NYT Fifth Down Blog-Cards Season Preview

[KD75]

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/arizona-cardinals-2010-season-preview/


There are some good points to this, but saying Leinart won't live up to first round status, without saying why, is odd. So he won't live up to the first round status of other QB's like M. Russell, Leaf, Klingler, Ware, etc?Whose status should he live up to? Manning? To not mention any kind of positive is lazy. He's not Warner, that's been established, thanks.

PS. Guess I'm not allowed to post links, sorry for making people cut and paste.

 

[JeffGollin]

I thought it was as well-written an in-depth piece about the Cardinals as I've seen in several years. Benoit obviously had done his homework.

But somewhat like Mel Kiper (who'd be spot-on in his description of draft prosects but then be way off on his conclusions as to player rankings), Benoit's conclusions - especially about Leinart and the overall strength of the Cardinal football team - seem a bit arbitrary.

I realize that preseason prognostication has to be done with some degree of swagger and certitude, but I don't think things will be all that cut and dried - too many variables/too many things that can go right (or wrong).

Also - the dude never mentioned Hadnot.

 

[Duckjake]

I thought it was as well-written an in-depth piece about the Cardinals as I've seen in several years. Benoit obviously had done his homework.

But somewhat like Mel Kiper (who'd be spot-on in his description of draft prosects but then be way off on his conclusions as to player rankings), Benoit's conclusions - especially about Leinart and the overall strength of the Cardinal football team - seem a bit arbitrary.

I realize that preseason prognostication has to be done with some degree of swagger and certitude, but I don't think things will be all that cut and dried - too many variables/too many things that can go right (or wrong).

Also - the dude never mentioned Hadnot.

He also overlooked Will Davis at the olb spot and was talking about Branch playing NT.

But like you I thought he came closer to an accurate analysis of the Cards as any I've seen in the last several years.

His take on Warner's quick throws helping out the offensive line is especially on the money.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

As Jeff said, he definitely did his homework, even if he is misinformed. Better than most national writers.

 

[DoTheDew]

Because Gabe Watson burned what was left of anyone’s trust in him by ballooning to 360 pounds last season, veteran Bryan Robinson was re-signed as nose tackle insurance. (It’s doubtful Watson will make the final roster.

Found this interesting. I hadn't heard anything about Watson being on the bubble right now. Was under the impression that if anyone at NT got cut it would be Robinson.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Found this interesting. I hadn't heard anything about Watson being on the bubble right now. Was under the impression that if anyone at NT got cut it would be Robinson.

To a lot of people here, he was on the bubble last year when I thought he was a virtual lock to make it.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

He also overlooked Will Davis at the olb spot and was talking about Branch playing NT.

But like you I thought he came closer to an accurate analysis of the Cards as any I've seen in the last several years.

His take on Warner's quick throws helping out the offensive line is especially on the money.

He nailed certain things like DRC in single coverage, but strikes out on things like Branch and Daryl Washington not passing Beisel on the depth chart.

 

[Krangodnzr]

It was well writen, but I don't agree with some of his assessments.

Calling Paris Lenon a finesse linebacker and acting like Dansby was not is bogus. Dansby is very much a finesse linebacker, and was at his best when he wasn't taking on blocks. Sure Paris is probably exactly the same way, but I think the downside to Paris is that he doesn't have the range nor instincts to replace Dansby. Also his assessment that Washington probably won't beat out Beisel is bogus; Beisel is a special teamer and obviously (if you really follow the team) not in the mix for a starting/full time back up position.

I also think that while he's spot on that Warner made our offensive line look better, he ignores some of Warner's shortfalls. Warner struggled big time to complete any passes past 20 yards last season, and even though Matt has mediocre arm strength he should be able to improve that category.

Matt also moves better than Warner, and the team has already suggested that bootlegs and other plays that feature Matt moving in the pocket will be more prominent. Lastly, he acts as if all our passing success was Warner; that is patently false, the Cardinals receivers were successful BEFORE Warner too.

He also inaccurately states that Dockett and Calais aren't very good run defenders, but I would subscribe a lot of that too Wilson having to play too deep and the OLB (Berry and Okeafor) whiffing way too often. I think that Porter and Brown/Davis WILL be an upgrade from Berry/Okeafor, if only as run defenders. Berry was TERRIBLE against the run last year. TERRIBLE. The author doesn't address that point at all, and I think it's a fairly significant one defensively.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Found this interesting. I hadn't heard anything about Watson being on the bubble right now. Was under the impression that if anyone at NT got cut it would be Robinson.

