Player Spotlight: WR Kevin Kasper

[Jim O]

http://www.azcardinals.com/press/pressdetails.php?sid=1376

Player Spotlight: WR Kevin Kasper

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#82 Kevin Kasper
Iowa
WR
6-1, 197

Who is the most talkative amongst the receivers? The quietest?

We all kind of keep things to ourselves. We talk amongst each other, but we don’t really trash talk too much. Coach Sullivan doesn’t like that the most. He wants us to perform and let our actions talk for itself. I would say that just as far as a talkative person, that would have to be Nate Poole. He’s always talking and he’s a pretty funny guy. I don’t think we have a quiet guy. I think we all just have fun and I don’t think there is a quiet guy.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

Usually, I pretty much have a Myplex shake every day. But, my favorite, favorite breakfast are pumpkin pancakes that my wife makes. I love them. They are really, really tasty, you should try them. It is so good, I promise.

What is one thing about your college teammate LeVar Woods that would surprise most of your other teammates?

He’s sensitive. He sometimes takes thing to heart and around his wife, he’s really sensitive and I think that is kind of funny sometimes.

What was the worst look you’ve ever sported?

My senior year of high school, I shaved my head and had only two braids, one on each side of my head. I did have all braids, but then I shaved all of them but two. The color of the team that we played, I would die them that color so it was blue, red, whatever.

How often do you have to bleach out your hair now?

About three weeks to a month. If there is a big game on national television, I’ll make sure I do it brand new and fresh. I have to look nice.

What do you take the most pride in as far as football?

I take pride in working as hard as I can to excel. I walked on at Iowa and have always been the underdog and I take pride in working harder than everyone else to accomplish my goals.

You came in at the end of last season and made an immediate impact. Now, there is so much competition at your position that it seems anything could happen. Is that tough?

I think it is beneficial. Competition is going to make me play the best I can. I feel fortunate to be in this competition and I’m just going to do the best I can to excel and help this team out.

What is your hometown?

Bourbannais, Illinois. It is about 15 minutes from Chicago.

Did you grow up a Bears fan?

Oh yeah, Walter Payton was my idol. I named my cat Payton after him. Every Sunday that I could, I would go see the Bears play.

Are you looking forward to playing the Bears this year?

I had the opportunity to play them when I was in Denver too, and that was fun. But, I have never gotten to play them at Soldier Field which is awesome because that is right in my hometown area and that will be a dream come true when we play them during the regular season.

 

[AzCards21]

So we are all invited to have Pumpkin Pancakes then? Come on Kevin! We're up for breakfast. Date and time please. There will be three of us. This is like a new poster. Only it may pan out!

 

[40yearfan]

Jim O., there has been much speculation about Kasper on this board and whether he will make the team. Do you have an opinion on this? If this question makes you feel uncomfortable, you need not respond.

 

[Jim O]

Originally posted by 40yearfan
Jim O., there has been much speculation about Kasper on this board and whether he will make the team. Do you have an opinion on this? If this question makes you feel uncomfortable, you need not respond.

I think he will based on what I have seen at practice and in the games.

 

[cardzfan]

Kasper did well in the last 4 games of 2002. He averaged 3.75 catches and 45 yards per game and scored 3 TDS. Those are not pro-bowl numbers but he consistently produced. In pre-season so far he made some clutch catches. If he keeps this up, he will make the team.

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Kevin has been great but for some reason the coaches don't seem to praise him. Maybe he has a bad attitude, but I really doubt that's it. I think he was a great pick-up last year, and I have a feeling he'll be a starter when the season starts. Jerry has to start looking at who is producing and forget about Gilmore and McAddley this year. I don't even think Gilmore really caught that deep ball last week, but the replay couldn't get a good angle.

 

[Jim O]

Originally posted by Oran
I don't even think Gilmore really caught that deep ball last week, but the replay couldn't get a good angle.

He actually did catch it. I had the luxury of having two TV's in our broadcast booth...one with the Cards broadcast and one with the Chargers broadcast. The San Diego camera's showed it from an angle that the Cardinals crew didn't have. He had his hand under it the whole time.

 

[green machine]

Originally posted by Jim Omohundro
He actually did catch it. I had the luxury of having two TV's in our broadcast booth...one with the Cards broadcast and one with the Chargers broadcast. The San Diego camera's showed it from an angle that the Cardinals crew didn't have. He had his hand under it the whole time.

