The Cards need a ballhawk. One of the most disheartening stats of 2024 was that Kelly Joseph of Detroit had as many interceptions as the entire Cards team. He had 9. Teams don’t win big with 9 team interceptions. Currently Williams is developing but is not there yet. The Cards other young CBs are improving, but are not ready to solve this problem alone. The Cards starting safeties are poor in pass coverage. Taylor-Demerson (Rabbit) is a ballhawk. He’s also a hard hitter. Even if the Cards acquired a veteran, ballhawk CB, they have to start Rabbit. I don’t see Thompson happy staying as a backup, so release or trade him and take the cap relief. I know the Cards young CBs are impressive, but the Cards need impact plays now. Sign a top free agent.
Pass protection has to be better. The Niners game showed what Murray can do when he has time and can stay composed. All the stuff about injuries and declining arm strength, IMO, are not valid. He can make every throw, but cannot be in the panic mode when doing so. He also has good touch when exhibiting poise. I had initially thought pursuit of Trey Smith was a bridge too far. I now believe he is worth the gamble if he passes the medicals. The same is true of Hernandez. If he passes the physical, sign him if they can.
Wide Receiver speed has to be upgraded. This will be the tough one. There’s nothing I can see in free agency. Good speed is getting harder to find and teams seldom trade it. The Cards have to go defense early in the draft. Once you get by the first 2 rounds there are major concerns with all the fast guys. I’ll toss out some names in my draft analysis but none will be sure bets.
The Pass Rush has to improve. There is little doubt the Cards overachieved with what the coaches were given roster-wise. The big question in my mind is how do they improve this position? Free Agency is thin. Maybe add one complimentary vet to help guide a draft pick. Fortunately draft picks will be there. The conundrum is that stopping the run is also critical. The Cards were too dependent on LB help. They need an anchor who can collapse the pocket. The latter will significantly enhance the rush. So I expect the first 2 picks will be a DT & an Edge. There are some long term rush choices I will suggest and a couple of gambles. They can augment the draft choices. The coaching is so good they may do even greater wonders if they just get an impact player or two.
Roster Depth has to be improved. That said, the Cards were amazing covering with the next man up. I saw they put Carter under contract as he deserved it for stepping up. One thing that is certain, a team will lose players as the season goes on and the teams that don’t have a huge falloff are usually the survivors in the run for the playoffs. One key area is a veteran backup QB. Should Murray be injured I don’t see Tune, talented or not, having had enough reps to get the team to the playoffs. Clearly more line depth is always needed. If Thompson leaves, a veteran backup safety would be desirable.
The time is now. I believe it’s at the point to push the chips to the middle of the table. Injuries make sure things impossible, but the Cards have the money and picks need to fill the obvious hole. They also seem more likely to be a preferred free agent destination based on their competitiveness from last season. Free agents will no longer shun Arizona. These coaches can develop players with talent. They simply get more out of them. No coaching staff is mistake free, but this one owns those mistakes. I think this team is ready for a major move and Ossenfort is the man to kick off that move.
Pass protection has to be better. The Niners game showed what Murray can do when he has time and can stay composed. All the stuff about injuries and declining arm strength, IMO, are not valid. He can make every throw, but cannot be in the panic mode when doing so. He also has good touch when exhibiting poise. I had initially thought pursuit of Trey Smith was a bridge too far. I now believe he is worth the gamble if he passes the medicals. The same is true of Hernandez. If he passes the physical, sign him if they can.
Wide Receiver speed has to be upgraded. This will be the tough one. There’s nothing I can see in free agency. Good speed is getting harder to find and teams seldom trade it. The Cards have to go defense early in the draft. Once you get by the first 2 rounds there are major concerns with all the fast guys. I’ll toss out some names in my draft analysis but none will be sure bets.
The Pass Rush has to improve. There is little doubt the Cards overachieved with what the coaches were given roster-wise. The big question in my mind is how do they improve this position? Free Agency is thin. Maybe add one complimentary vet to help guide a draft pick. Fortunately draft picks will be there. The conundrum is that stopping the run is also critical. The Cards were too dependent on LB help. They need an anchor who can collapse the pocket. The latter will significantly enhance the rush. So I expect the first 2 picks will be a DT & an Edge. There are some long term rush choices I will suggest and a couple of gambles. They can augment the draft choices. The coaching is so good they may do even greater wonders if they just get an impact player or two.
Roster Depth has to be improved. That said, the Cards were amazing covering with the next man up. I saw they put Carter under contract as he deserved it for stepping up. One thing that is certain, a team will lose players as the season goes on and the teams that don’t have a huge falloff are usually the survivors in the run for the playoffs. One key area is a veteran backup QB. Should Murray be injured I don’t see Tune, talented or not, having had enough reps to get the team to the playoffs. Clearly more line depth is always needed. If Thompson leaves, a veteran backup safety would be desirable.
The time is now. I believe it’s at the point to push the chips to the middle of the table. Injuries make sure things impossible, but the Cards have the money and picks need to fill the obvious hole. They also seem more likely to be a preferred free agent destination based on their competitiveness from last season. Free agents will no longer shun Arizona. These coaches can develop players with talent. They simply get more out of them. No coaching staff is mistake free, but this one owns those mistakes. I think this team is ready for a major move and Ossenfort is the man to kick off that move.
