to be re-signed. Starks hasn't stayed healthy since he came to Az. Macklin is an upgrade over Barrett etc. but still gets burned too often. Hill makes some great plays and then gets beat like a drum. FS isn't a strength at this point and we need an upgrade.

Several posters kept saying that all this team needed was a pass rush and the secondary would be fine. Well 5 sacks and constant pressure against the 49ers and the DB's still gave up over 400 yds passing. This is with the defense shutting down the running game.

Yes the TE for the 49ers had 160+ yds receiving but that still leaves.....carry the 1..... 240 yds to the WR's and RB's. Obviously Starks would have helped but it's a recurring theme that he is hurt, can't count on him to be in the game.

The secondary gave up 240+ yds to Saints.

This team needs at 2 CB's and a FS.

The next glaring need is a stud RB.

We also need a legit TE.
FJ is the worst blocking TE in the NFL. He runs like he has skates on his feet, can't get yards after contact. He does have great hands and runs decent routes.

If Bryant can contribute and with King coming back next year we should be fine at DT. Ross Kodljelsieojrladj is adequate depth and has made some plays.

I've been saying for a couple of years the Ray Thompson is horrible in pass coverage. This was highlighted against the 49ers. Darling took the Saints TE out of the game all by himself. Thompson put Johnson? into the Pro Bowl.

 

[BACH]

I still think the Run-defense is the biggest weakness on the team making a two-gap DT the biggest need.

After that RB, TE, CB in that order.

 

[Cardiac]

I still think the Run-defense is the biggest weakness on the team making a two-gap DT the biggest need.

After that RB, TE, CB in that order.

The last 2 games the Defense has shut down the opponents running game. If this trend continues then I doubt we even pick up any DT next year.

In regards to the RB position at least we have some talent there now.

I guess you're fine with Starks playing every 3rd game or so and Macklin as our #1 CB? CB has been and remains this teams most glaring need for over a decade.

 

[BACH]

The last 2 games the Defense has shut down the opponents running game. If this trend continues then I doubt we even pick up any DT next year.

In regards to the RB position at least we have some talent there now.

I guess you're fine with Starks playing every 3rd game or so and Macklin as our #1 CB? CB has been and remains this teams most glaring need for over a decade.

Emmitt is probably going to retire after this season and I'm not sure that Shipp is an ideal fit for Green's offense, so we need a faster and more proven back. (Alexander, Edge and Travis Henry are all UFA's)

You got a point. Our secondary is solid when Starks is on the field, but bad without him. I based my comment on Starks being on the field, and with him I would only add some quality depth in the secondary - not a starter. A 3rd rounder or something like that.

 

[Cardiac]

Emmitt is probably going to retire after this season and I'm not sure that Shipp is an ideal fit for Green's offense, so we need a faster and more proven back. (Alexander, Edge and Travis Henry are all UFA's)

You got a point. Our secondary is solid when Starks is on the field, but bad without him. I based my comment on Starks being on the field, and with him I would only add some quality depth in the secondary - not a starter. A 3rd rounder or something like that.

I agree that a stud RB is needed, just not as desperately as CB. Starks will be in the final year of his contract in 2005. He just can't be counted on to stay healthy. Macklin is barely a #2 CB at this point. This position needs a true #1 CB and should get a #2 CB. Throw in the need for a FS and if the draft falls correctly for us I see G's taking three DB's in the draft. Throw in a RB and TE and we are on our way.

 

[Shane]

Looking at a loss as a bright side because it may improve your draft position is absolutely the dumbest suggestion I have ever seen on this board!

You should try and win every game!

 

[slanidrac16]

Greens philosophy....

will be the BEST player available. It could be rb,cb, or o-line, although I think he will add to the o-line latter in the draft. There is a good chance that we will not be drafting in the top 10 this year and a lot will have to do with what we do in free agency.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I've been saying for a couple of years the Ray Thompson is horrible in pass coverage. This was highlighted against the 49ers. Darling took the Saints TE out of the game all by himself. Thompson put Johnson? into the Pro Bowl.

If you review the tape, you'll note that the CARDS set both outside linebackers inside the D-ends to cover the gap between the tackle and end. Ideal for stopping the run, but - when, for example, you're 16 points up... I fail to understand why the weakside linebacker isn't lined up on the TE... and in a position to give him a "chuck" as he comes off the line.

Darling, in contrast - was set further outside the week prior.

Thompson, may or may not be good in coverage, but his play against SF suffered from the scheme.

 

[Cardiac]

If you review the tape, you'll note that the CARDS set both outside linebackers inside the D-ends to cover the gap between the tackle and end. Ideal for stopping the run, but - when, for example, you're 16 points up... I fail to understand why the weakside linebacker isn't lined up on the TE... and in a position to give him a "chuck" as he comes off the line.

Darling, in contrast - was set further outside the week prior.

Thompson, may or may not be good in coverage, but his play against SF suffered from the scheme.

Good analysis. But once you get past the scheme the OLB still needs to make a play. It just seems to me he doesn't have good change of direction skills especially when moving laterally or backwards. Ray T. is fast and furious moving forward and the excact opposite in any other direction.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Good analysis. But once you get past the scheme the OLB still needs to make a play. It just seems to me he doesn't have good change of direction skills especially when moving laterally or backwards. Ray T. is fast and furious moving forward and the excact opposite in any other direction.

The "scheme" is about putting the player in the optimum position to make a play. It can't simply be divorced from the result with a rather facile: "...the OLB still needs to make a play".

If the coordinator does everything to put a player in a position to make a play... and he fails... he's certainly to blame.

I'm not sure that the CARDS D-coordinator did that in the second half of the SF game.

 

[Cardiac]

The "scheme" is about putting the player in the optimum position to make a play. It can't simply be divorced from the result with a rather facile: "...the OLB still needs to make a play".

It is impossible for any coach to always put all of their players in the "optimum" position to make a play. That's why I stated at some point the OLB still needs to make a play.

If the coordinator does everything to put a player in a position to make a play... and he fails... he's certainly to blame.

Can't argue with that.

I'm not sure that the CARDS D-coordinator did that in the second half of the SF game.

I'm pretty sure Pendergast did get schooled by the 49ers. I think Ray T. should have made some plays but it became quite evident that he couldn't and Pendy should have made a change. My point is that Ray T. shouldn't be on the field during passing downs unless he is going to blitz. He just isn't very good in coverage, scheme or no scheme. I will also state that maybe you are correct and that if Ray is put in the optimum position he may be adequate. This also means Pendy is putting more responsibility on another player, someone who can handle their position without having to be in the optimum position to make plays.

 

[justAndy]

...

i'd rather have the LAST pick in the 1st round of the draft.