Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
QB (3): 13-Warner; 7-Leinart; 2-St. Pierre.
When Whiz said St. Pierre "didn't get much help," he was right on the money. When the Cardinals took over late in the third quarter, on first and ten, St. Pierre made a nice throw to LaRod Stephens-Howling for a 5 yard gain, alas, which was nullified by Oliver Ross' holding penalty. Sure, St. Pierre's subsequent interception was ill-advised, no question. But, Jerheme Urban did nothing to sell the route (and it's hard to tell what route Urban was running) and then Urban stood in cement and did not work back to the bal, thus allowing the Steeler CB to jump the route.
I am not sure if any NFL QB would have had much of a chance with Ross' and the 2nd team o-line's shabby play. How about the play where Ziggy Hood blew right through Ross and Elton Brown for an untouched straight line sack on St. Pierre?
For those of you who think the #2 QB battle, promoted by Whiz, is silly or a farce, you really don't know Ken Whisenhunt. And if you think this game sealed the deal for Leinart, you are jumping to a pre-mature conclusion.
Clearly, Leinart played better in this game...but, to be fair, Leinart was given a far better chance protection and personnel-wise...Whiz is fuly cognizant of this, which is why, in fairness, he is switching their roles this week.
As for Tyler Palko, he showed nifty feet and a very good awareness of when and where to sidestep pressure. This is a necessary aspect of him game, seeing as he's a smaller QB who can create clearer passing lanes by shifting around or outside of the pocket. In some ways, he reminded me of a left handed Jake Plummer.
This game assured Palko of a practice squad spot.
One thing to point out, though, is that not only was palko throwing against the Steelers' scrubs, the Steelers that late in the game were sitting in a semi-prevent. The receivers that were open underneath were open for a reason, as the deep thirds were playing soft. Not to take away, necessarily from the good throws Palko made and in a couple of cases created when he scrambled...he did a very good job of finding and taking what the defense was giving him. And the strike he threw to Onrea Jones for the TD was sweet.
RB (3): 34-Hightower; 26-Wells; 36-Stephens-Howling.
Jason Wright needed to take better advantage of his playing time, and did not. He was merely average at best. The kid who stood outplayed him was LaRod Stephens-Howling, and quite franky, it may be one of the coaches toughest decisions as to whether to keep Wright or LSH. While LSH has a little tiny hitch in his gitty-up, he's got the gitty-up that Wright doesn't...which is why, once LSH gets comfortable, he could fill the role vacated by J.J. Arrington, as the speed receiver/draw play back. Whiz likes speedy backs and always has. Wright is a far better blocker, but if Whiz wants a blocker in a 3rd down situation he can go with Dan Kreider and I have a sense that Tim Hightower will be a much improved blocker this year having learned from Edge last year.
Hopefully we will get our first look at Beanie this week. What intrigues me, other than seeing what his blend of speed and power will do for the offense as a whole, is what Beanie may be able to offer the team as a kickoff returner. Michael Ray Garvin put up good numbers...but may need a year on the PS. Roster spots are going to be very difficult to decide and if Wells can be the kickoff returner as a rookie, that may be the best answer in the short-term...with the intention of bringing Garvin onto the roster when he's ready.
As for punt returns, I think a combination of Antrel Rolle and Steve Breaston would be fine. We need to be a little patient with Rolle as he adjusts to the role. Once the real game lights are on, Rolle will put on a show. In pressure situations, Breaston is the guy to have back there.
FB (1): 35-Kreider.
Best blocker vailable, by far.
TE (3): 82-Pope; 83-Spach; 39-Byrd.
Pope and Byrd form a nice pass receiving tandem. Pope's size up the seams is an attractive option in this offense, and Byrd's fluid, athletic skills work very well for the under and crossing routes. Spach is the blocking TE, who is going to have to stave off Anthony Becht, when Becht returns.
The best reason why Byrd makes this roster? We are what we are. We are a passing offense, first and foremost, and this kid is the most naturally gifted receiver of the group, save perhaps, Ben Patrick, who could be a real gem if he gets in great shape.
WR (6): 11-Fitzgerald; 81-Boldin; 15-Breaston; 85-Urban; 80-Doucet; 87-Morey.
Two players drawing some consideration here are Lance Long and Onrea Jones. Long has a knack for getting open and he's become a favorite short and intermediate target for all the QBs. Jones played very well, catching two balls for 42 yards and the one TD. And Edward Gant might be yet another player worthy of PS consideration.
Now, as for Michael Ray Garvin, I was not only enthused by the wuality of his kickoff returns, I was also a tad surprised to see him contribute at WR. Yes, he dropped the crossing route pass that led to the interception...but he came right back on the next series and caught a nice hitch pass. While he appears to be fighting the ball a little bit on passes and punt returns, at this point, he's farhter along than I would have imagined. Being around Steve Breaston for a year could do wonders for Garvin.
