Predictions: Starters on Offense and Defense

[Cbus cardsfan]

????

Jamell Marshall Fleming

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Breaking news flash: This just in: Mitch doesn't like Kerry Rhodes.

 

[kerouac9]

Breaking news flash: This just in: Mitch doesn't like Kerry Rhodes.

Seriously: Why does Mitch hate Kerry Rhodes so much?

I think that people are underrating how difficult it will be to supplant Paris Lenon from the starting job. Not only did he hold of the highly paid Stewart Bradley in training camp and the preseason, but he was also voted a team captain ahead of Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and Daryl Washington. The coaches and his teammates love Paris Lenon (for some reason).

I think we'll see more of Bradley in nickel packages where he'll be more of a Chike Okeafor "Elephant"/"Joker" linebacker, who will rush the passer as much as he drops back into coverage. But as terrible as he is, it's diffcult to project him into the starting lineup unless we don't bring back Haggans and O'Brien Schofield fails to develop.

If the team brings Haggans back following the first round of offseason minicamps, it'll speak volumes about Bradley's and Schofield's abilities to digest the system a year later.

 

[john h]

Here are mine---let's see yours:

Offense:

QB: John Skelton---his fearlessness in the pocket is the difference.

RB: Ryan Williams---fits the system better than Wells.

FB: Anthony Sherman---will be used in an expanded role in pass pro and safety valve receiver.

LT: Levi Brown---will carry strong momentum over to this season and is a lot better than you think.

LG: Daryn Colledge---solid---good fit.

C: Lyle Sendelin---could have his best year as a pro.

RG: Adam Snyder---commendable FA acquisition as he bolsters the interior.

RT: D'Anthony Batiste---best kept secret this off-season. Had a very good pre-season last year and will turn heads with his performance this year.

TE: Jeff King---best all-around TE on the roster. Heap and Housler will be receiving options.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald---the man on and off the field.

WR: Michael Floyd---gives the team a strong presence opposite Fitzgerald.

Slot WRs: Andre Roberts and Early Doucet---plenty of snaps to go a round for them.

3rd Down RB: Hyphen---expanded role and new contract for him this year.

Defense:

LDE: Darnell Dockett---playmaker poised to reclaim NFC West title.

NT: David Carter---a better athlete than Dan Williams, and has more stamina, but Williams will thrive as the rotation guy.

RDE: Calais Campbell---is his best football yet to come?

SOLB: Stewart Bradley---this is why he was kept and is the right spot for him, with Schofield coming in on passing downs.

SILB: Paris Lenon---continues to lead and deliver.

WILB: Daryl Washington---on his way to the Pro Bowl, if they have one.

WOLB: Sam Acho---picks up right where he left off last year.

LCB: Patrick Peterson---with a year under his belt now he starts making plays on the ball like you wouldn't believe.

SS: Adrian Wilson---will be used in a hybrid role to play strong in the box and rush the QB.

FS: Rashad Johnson---most improved player right here---has the discipline and reliability Horton wants at that pivotal position.

RCB: A.J. Jefferson---second most improved---has the physical presence and attributes Horton wants in his short corner---if he falters look for Jamell Fleming, cocky and savvy even as a rookie, to step in

Nickel CB/S: William Gay---assumes Marshall's role.

Nickel S: James Sanders---we should see a good deal of him in Horton's hybrid 3 safety schemes.

Give us your starters with your own comments---let's keep things interesting around here!

I like your picks better than mine so will not embarrass my self. I to would pick Skelton but that position is still an open slot. It remains the difference between the playoffs and just watching the playoffs.

 

[Duckjake]

I like your picks better than mine so will not embarrass my self. I to would pick Skelton but that position is still an open slot. It remains the difference between the playoffs and just watching the playoffs.

Just think, the difference in the Giants winning the Super Bowl vs missing the playoffs and the Cards possibly making the playoffs was one blown call by an official.

A game of inches played by Giants.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I think we'll see more of Bradley in nickel packages where he'll continue to be a "Joke" of a linebacker.

Ftfy.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Seriously: Why does Mitch hate Kerry Rhodes so much?