Cool. I was under the impression that he didn't get it, but since it's been confirmed that he did, that was a helluva catch!

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Good to know he really did catch it. If he makes one or two like that vs. Da Bears, I'll feel a lot more comfortable about the passing game.

 

[Jersey Girl]

I like Kasper and hope he makes the final cut.

LOVE that he named his cat Payton. That is cool.

 

[asugrad96]

Is anyone familiar with Kasper's special teams coverage duties? Does he have any?

I can't think of any reason why he shouldn't make the team. He supposedly has great speed, made a memorable catch in every game he played in last year and just about every report from camp that you guys were kind enough to provide spoke well of him. All he seems to do is make plays. What am I missing? I don't buy the "hated by Sullivan" theory.

So I thought maybe it has to do with special teams. He hasn't proven to be exceptional at returns and he may not be all that good at coverage either. So was curious if anyone knew what his coverage role was.

 

[Harpo]

Well, he finished 4th in the NFL in return yards last year, and was among the league leaders in return avg until he got to the Cards. He averaged 26 yds/return as a rookie, and was the gunner on punt coverage, and kickoff returns for Denver. He was also on coverage last week, and though I haven't seen the stats, it looked to me like he had 2 solos and an assist. This is a lot more than most of the other guys have done on ST(Mc, Gilmore, Foster). It's just interesting that I have never seen his name mentioned by McGinnis or Sullivan. I mean in the 1st preseason game he lead the team in rushing, receiving, Td's, and return yards, yet McGinnis talks about Q and BJ when asked about WR's I hope it's just a coincidence, but who knows.

 

[asugrad96]

Thanks for the info Harpo. That makes the talk of him being cut even stranger to me. Seems like it is a no-brainer to keep him and beyond that, to get him on field fairly often. Maybe there is something about his attitude afterall. Certainly doesn't come across in interviews, but who knows.

 

[Harpo]

This was taken from another thread regarding Coach Mac's interview today......


When asked about the WR position
Coach Mac named Gilmore, McCaddly, Boldin, BJ, and Foster....no mention of Kevin Kasper...just FYI Kasper fans....

 

[Wild Card]

Originally posted by Harpo
This was taken from another thread regarding Coach Mac's interview today......

When asked about the WR position
Coach Mac named Gilmore, McCaddly, Boldin, BJ, and Foster....no mention of Kevin Kasper...just FYI Kasper fans....

Harpo:

Toward the end of McGinnis' show on KDUS this morning, Mac was asked specifically if Kasper had done anything to establish himself in the preseason games. He responded that "all he does is work hard... every time he gets an opportunity, he makes plays."

Works hard, makes plays. Sounds like Kasper is pushing the right buttons with this head coach.

WC

 

[Tangodnzr]

I think a lot of times many people are guilty of reading too much into specific comments or in this case "non-comments".

I agree with asugrad96 in that I don't buy this "Sullivan hates him" theory either.

From what I see with both Mac and Sully so far, is that you have to take what they "say" on the practive field with a grain of salt, in that Sully is going to be yelling at people all the time, that's just part of his modus operendi, if anything I see him as one who if he isn't yelling might worry you more than if he is...I've been around coaches like that...who primarily yell at the players they care about, trying to improve them.

On the flip side, just because Mac may have had a momentary brain fart and forgot to list him isn't anything to get too concerned about.

With both these coaches, the real proof of the putting is who gets the playing time when the time is meaningful.

I will be very, very, very, surprised if Kasper doesn't make this team.

 

[CardAvenger]

I want to believe that the "Sully doesn't like Kasper" thing isn't true(and it probably isn't), but there is still some doubt.

IMO, Kasper has been arguably the best receiver on this team in the preseason, and he is still burried in the depth chart. I just don't understand it.

 

[marshallrider]

I think these comments from coach Macs interview pretty sum up what they think of Kasper.......They don't want him around, and he is not in their plan! This is rediculous, he is their best receiver on the roster today and he has to worry about a "numbers battle!" For all he has done with for this team since he came here this is the respect he has earned!


http://www.azcardinal.com/rumors.htm#Wed. Aug. 20b
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Wed. Aug. 20 - Reading Between the Lines: The Coach Mac Show
We're glad to see the Dave McGinnis Show back in full form. (We'll continue to provide real-time and archived links to it on our Preseason Broadcast Schedule page as Jim O releases them to us).