I don't see Garvin being ready for punt return duties this early in his career. He has less time to fight the ball, and it seems that once he catches the ball he heads straight for the sidelines, rather than look for a straighter route up the middle.
If Beanie Wells does not become the kickoff returner...I think Garvin makes this roster. It would seem that LSH isn't nearly as ready for this task as Garvin.
OL (9): 69-Gandy; 74-Wells; 63-Sendlein; 76-Lutui; 75-Brown, L.; 61-Brown, E.; 72-Keith; 50-Fowler; TBA.
The team has to go and get a deal done with Levi Jones. With Elliot Vallejo out for another month and a half (which really puts the Cardinals in a tough situation roster-wise---one would guess that they are going to have to place Vallejo on the IR, unless he makes a miraculous recovery before the final cuts on Spetember 5th.
Oliver Ross struggled mightily at RT during his last stint with the club. To even think he could hold up at LT is a tremendous stretch.
Thus, the signing of Levi Jones becomes all the more imminent. Perhaps the Cardinals could ink him to an incentive oriented deal, which, if the deal were for 2-3 years, would also gibe the Cardinals some longer term security, seeing as Gandy is heading toward free agency.
In this game I was very impressed with Sendelin, Lutui and Levi Brown (save his one pass protection gaffe)...they are stronger this year, no question. The success of the running game is depending on it...hello TH and BW!
I was expecting more from Elton Brown, especially hearing how solid he's been in camp. I will say this...if the Cardinals cannot sign Levi Jones, they must put Elton Brown at 2nd team LT immediatey to see if he can do alright there. Put Brown there and put Trevor Canfield with the 2nd unit at LG.
Two young players who may have good shots at the PS: T Brandon Pierce and G Carlton Meddar. Both are in very good shape and have some skills.
C Melvin Fowler is solid. Good addition by RG.
NT (2): 97-Robinson; 98-Watson.
Robinson looks a little stronger this year...and looks to be in better shape...which is very good news. Watson is a little erratic. Once he gets back to where he was before he hurt his knee, he should be a real force in the middle.
Branch remains an enigma. The light bulb is hardly flickering. he has three more weeks to get it screwed in tightly, but right now, to perform as uninspired as he did during scrub time, is not good at all. At least he did work his way to the ball five times, but his initial pop and his technique were not strong.
DE (4): 90-Dockett; 93-Campbell; 91-Iwebema; 73-Dykes.
Campbell was very good. Iwebema showed some toughness and will. And, once Dykes returns, he's got it over the others. Leisle has some strength, but he has to be more productive and aggressive to make the roster.
The kid Field from Virginia looks like he has some skills...might be a PS candidate.
ILB (4): 54-Hayes; 58-Dansby; TBA; 95-Highsmith.
The depth here is a major question mark. Pago Togafau works hard and gets the most of his ability and an ankle-biting ILB, but his lack of strength does not enable him to hold up in the middle. Take a look at the Steelers' first TD. Togafau took on the blocker fiarly well, which is a concern to begin with, and managed to shed the block, but then was run over fairly easily by the rookie RB Redman.
Ali Highsmith was active and appears to be fairly well healed. But, he too is not particularly strong, and it may do the Cardinals well to pick up two new ILBers off of waivers.
The team surely misses Monty Beisel and needs to find his replacement.
OLB (5): 53-Haggans; 56-Okeafor; 92-Berry; 52-Brown, C.: 59-Davis.
This team needs Bertrand Berry to be a good situational pass rusher. Youngsters Brown and Davis show flashes of pass rushing ability, but are going to need some time to get NFL ready. The worry will be whether the venerable tandem of haggans and Okeafor can hold up physcially and production-wise. This too is an area where depth ios a real concern, as much as the immediate ability the group has to put consistent pressure on the passer.
CB (5): 29-Rodgers-Cromartie; 25-McFadden; 20-Brown, R.; 32-Toler; 27-Adams.
Greg Toler is making good strides. He made an excellent break up of a Steeler out pass late in the game and showed very good technique and aggressiveness on the play. Michael Adams may not be suited to start at CB, but he is a fiesty CB underneath in combination man-zone schemes. Next to McFadden, Adams is the best tackler in the group.
S (4): 24-Wilson; 21-Rolle; 47-Francisco; 41-Johnson.
Francisco looks at home as the backup SS...and Lewis looked solid there too, but as of this week is on the outsde looking in (this is why these roster decision are so hard, because here is a player that can help the STs a great deal...but not more than Morey, who gets the nod). Matt Ware is in the same situation, and he's a player the coaches have liked.
Rashad Johnson showed good instincts and strength in this game. The hope is that he will assimilate comfortably into the defense by mid-season the way DRC did last year.
ST (3): 1-Rackers; 5-Graham; 48-Leach.