I think that people are underrating how difficult it will be to supplant Paris Lenon from the starting job. Not only did he hold of the highly paid Stewart Bradley in training camp and the preseason, but he was also voted a team captain ahead of Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and Daryl Washington. The coaches and his teammates love Paris Lenon (for some reason).
I think we'll see more of Bradley in nickel packages where he'll be more of a Chike Okeafor "Elephant"/"Joker" linebacker, who will rush the passer as much as he drops back into coverage. But as terrible as he is, it's diffcult to project him into the starting lineup unless we don't bring back Haggans and O'Brien Schofield fails to develop.

If the team brings Haggans back following the first round of offseason minicamps, it'll speak volumes about Bradley's and Schofield's abilities to digest the system a year later.

Probably begins with the fact that they know him (and you don't)

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Seriously: Why does Mitch hate Kerry Rhodes so much?

I think that people are underrating how difficult it will be to supplant Paris Lenon from the starting job. Not only did he hold of the highly paid Stewart Bradley in training camp and the preseason, but he was also voted a team captain ahead of Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and Daryl Washington. The coaches and his teammates love Paris Lenon (for some reason).

I agree with you on Lenon. Very good point.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

I think we'll see more of Bradley in nickel packages where he'll continue to be a "Joke" of a linebacker.

Ftfy.

 

[Dayman]

My changes:

QB Kolb-We didn't pay his roster bonus to have him hold a clipboard.

RB Wells-I love Williams' optimism, but his injury was brutal. It will likely take him some time to work into a rotation, much less start.

RG Kemete-It might seem like a reach to put Senio here, but I think his attitude and maturity will win over the coaching staff. Russ will say he wanted to put his best 5 out there to start, which leads me to...

RT Snyder-Since I'm always skeptical about players with motivation issues who fall in the draft, I don't see Massie running away with the RT job. Instead, Snyder will get the nod, although I don't see that scenario ending well. I think RT will continue to be a problem position all season.


NT Williams-He was playing well before he was injured last year. With reports of him already being at his playing weight, I think Williams locks down the NT position.

SOLB Haggans-I never thought Haggans would be starting five years after he signed here as a 31-year-old veteran, but that's what I see happening. Stewart Bradley couldn't grasp the SILB position for the entire year. I don't see how he'll fare better on the outside, especially with his lack of pass rushing skills. Bradley also isn't very physical for his size, which would be a problem when setting the edge.

WOLB Acho-Ideally, this would be Schofield with Acho on the other side. But I just don't see Schofield as an every down player. According to PFF, Schofield only registered 14 QB pressures on 181 pass rushes, so I'm not even sure if he's an adequate pass rushing specialist. Acho, on the other hand, will be solid anywhere you play him, which is why he slots into the weak-side.

FS Rhodes-All of this Rashad Johnson love is baffling to me. The guy couldn't even stay on the field in obvious passing situations last season. I have no idea why he would be a starter now. He was better as an in-the-box player, but Sanders is much better in this role than Johnson. I still can't get the picture of a 29-year-old Leon Washington breaking Johnson's ankles out of my head. That was just embarrassing.

RCB Gay-Toler is still only at 85% by his own admission, and the moves from this offseason don't show a lot of faith in his ability to lock down a starting job. Gay probably knows the system better than anyone on the team and should make a rather smooth transition into the D. As for AJ, I'm not even sure if he'll make the team with all the CB depth.

NCB/Safety Toler-Fleming will take over before the midway point of the season.

 

[THESMEL]

I wanna Bean you
THE BEAN WILL RULE THE CARDINAL SOUL

Here are mine---let's see yours:

Offense:

QB: John Skelton---his fearlessness in the pocket is the difference.

RB: Ryan Williams---fits the system better than Wells.

FB: Anthony Sherman---will be used in an expanded role in pass pro and safety valve receiver.

LT: Levi Brown---will carry strong momentum over to this season and is a lot better than you think.

LG: Daryn Colledge---solid---good fit.

C: Lyle Sendelin---could have his best year as a pro.

RG: Adam Snyder---commendable FA acquisition as he bolsters the interior.

RT: D'Anthony Batiste---best kept secret this off-season. Had a very good pre-season last year and will turn heads with his performance this year.

TE: Jeff King---best all-around TE on the roster. Heap and Housler will be receiving options.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald---the man on and off the field.

WR: Michael Floyd---gives the team a strong presence opposite Fitzgerald.

Slot WRs: Andre Roberts and Early Doucet---plenty of snaps to go a round for them.