When asked about the WR situation, Mac singled out his 2 returning veterans (Gilmore and McAddley), liked how his 2 rookies (Johnson and Boldin) were doing and praised Foster for "his veteran leadership." (For what it's worth, absent from Coach Mac's remarks was Kevin Kasper).

In response to Dave Pasch's question about whether Kevin Kasper' can be lumped with Anderson in terms of making plays at crunch-time - Mac agreed, but then mumbled something about Kasper "being in a numbers battle." This suggests that Kasper's future as a Cardinal may not be as secure as you'd expect.






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[Wild Card]

Originally posted by marshallrider
I think these comments from coach Macs interview pretty sum up what they think of Kasper.......They don't want him around, and he is not in their plan! This is rediculous, he is their best receiver on the roster today and he has to worry about a "numbers battle!" For all he has done with for this team since he came here this is the respect he has earned!

http://www.azcardinal.com/rumors.htm#Wed. Aug. 20b
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed. Aug. 20 - Reading Between the Lines: The Coach Mac Show

In response to Dave Pasch's question about whether Kevin Kasper' can be lumped with Anderson in terms of making plays at crunch-time - Mac agreed, but then mumbled something about Kasper "being in a numbers battle." This suggests that Kasper's future as a Cardinal may not be as secure as you'd expect.
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MR:

Here's Pasch's question and Mac's response (transcribed from the tape):

DP--"Is Kevin Kasper another guy that you would say has made the most of his opportunities?"

DM--"Yup. Yeah, he really has. I mean, he's made the most of it. He comes up, and, uh, you know, comes up with some very key plays when he has to and that, to me, is something that, uh, you know, you can't discount. You know, it gets down to numbers sometimes, as far as to how many you can keep, but Kevin Kasper's done nothing but work every time we've given him a chance."

Geez, Kasper makes "key plays" and "does nothing but work." What more does he need to do to get a little love? In Denver, before getting hurt in preseason, he was battling for a roster spot behind two Pro Bowlers and prize rookie Ashley Lelie. Who's he competing with here, by comparison?

WC

 

[marshallrider]

Geez, Kasper makes "key plays" and "does nothing but work." What more does he need to do to get a little love? In Denver, before getting hurt in preseason, he was battling for a roster spot behind two Pro Bowlers and prize rookie Ashley Lelie. Who's he competing with here, by comparison?

he's competing with sullivans plan.......sullivan had a plan that didn't include Kasper at the beginning of the summer. He brought in a whole new gang of receivers who are not panning out to be what he expected.
But, he is a stubborn guy and he will stick with them know matter how Kasper plays.

I have a feeling we will see Kaspers playing time decrease significantly this game against the Bears, as they try to give the guys sullivan wants there more of an opportunity to finally do something. Also, the more plays Kasper makes, the harder it will be to justify it when they cut him.

If this is the case (which we will soon find out) then that absolutely sucks and is in know manner a way to make a football team........ but we will see. I know I'll be left scratching my head!

 

[asugrad96]

Originally posted by Wild Card

DM--"...You know, it gets down to numbers sometimes, as far as to how many you can keep..."
WC

Sounds like he is as good as gone - very confused by this. I will be interested to see who picks him up and how he does.

 

[mbuehner]

Marshallrider hit the nail on the head. I havent heard Mac once mention Kasper without being specifically asked about him. Even after that great preseason game he had against Dallas.
Save Kevin 'Rod Tidwell' Kasper.

 

[Skkorpion]

Kasper plays the same position as Anquan Boldin. Anybody who thinks Kasper should push Boldin to the bench is delusional.

I think there is room for Kasper on this team, as a backup.

 

[asugrad96]

I don't think anyone mentioned Kasper starting over Boldin. Who wouldn't want to make room on their roster for a versatile playmaker though - like you said - as a backup.

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by Skkorpion
Kasper plays the same position as Anquan Boldin. Anybody who thinks Kasper should push Boldin to the bench is delusional.

I think there is room for Kasper on this team, as a backup.

Why wouldn't the cards put as many of their playmakers on the field at the same time? If Boldin is producing, great! We have 2 producers--that's one more than I've seen so far.

I'm not saying Kasper is pro-bowl material. Heck, I think he probably wouldn't start on most teams--but on this team he should.