Like the PGA motto: "These guys are good."
When Whiz said St. Pierre "didn't get much help," he was right on the money. When the Cardinals took over late in the third quarter, on first and ten, St. Pierre made a nice throw to LaRod Stephens-Howling for a 5 yard gain, alas, which was nullified by Oliver Ross' holding penalty. Sure, St. Pierre's subsequent interception was ill-advised, no question. But, Jerheme Urban did nothing to sell the route (and it's hard to tell what route Urban was running) and then Urban stood in cement and did not work back to the bal, thus allowing the Steeler CB to jump the route.
I am not sure if any NFL QB would have had much of a chance with Ross' and the 2nd team o-line's shabby play. How about the play where Ziggy Hood blew right through Ross and Elton Brown for an untouched straight line sack on St. Pierre?
For those of you who think the #2 QB battle, promoted by Whiz, is silly or a farce, you really don't know Ken Whisenhunt. And if you think this game sealed the deal for Leinart, you are jumping to a pre-mature conclusion.
Clearly, Leinart played better in this game...but, to be fair, Leinart was given a far better chance protection and personnel-wise...Whiz is fuly cognizant of this, which is why, in fairness, he is switching their roles this week.
As for Tyler Palko, he showed nifty feet and a very good awareness of when and where to sidestep pressure. This is a necessary aspect of him game, seeing as he's a smaller QB who can create clearer passing lanes by shifting around or outside of the pocket. In some ways, he reminded me of a left handed Jake Plummer.
This game assured Palko of a practice squad spot.
One thing to point out, though, is that not only was palko throwing against the Steelers' scrubs, the Steelers that late in the game were sitting in a semi-prevent. The receivers that were open underneath were open for a reason, as the deep thirds were playing soft. Not to take away, necessarily from the good throws Palko made and in a couple of cases created when he scrambled...he did a very good job of finding and taking what the defense was giving him. And the strike he threw to Onrea Jones for the TD was sweet.
RB (3): 34-Hightower; 26-Wells; 36-Stephens-Howling.
Jason Wright needed to take better advantage of his playing time, and did not. He was merely average at best. The kid who stood outplayed him was LaRod Stephens-Howling, and quite franky, it may be one of the coaches toughest decisions as to whether to keep Wright or LSH. While LSH has a little tiny hitch in his gitty-up, he's got the gitty-up that Wright doesn't...which is why, once LSH gets comfortable, he could fill the role vacated by J.J. Arrington, as the speed receiver/draw play back. Whiz likes speedy backs and always has. Wright is a far better blocker, but if Whiz wants a blocker in a 3rd down situation he can go with Dan Kreider and I have a sense that Tim Hightower will be a much improved blocker this year having learned from Edge last year.
Hopefully we will get our first look at Beanie this week. What intrigues me, other than seeing what his blend of speed and power will do for the offense as a whole, is what Beanie may be able to offer the team as a kickoff returner. Michael Ray Garvin put up good numbers...but may need a year on the PS. Roster spots are going to be very difficult to decide and if Wells can be the kickoff returner as a rookie, that may be the best answer in the short-term...with the intention of bringing Garvin onto the roster when he's ready.
As for punt returns, I think a combination of Antrel Rolle and Steve Breaston would be fine. We need to be a little patient with Rolle as he adjusts to the role. Once the real game lights are on, Rolle will put on a show. In pressure situations, Breaston is the guy to have back there.
FB (1): 35-Kreider.
Best blocker vailable, by far.
TE (3): 82-Pope; 83-Spach; 39-Byrd.
Pope and Byrd form a nice pass receiving tandem. Pope's size up the seams is an attractive option in this offense, and Byrd's fluid, athletic skills work very well for the under and crossing routes. Spach is the blocking TE, who is going to have to stave off Anthony Becht, when Becht returns.
The best reason why Byrd makes this roster? We are what we are. We are a passing offense, first and foremost, and this kid is the most naturally gifted receiver of the group, save perhaps, Ben Patrick, who could be a real gem if he gets in great shape.
WR (6): 11-Fitzgerald; 81-Boldin; 15-Breaston; 85-Urban; 80-Doucet; 87-Morey.
Two players drawing some consideration here are Lance Long and Onrea Jones. Long has a knack for getting open and he's become a favorite short and intermediate target for all the QBs. Jones played very well, catching two balls for 42 yards and the one TD. And Edward Gant might be yet another player worthy of PS consideration.
Now, as for Michael Ray Garvin, I was not only enthused by the wuality of his kickoff returns, I was also a tad surprised to see him contribute at WR. Yes, he dropped the crossing route pass that led to the interception...but he came right back on the next series and caught a nice hitch pass. While he appears to be fighting the ball a little bit on passes and punt returns, at this point, he's farhter along than I would have imagined. Being around Steve Breaston for a year could do wonders for Garvin.