3rd Down RB: Hyphen---expanded role and new contract for him this year.

Defense:

LDE: Darnell Dockett---playmaker poised to reclaim NFC West title.

NT: David Carter---a better athlete than Dan Williams, and has more stamina, but Williams will thrive as the rotation guy.

RDE: Calais Campbell---is his best football yet to come?

SOLB: Stewart Bradley---this is why he was kept and is the right spot for him, with Schofield coming in on passing downs.

SILB: Paris Lenon---continues to lead and deliver.

WILB: Daryl Washington---on his way to the Pro Bowl, if they have one.

WOLB: Sam Acho---picks up right where he left off last year.

LCB: Patrick Peterson---with a year under his belt now he starts making plays on the ball like you wouldn't believe.

SS: Adrian Wilson---will be used in a hybrid role to play strong in the box and rush the QB.

FS: Rashad Johnson---most improved player right here---has the discipline and reliability Horton wants at that pivotal position.

RCB: A.J. Jefferson---second most improved---has the physical presence and attributes Horton wants in his short corner---if he falters look for Jamell Fleming, cocky and savvy even as a rookie, to step in

Nickel CB/S: William Gay---assumes Marshall's role.

Nickel S: James Sanders---we should see a good deal of him in Horton's hybrid 3 safety schemes.

Give us your starters with your own comments---let's keep things interesting around here!

 

[joeshmo]

Rhodes has to prove he can be physical and disciplined. If he responds to the challenge and the coaching, you are right.

I thought he already did that last year when he came back from injury. Played tough, hard, and flew around.

 

[Duckjake]

I thought he already did that last year when he came back from injury. Played tough, hard, and flew around.

Yeah but the defense played better without him. In fact the most points the Cards gave up the last 6 games of the season were in the one game Rhodes played.

Oh wait, we're not talking about Anquan Boldin? Never mind.

 

[BleedRed]

Offense:

QB: Kolb - With a full training camp and off-season I for one actually expect Kevin to have a great year for us. The addition of Floyd will be huge for whoever is playing QB.

RB: Beanie Wells - I'd love for him and Williams to split time here once Williams is healthy.

FB: Anthony Sherman.

LT: Levi Brown

LG: Daryn Colledge

C: Lyle Sendelin

RG: Adam Snyder

RT: Bobby Massie - Comes in as a rookie and solidifies our O-line (fingers crossed on this one)

TE: Todd Heap (I expect Heap to be solid this yr)

WR: Larry Fitzgerald - Nuff said

WR: Michael Floyd - Excited to watch him and Fitz all yr. Will make our QBs alot better too.

Slot WRs: Early Doucet - Hoping to see Early regain that physical yac ability we saw early on.

Defense:

LDE: Darnell Dockett

NT: Dan Williams - Hoping for once the kid seems motivated to be the special player he has the potential to be.

RDE: Calais Campbell

SOLB: OBS I really think Schofield has the potential to be something special.

SILB: Paris Lenon

WILB: Daryl Washington - Pro-Bowler this yr.

WOLB: Sam Acho

LCB: Patrick Peterson - Expect to see Peterson take his coverage skills to a pro-bowl level this yr.

SS: Adrian Wilson

FS: Kerry Rhodes - Thinking we spend our 1st rounder next yr on a his replacement.

RCB: Greg Toler - A solid corner if able to return to form after the injury.

Nickel CB/S: Jemell Fleming - Excited to see this kid with some much talent around him

 

[TJ]

With all due respect, Mitch, I don't understand your reasoning behind benching Rhodes and Wells. Neither of whom did anything to merit being demoted.

You'll see my explanations below, along with others.

Using Mitch's template:

Offense:

QB: Kevin Kolb---While Skelton has that "fearlessness in the pocket" skill that is embellished on this board, he still struggles with accuracy when passing from the pocket and/or when he has his feet set. These are mechanics that are difficult to learn at the professional level. Teaching a quarterback pocket presence is far easier than retraining mechanics.

RB: Beanie Wells---Best RB on the roster and does fit the system. In addition, why would you make a runningback the starter, who is coming off of major knee surgery and has yet to play a meaningful down in the NFL? Williams is a de facto rookie with a major red flag for health. All Beanie did last season was amass 1,000+ yards, 4.5 YPC, and 10 TDs last season, while playing on a bum knee almost all of last season.

