March 27, 2003
ProFootballWeekly.com asks managing editor Mike Holbrook for his thoughts on the hottest topics around the league:
Smith set to continue career with Cardinals
Arizona has agreed in principle on a two-year deal with the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith. Smith, 33, had a great visit with the Cardinals two weeks ago and thinks Arizona gives him the best opportunity to be a starter. He’ll battle Marcel Shipp for the starting position.
PFW: Is this a good move for Arizona?
Holbrook: Absolutely. I love this move for a couple of reasons. No. 1, Emmitt will be a boost to attendance for a franchise that badly needs to draw more fans to Sun Devil Stadium. No. 2, I think Emmitt still can be productive, and running behind a solid offensive line like the Cardinals possess will help him reach the 1,000-yard mark once again.
PFW: How much does Emmitt have left to offer?
Holbrook: He says he is still a 1,300-yard back. That remains to be seen. But I do think he is better than Marcel Shipp and will do better than the 975 yards he gained with Dallas last year because Arizona’s offensive line is better. The key will be Emmitt’s health, but he has proved to be extremely durable over the years.
Off the field, Emmitt will bring leadership qualities of a proven winner — something that has been lacking in the Cardinals’ organization for a number of years. That may be the biggest thing that he adds — being a mentor to younger players and showing them what it takes to be a winner.
ProFootballWeekly.com asks managing editor Mike Holbrook for his thoughts on the hottest topics around the league:
Smith set to continue career with Cardinals
Arizona has agreed in principle on a two-year deal with the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith. Smith, 33, had a great visit with the Cardinals two weeks ago and thinks Arizona gives him the best opportunity to be a starter. He’ll battle Marcel Shipp for the starting position.
PFW: Is this a good move for Arizona?
Holbrook: Absolutely. I love this move for a couple of reasons. No. 1, Emmitt will be a boost to attendance for a franchise that badly needs to draw more fans to Sun Devil Stadium. No. 2, I think Emmitt still can be productive, and running behind a solid offensive line like the Cardinals possess will help him reach the 1,000-yard mark once again.
PFW: How much does Emmitt have left to offer?
Holbrook: He says he is still a 1,300-yard back. That remains to be seen. But I do think he is better than Marcel Shipp and will do better than the 975 yards he gained with Dallas last year because Arizona’s offensive line is better. The key will be Emmitt’s health, but he has proved to be extremely durable over the years.
Off the field, Emmitt will bring leadership qualities of a proven winner — something that has been lacking in the Cardinals’ organization for a number of years. That may be the biggest thing that he adds — being a mentor to younger players and showing them what it takes to be a winner.