I don't see Garvin being ready for punt return duties this early in his career. He has less time to fight the ball, and it seems that once he catches the ball he heads straight for the sidelines, rather than look for a straighter route up the middle.
If Beanie Wells does not become the kickoff returner...I think Garvin makes this roster. It would seem that LSH isn't nearly as ready for this task as Garvin.
OL (9): 69-Gandy; 74-Wells; 63-Sendlein; 76-Lutui; 75-Brown, L.; 61-Brown, E.; 72-Keith; 50-Fowler; TBA.
The team has to go and get a deal done with Levi Jones. With Elliot Vallejo out for another month and a half (which really puts the Cardinals in a tough situation roster-wise---one would guess that they are going to have to place Vallejo on the IR, unless he makes a miraculous recovery before the final cuts on Spetember 5th.
Oliver Ross struggled mightily at RT during his last stint with the club. To even think he could hold up at LT is a tremendous stretch.
Thus, the signing of Levi Jones becomes all the more imminent. Perhaps the Cardinals could ink him to an incentive oriented deal, which, if the deal were for 2-3 years, would also gibe the Cardinals some longer term security, seeing as Gandy is heading toward free agency.
In this game I was very impressed with Sendelin, Lutui and Levi Brown (save his one pass protection gaffe)...they are stronger this year, no question. The success of the running game is depending on it...hello TH and BW!
I was expecting more from Elton Brown, especially hearing how solid he's been in camp. I will say this...if the Cardinals cannot sign Levi Jones, they must put Elton Brown at 2nd team LT immediatey to see if he can do alright there. Put Brown there and put Trevor Canfield with the 2nd unit at LG.
Two young players who may have good shots at the PS: T Brandon Pierce and G Carlton Meddar. Both are in very good shape and have some skills.
C Melvin Fowler is solid. Good addition by RG.
NT (2): 97-Robinson; 98-Watson.
Robinson looks a little stronger this year...and looks to be in better shape...which is very good news. Watson is a little erratic. Once he gets back to where he was before he hurt his knee, he should be a real force in the middle.
Branch remains an enigma. The light bulb is hardly flickering. he has three more weeks to get it screwed in tightly, but right now, to perform as uninspired as he did during scrub time, is not good at all. At least he did work his way to the ball five times, but his initial pop and his technique were not strong.
DE (4): 90-Dockett; 93-Campbell; 91-Iwebema; 73-Dykes.
Campbell was very good. Iwebema showed some toughness and will. And, once Dykes returns, he's got it over the others. Leisle has some strength, but he has to be more productive and aggressive to make the roster.
The kid Field from Virginia looks like he has some skills...might be a PS candidate.
ILB (4): 54-Hayes; 58-Dansby; TBA; 95-Highsmith.
The depth here is a major question mark. Pago Togafau works hard and gets the most of his ability and an ankle-biting ILB, but his lack of strength does not enable him to hold up in the middle. Take a look at the Steelers' first TD. Togafau took on the blocker fiarly well, which is a concern to begin with, and managed to shed the block, but then was run over fairly easily by the rookie RB Redman.
Ali Highsmith was active and appears to be fairly well healed. But, he too is not particularly strong, and it may do the Cardinals well to pick up two new ILBers off of waivers.
The team surely misses Monty Beisel and needs to find his replacement.
OLB (5): 53-Haggans; 56-Okeafor; 92-Berry; 52-Brown, C.: 59-Davis.
This team needs Bertrand Berry to be a good situational pass rusher. Youngsters Brown and Davis show flashes of pass rushing ability, but are going to need some time to get NFL ready. The worry will be whether the venerable tandem of haggans and Okeafor can hold up physcially and production-wise. This too is an area where depth ios a real concern, as much as the immediate ability the group has to put consistent pressure on the passer.
CB (5): 29-Rodgers-Cromartie; 25-McFadden; 20-Brown, R.; 32-Toler; 27-Adams.
Greg Toler is making good strides. He made an excellent break up of a Steeler out pass late in the game and showed very good technique and aggressiveness on the play. Michael Adams may not be suited to start at CB, but he is a fiesty CB underneath in combination man-zone schemes. Next to McFadden, Adams is the best tackler in the group.
S (4): 24-Wilson; 21-Rolle; 47-Francisco; 41-Johnson.
Francisco looks at home as the backup SS...and Lewis looked solid there too, but as of this week is on the outsde looking in (this is why these roster decision are so hard, because here is a player that can help the STs a great deal...but not more than Morey, who gets the nod). Matt Ware is in the same situation, and he's a player the coaches have liked.
Rashad Johnson showed good instincts and strength in this game. The hope is that he will assimilate comfortably into the defense by mid-season the way DRC did last year.
ST (3): 1-Rackers; 5-Graham; 48-Leach.
Like the PGA motto: "These guys are good."