FB: Anthony Sherman

LT: Levi Brown---by default. While he had a good 2nd half to last season, it's not his first time. Levi has struggled mightily in the first half of most seasons, right side or left.

LG: Daryn Colledge

C: Lyle Sendelin---Really think he has a chance of becoming a pro bowler this season.

RG: Adam Snyder

RT: Bobby Massie--- Batiste has a better chance of being cut than starting on this team.

TE: Jeff King---but this position is interchangeable with Heap and Housler as excellent options.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald---who?

WR: Michael Floyd---too good not to start

Slot WR: Andre Roberts--- Not sure how many four wide packages we'll see, especially if Ryan Williams is healthy and the team is finally ready to utilize more than one runningback consistently. I envision Housler playing a slot TE position instead.

3rd Down RB: Hyphen

Defense:

LDE: Darnell Dockett

NT: Dan Williams--- Carter is a great fill in, but Williams is a true nose tackle and space stuffer. Carter, although 300 lbs, needs to put on weight to be starter material. As it stands, if he were a starter, centers would push him around.

RDE: Calais Campbell

SOLB: O'Brien Schofield - When the defense began to play better, he was on the field more.

SILB: Paris Lenon---look for Bradley to get significant time here

WILB: Daryl Washington

WOLB: Sam Acho

LCB: Patrick Peterson

SS: Adrian Wilson

FS: Kerry Rhodes---really? Johnson over Rhodes? This is by far the biggest head scratcher of them all. Rhodes was the best defensive player on the team in 2010. He is one of the top free safeties in the NFC. He had a broken foot last season and came back to play out the season. Dude is tough as nails, tackles well, and a leader. What more do you want from him?

RCB: William Gay---AJ's inconsistency, Adam's lack of size, Flemming's lack of experience, and Toler's knee make this the choice by default. Although, I can see many players rotating out of this spot as well as LCB. We are very deep at corner.

 

[Stout]

Probably begins with the fact that they know him (and you don't)

Really? That's what you're going with? Do you even contribute to this board any more, or just snipe and throw little jabs like this now? You were doing the same thing in the thread Rugby has been posting passionately in too. Geeze man, give the antagonism a rest, eh?

 

[Duckjake]

Really? That's what you're going with? Do you even contribute to this board any more, or just snipe and throw little jabs like this now? You were doing the same thing in the thread Rugby has been posting passionately in too. Geeze man, give the antagonism a rest, eh?

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Really? That's what you're going with? Do you even contribute to this board any more, or just snipe and throw little jabs like this now? You were doing the same thing in the thread Rugby has been posting passionately in too. Geeze man, give the antagonism a rest, eh?

K-9 is no Lenon fan and has a hard time accepting that he's valued by the coaches and fellow players. Like Rugby, in the other thread, you missed the context, not unusual.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

 

[Stout]

K-9 is no Lenon fan and has a hard time accepting that he's valued by the coaches and fellow players. Like Rugby, in the other thread, you missed the context, not unusual.

No, I've read the threads completely. Little snipes like you give only detract from anything positive on the board. You're not the only one that's done it, but you've made it a habit lately, and it's all you've done lately.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

No, I've read the threads completely. Little snipes like you give only detract from anything positive on the board. You're not the only one that's done it, but you've made it a habit lately, and it's all you've done lately.

Spare me the sermon and use IGNORE!

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Just think, the difference in the Giants winning the Super Bowl vs missing the playoffs and the Cards possibly making the playoffs was one blown call by an official.

A game of inches played by Giants.

+1.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Like Rugby, in the other thread, you missed the context, not unusual.

You must be registered for see images

I will leave that worm on that hook.

 

[Krangodnzr]

QB: Kevin Kolb. Kolb wins in the preseason. He's more accurate and with less pressure from defenses, either in camp or from preseason matches, he wins out. But I'm not confident that Kolb will be the starter by the end of the year. He has to shake the injury-prone label and learn to handle pressure better.

RB: Beanie Wells. This is a no-brainer; I'm one of the bigger Williams supporters on this board, but Wells proved last year that he can be effective with carries. Williams will be slowly worked back in and will get his share of carries.