Definitely true, it shows that he hasn't done his homework on this point.

Watson was still recovering from his fractured kneecap last year, and most reporting suggests that Robinson is one who will struggle to make the roster. Ultimately I see Watson as the starter with Williams rotating in while he learns the pro game.

I won't count Robinson out though; he's a crafty veteran and if Watson doesn't pick up his game he may be forced out of a roster spot since few remain on the defensive line.

 

[Shogun]

Really well-written, with a few inaccuracies here and there.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Found this interesting. I hadn't heard anything about Watson being on the bubble right now. Was under the impression that if anyone at NT got cut it would be Robinson.

He has a non-guaranteed contract 1 year contract.

Bryan Robinson is back, and has outplayed him for the starting role 2 years in a row.

Dan Williams was drafted in the 1st round to be our starter of the future.

Alan Branch can play DE or NT in a pinch as well.

So in reality ? Watson is very much on the bubble, and very expendable.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Like most, I agree beyond a few factual errors (trading up for Dan Williams, "Alex" Sendlein) it was very well written, and he nicely explains many of the potential pitfalls for this team.

"Despite having no bona fide pass-rushers, the Cardinals managed to post 43 sacks last season (sixth most in football). "

Which on face looks impressive, but unfortunately it was mostly because the Cards were forced to bring the heat on a consistent basis because they weren't getting much of a push from the front 5, primarily from the OLB position. This in turn often exposed a suspect secondary, which is why our pass defense #'s were some of the worst in the league.

"But passing is what wins in the N.F.L. these days. Teams that rely primarily on a running game only succeed with elite defense and special teams. The Cardinals don’t quite fall into this category."

This quote definitely scared me, mostly because it's true. We'll definitely have to run more, but we'll need a better than average Leinart to make the playoffs.

 

[BigRedArk]

Whisenhunt, who during the off-season signed a four-year contract extension worth $5 to $6 million a year, is a chef who has been given different (perhaps inferior) ingredients. It’s his job to concoct a recipe that works.

If I understand him correctly he is saying that Whis has been given different ingredients to work with this season as opposed to last season (if so that is true of every coach of every team every season in the NFL these days). Perhaps he is saying this seasons ingredients are especially different and (perhaps inferior) as opposed to last seasons.

That isn't anything new for Whis though. When he came on board in '07 he inherited a team that was 5-11 the year before and came from a team where he was OC that 8-8 in '06. So he has is familiar with this challenge to say the least.

One of the many things I have been impressed with him is that he is quite adept at ensuring that the Offense fits his player personnel and their talents instead of forcing the players to fit his Offense/scheme/philosophy. I am hoping that he will be able create a run-pass scheme and balance that utilizes the talent we have at all the skill positions on Offense and keeps opposing D's guessing.

 

[joeshmo]

and most reporting suggests that Robinson is one who will struggle to make the roster.

I havent heard any of that reporting at all. In fact the opposite. No one is saying Watson is on the bubble but by all reports Robinson will not struggle to make the roster. Both main radio guys(Wolf and Jurecki) think Robinson will be the starting NT when the season starts. Urban in his recent post OTA D depth chart analysis thinks Robinson will also be the starter to begin the season.

Here is Urbans blog again and this is what is generally being reported on by the AZ media concerning the NT position so far this offseason.

http://blog.azcardinals.com/2010/06/14/for-what-its-worth-in-june-defensive-edition/

"NT – Bryan Robinson. Dan Williams will get plenty of playing time this season, and he may even be starting at some point (after the bye?). But coach Ken Whisenhunt has made it clear the past three years rookies, even first-rounders, have a hard time getting playing time early. And as good as Dockett said Gabe Watson looked this offseason, it’s tough to bet against Robinson once again starting, even if he ends up with fewer plays."

 

[KD75]

I agree with what most here have said, it was well-written, but I'm not sure it was well researched.
Oh well, it's the slow time, can't get too worked up. Yet.

 

[splitsecond]

Better research and better writing overall than most pieces, but still somewhat inaccurate. also, 2nd place? nah.

