Now that Macklin's Happy to be Card, What's Next?

[Stout]

Originally posted by vikesfan
RESPONSE: If I recall correctly you added 7 FAs last year. Several big names. And just lost out on Holiday (wasn't that a good thing?) and Colvin. Did that get you anything? No. This year you signed 2 young quality FAs. Both can start and both produced at an NFL level. Isn't that better then signing all those FAs like last year?


QUOTE: I never said we could plug all our holes this season in FA-you flat out made that up, as what I DID say was we could have plugged MORE of our holes, though not all of them. Nice try.

RESPONSE: Well it didn't work last year. Did it? Signing guys like Springs and Robbins and O Hara is not going to help.

So...wait...your logic escapes me (and yourself, at times, it seems)...since SOME FAs don't work out with other teams, we shouldn't even try to sign starters in FA? You mention how we failed in adding players that didn't work out last year (forgot Dexter Jackson, though), then you point to the players we added this year? I mean, you're contradicting yourself, Vikes...which is it?

On other threads, you mention adding quality starters being the difference with teams like New England...but on this thread take the complete opposite stance. Well, we added one. Could've had to or three, but instead we only signed one...along with several nice backups and depth players. Good signings, yes, but not as good as starters. Which we desperately need. Which we could've signed.

Also, who is the second quality young FA that can start? Macklin? The guy started four games for the Colts, that almighty defensive powerhouse He's got potential, yes, but to try and plug him in as a starter, and have he and a returning-from-injury Starks as our starting corners? Yikes!

 

[vikesfan]

I will take DG's evaluation of a player over anybody else alive. So if he sees something in Macklin or Moss or Culpepper or Chamberlain or Bennett I will go with him.

My perspective is consistent. NE had good players then added big name FAs to the team. You don't have the good players. You cannot put the cart before the horse.
TB had a solid defense and some key offense parts then loaded up on FAs. You had the worst team in the NFL.

This year instead of siging 1 good FA (like Jackson last year) and 6 weak FAs like last year. He signed 1 excellent FA and 1 good FA.

There is no rush DG knows talent. He let Rudd go he didn't sell the team out for Rudd. He knows what he is doing.

Who are all the great starters we are missing on who will still be contributing in 2 years. DG is building to win now and in the future not JUST now.

 

[Stout]

*shrug* I won't argue it with you any more....we just have different opinions, then. Besides, I am quite upbeat about the season, mainly because of Graves, so we'll see. You never know...

 

[Harry]

I see no reason to believe the Cards are done. Dez White is still unsigned.

A couple of decent offensive linemen are out there including Claridge. His shoulder is a concern, but if his price drops enough he could be worth a one year contract.

Also with the Cards having the 33rd pick, I wouldn't rule out signing an RFA. That could be the move Green is keeping under wraps. You'd prefer to make it after clubs had gotten themselves pretty well spent out, as say Miami has and Indy will soon.

As to VF's position that it can't be accomplished in a season, I disagree. I don't think it's probable, but I don't rule it out. Keep in mind how much difference an immediately productive receiver would make, especially if White was already in the mix.

Of course if Manning were chosen, you'd have to move the timetable back a season.

Clearly much would have to go right. Starks would have to return to form and Hill re-signed. One of the QBs would have to be reasonably productive and avoid costly turnovers. Both lines would have to improve their play.

Shoring up the lines is essential. There is still cap room to make it happen. There may be a little help on June 1 and there is not reason now that the 33rd pick can't be used to strengthen one of the lines. There would be several excellent candidates still on the board. In fact a couple of people may still be there at the beginning of round 3. I will address that as the draft gets closer. However, I believe if it all fell into place, it could happen. I don't want to say if it doesn't it's a failure on anyone's part. I'm just saying it can be done.