FB: Anthony Sherman. Sherman was more than adequate last year and was a standout special teamer.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Andre Roberts/Early Doucett. Fitz and Floyd will be the outside playmakers, with Roberts and Doucett used to exploit different defensive packages. This is the strength of the offense.

TE: Todd Heap. Heap was effective last year when the ball was thrown his way and he wasn't injured. I expect that King will still get lots of PT, and Housler will come in packages designed to exploit his talents as a seambuster. Housler will get more snaps as the season progresses.

OL: Levi Brown, Daryn Colledge, Lyle Sendlein, Adam Snyder, Jeremy Bridges. While this isn't a good Offensive Line, it's an improvement over last years line, with more practice time and a year more of continuity. Massie doesn't play next year; The coaching staff doesn't see him like an everyday starter right now, and Bridges is an adequate player. All three rookies make the roster.

DL: Darnell Dockett, Dan Williams, Calais Campbell. No changes; Dumpster Dan is better as a run down starter than Carter. Carter and Eason are the key backups, rotating at all three positions. Holliday doesn't come back

OLB: Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield. I think the team is going to go with these two, and even though it would be nice to have a strong veteran presence, sometimes football teams have to see what they have. The team would like to bring Haggans back and it would be wise to do so, but I'm not confident that the team will offer him a contract that will make it happen.

ILB: Daryl Washington and Paris Lenon. While many posters on this board dislike Lenon, the coaching staff loves him and he'll be the opening day starter. Bradley burned my faith in him last year and I'm in prove me wrong mode until I see proof that he hasn't been a busted signing. I wouldn't be shocked if Bradley is cut. Sturdivant, Bradley, and Walker will vie for two roster spots.

CB: Patrick Peterson and William Gay. I list these two as starters, but I think we'll see a lot of playing time from AJ Jefferson, Greg Toler, and Jameel Fleming. Mike Adams also makes the roster since he's a stand up special teamer and plays well when called upon.

S: Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes. Wilson had one of his better seasons last year and Rhodes is kind of the forgotten man since he missed so much time with injury. I think the Cardinals keep more DBs than the league average, since we're not set at CB2 and Horton loves trotting out an extra safety/CB tweener in passing situations. Rashad Johnson definitely makes the roster, he played admirably in Rhodes absence. Justin Bethel is the bubble guy here.

Key Camp battles:
QB: I think Skelton has a shot to dislodge Kolb, but Kolb will have to stumble to lose the job.

ILB: Sturdivant, Walker, and Bradley battle for two roster spots. One of the UDFAs could challenge if they show that they can play not only the base defense well, but excel on special teams. Sturdivant is the most likely to be cut, but if he plays well in camp and the preseason, Bradley gets the ax.

CB: Jefferson, Gay, Fleming, and Toler battle for the CB2 job. Jefferson started out the year well last year, but struggled down the stretch. He has talent but he needs to start making plays on the ball. Gay was worse than Jefferson last season, but he shined playing in the nickel earler in his career. Toler has to prove he can come back from his injury, but was the best of the veterans before his injury. Fleming is a long shot to start, but he has year one starting potential.

Safety: Wilson is safe. But I do think there is a legitimate concern for Rhodes; Johnson is younger, and by accounts is a hard worker. From what I've seen Rhodes is more of a playmaker, but Johnson is a more assignment sound player. James Sanders is an insurance policy; if cutting Rhodes doesn't work out, then Sanders can step in and play respectably. Justin Bethel is probably the biggest longshot of the. draft class to make the roster, but the team views him as a future core special teamer while he develops. If he shows that the NFL level isn't too steep a jump in competition and excels on special teams I think he makes it.

 

[Chopper0080]

K-9 is no Lenon fan and has a hard time accepting that he's valued by the coaches and fellow players. Like Rugby, in the other thread, you missed the context, not unusual.

I can understand a player is valued by his coaches and still legitimately argue he is a very poor player. Lenon is limited athletically, and is a below average starter in this league. There are several things he just can't physically do on a football field, and is above 30, so it is unrealistic to believe his skills will improve. I am sure he is valued by the coaching staff because he is an experienced player who they can depend on to understand and play within the defensive scheme. Their valuing him for those reasons does not make him a good starting player. Mike Adams is valued for his special teams play and his contributions in dime packages, but it doesn't mean he is a starting caliber CB.