 

[SuperSpck]

Very impressive article. Not perfect, but what is.
This is his website:
http://www.nfltouchdown.com/category/nfl-preview-2010/
He's earned some hits from me if his other team previews are as good.

One of the many things I have been impressed with him is that he is quite adept at ensuring that the Offense fits his player personnel and their talents instead of forcing the players to fit his Offense/scheme/philosophy. I am hoping that he will be able create a run-pass scheme and balance that utilizes the talent we have at all the skill positions on Offense and keeps opposing D's guessing.

I love this point, it's not a case of ego, it's a case of getting things done.

 

[SuperSpck]

Dansby was at his best when he wasn't taking on blocks.
Sure Paris is probably exactly the same way, but I think the downside to Paris is that he doesn't have the range nor instincts to replace Dansby.

I agree w/ Krang. I think losing Karlos sucks in a lot of ways.
Watch the opening quarter of GB/AZ again if you've forgotten what a difference maker he was. Paris will be opening day starter with Washington playing backup until mid-season.
Same case as many posters point out Williams and the Nose.

I also think that while he's spot on that Warner made our offensive line look better, he ignores some of Warner's shortfalls. Warner struggled big time to complete any passes past 20 yards last season, and even though Matt has mediocre arm strength he should be able to improve that category.

Matt also moves better than Warner, and the team has already suggested that bootlegs and other plays that feature Matt moving in the pocket will be more prominent. Lastly, he acts as if all our passing success was Warner; that is patently false, the Cardinals receivers were successful BEFORE Warner too.

Warner's hip was bothering him and his shoulder was causing problems too. His ability to place the ball deep was toast.
The coaches have already gone on record stating a healthy arm is going to help stretch the field by default.
Leinart is a downgrade to a Hall-of-Famer unless we the fans are disgustingly lucky, but like Krang says, he's got a different skill set and Whis is all about adjusting strengths to minimize weakness.

 

[Duckjake]

I

also think that while he's spot on that Warner made our offensive line look better, he ignores some of Warner's shortfalls. Warner struggled big time to complete any passes past 20 yards last season, and even though Matt has mediocre arm strength he should be able to improve that category.

Hard to believe the Cards had only 3 pass plays that went for more than 40 yards in 2009.

 

[joeshmo]

I

Hard to believe the Cards had only 3 pass plays that went for more than 40 yards in 2009.

Even more hard to believe during the Super Bowl run we had double that amount in only 4 games. Just goes to show how much the long ball went by the way side and how the improved run game of 20+ more yards a game helped the O keep the O's pace.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I havent heard any of that reporting at all. In fact the opposite. No one is saying Watson is on the bubble but by all reports Robinson will not struggle to make the roster. Both main radio guys(Wolf and Jurecki) think Robinson will be the starting NT when the season starts. Urban in his recent post OTA D depth chart analysis thinks Robinson will also be the starter to begin the season.

Here is Urbans blog again and this is what is generally being reported on by the AZ media concerning the NT position so far this offseason.

http://blog.azcardinals.com/2010/06/14/for-what-its-worth-in-june-defensive-edition/

"NT – Bryan Robinson. Dan Williams will get plenty of playing time this season, and he may even be starting at some point (after the bye?). But coach Ken Whisenhunt has made it clear the past three years rookies, even first-rounders, have a hard time getting playing time early. And as good as Dockett said Gabe Watson looked this offseason, it’s tough to bet against Robinson once again starting, even if he ends up with fewer plays."

Eh maybe I'm just reading between the lines here.

I know reports have stated that Watson has looked much better (as the above quote shows) and Robinson wasn't resigned especially quickly. I won't count out Robinson but if it's neck and neck, Robinson will be the one who is cut since Watson holds up a little better at the point of attack when he's on his game.

 

[Duckjake]

I know reports have stated that Watson has looked much better (as the above quote shows) and Robinson wasn't resigned especially quickly. I won't count out Robinson but if it's neck and neck, Robinson will be the one who is cut since Watson holds up a little better at the point of attack when he's on his game.

I'd have to say it is Robinson who is on the bubble. A 26 year old Watson would have to be significantly worse than the 36 year old Robinson to lose out in a competition for a roster spot. Especially since they make about the same money.