Predictions: Starters on Offense and Defense

[Krangodnzr]

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.

But for Adams that means he's likely to stick. As for Lenon, he doesn't have to be good, but if he's better than everyone else he'll stick. From what we've seen, that's been the case the past two seasons.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

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.

You or others may argue that Lenon is a 'very poor player', but it remains that he's a guy who has shown up at a dozen camps and beat out a host of perhaps more gifted. This makes him a 'pros - pro' and why he's respected by coaches and teammates.

 

[PDXChris]

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.

Best one I have read so far.

 

[Duckjake]

But for Adams that means he's likely to stick. As for Lenon, he doesn't have to be good, but if he's better than everyone else he'll stick. From what we've seen, that's been the case the past two seasons.

I have a feeling that Fleming is going to replace Adams. Fleming brings the same special teams attributes but is 4 inches taller.

As for Lenon people talked about Ron McKinnon the same way. A highly respected and valued player who was nothing but mediocre. Lenon is almost as old as Wrong Gap Ronnie and Mckinnon hasn't played since 2005.

 

[Bobcat]

QB: Kolb. Wont matter how anyone preforms in the preseason. They didnt give Kolb another pile of cash this offseason only to bench him over some preseason suckage. Kolb's starter status is guaranteed until injury or the crowd boos him off the field... my money is week 6.

So soon you forget about the Money Matt was paid...??? Skelton is our man.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I have a feeling that Fleming is going to replace Adams. Fleming brings the same special teams attributes but is 4 inches taller.

As for Lenon people talked about Ron McKinnon the same way. A highly respected and valued player who was nothing but mediocre. Lenon is almost as old as Wrong Gap Ronnie and Mckinnon hasn't played since 2005.

Good point on Fleming, but I'll never bet against Money Mike.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

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

I really liked what Holliday did for us last year. The energy, knowing where to be on every play and was setting a good example for the others. A true veteran. It may be a numbers game though and he would be the odd man out.

 

[kerouac9]

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.

I actually think we'll see Floyd at least early in the season in the same role we saw Stephen Williams in a couple years ago. His game doesn't fit into the slot, and I don't think he can be depended upon to master the entire playbook for the season-opener. I think he'll find his way into the "Y" position in four-WR packages over the first third of the season, and then three-WR packages until he gets the whole thing down. The Cards have to get out to a fast start, and they need someone dependable to be out there on second-and-fourteen after Kolb takes another needless sack.

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.

Not sure what games you were watching. Heap was indistinguishable from Jeff King or Jim Dray pretty much the entire year. He's making some three-times the veteran minimum for below-average play. He'll have an honorary starting position, but he'll quickly be pulled for King. Just like he was last year.

Heap is a 30% change not to make it through camp, IMO.

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.

Totally agree. If the NFL thought Bobbie Massie was a day-one starter, he wouldn't have lasted until the middle of the 4th round. He'll compete for the job, and maybe he'll take it by mid-year. But this team has to get out to a hot start if Whis isn't going to find himself on a hot seat.

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.

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.

Not sure where you're getting your information on Rashard Johnson, unless you're still reading 2009 draft guides. Johnson was a lazy, disinterested player as a rookie, which is why the team had to trade for Rhodes and his outsized salary.

Johnson couldn't even keep the starting job once Rhodes got injured, and forced the team to put A.J. Jefferson in meaningful starting roles because Richard Marshall had to play the safety position in base defenses.

Johnson's contract is guaranteed on the RFA tender, but I don't think the Cards would've minded at all if some team had signed him to an offer sheet. I expect him to not return next year if Bethel shows anything at all from his seat on the practice squad.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I actually think we'll see Floyd at least early in the season in the same role we saw Stephen Williams in a couple years ago. His game doesn't fit into the slot, and I don't think he can be depended upon to master the entire playbook for the season-opener. I think he'll find his way into the "Y" position in four-WR packages over the first third of the season, and then three-WR packages until he gets the whole thing down. The Cards have to get out to a fast start, and they need someone dependable to be out there on second-and-fourteen after Kolb takes another needless sack.

Good call, but like we saw last year with Roberts being the nominal starter, I think the use of Floyd, Doucett, and Roberts will be very much situation dependent.

Not sure what games you were watching. Heap was indistinguishable from Jeff King or Jim Dray pretty much the entire year. He's making some three-times the veteran minimum for below-average play. He'll have an honorary starting position, but he'll quickly be pulled for King. Just like he was last year.

Heap is a 30% change not to make it through camp, IMO.

Disagree again; King played all 16 games with 27 receptions, 271 yards, 10 ypc, and 3 TDs. Heap played in 9 games (a few he barely played due to his injury) with 24 receptions, 283 yards, 11.8 ypa, and 1 TD. Heap was more productive, and he also had more catches in the seems of the defense, which is where we need TEs to catch passes. And Heap was also a better blocker too in my opinion.

Is Heap a great starting TE? No he's not, but he's still the most (barring injury of course) complete TE on the roster.

Not sure where you're getting your information on Rashard Johnson, unless you're still reading 2009 draft guides. Johnson was a lazy, disinterested player as a rookie, which is why the team had to trade for Rhodes and his outsized salary.

Source on Johnson being lazy? I've never read that anywhere. Did he clearly struggle? Sure, but Johnson slowly has become a dependable defender. Rhodes salary outsized? Outsized for 1995, sure. Rhodes has a very reasonable salary.

Johnson couldn't even keep the starting job once Rhodes got injured, and forced the team to put A.J. Jefferson in meaningful starting roles because Richard Marshall had to play the safety position in base defenses.

Johnson's contract is guaranteed on the RFA tender, but I don't think the Cards would've minded at all if some team had signed him to an offer sheet. I expect him to not return next year if Bethel shows anything at all from his seat on the practice squad.

We'll have to agree to disagree here; Johnson was a steady performer in my opinion. The one problem with Johnson and one he'll have to remedy this year, is that he doesn't make plays. 1 FR in 9 starts? It's definitely "put up, or shut up" time for Johnson.

 

[kerouac9]

Source on Johnson being lazy? I've never read that anywhere. Did he clearly struggle? Sure, but Johnson slowly has become a dependable defender. Rhodes salary outsized? Outsized for 1995, sure. Rhodes has a very reasonable salary.



We'll have to agree to disagree here; Johnson was a steady performer in my opinion. The one problem with Johnson and one he'll have to remedy this year, is that he doesn't make plays. 1 FR in 9 starts? It's definitely "put up, or shut up" time for Johnson.

Bob Kemp has said it mutiple times on the radio, and Bickley has echoed that idea. If you think that the coaches are happy with Rashard Johnson's development, why do you think we brought in a ton of defensive backs this offseason? Because we're so excited to see Johnson take on a greater role?

Do you think that a team is happy investing a 3rd round pick on a 4th safety? Rashard Johnson wasn't good enough last year to even be the third safety. He was so bad that the coaching staff was more eager to start a cornerback who had never played in the defense and had never played safety in his career, rather than start Rashard Johnson.

Richard Marshall was the defensive MVP last season because he kept Rashard Johnson on the bench where he couldn't make anyone else look bad.

 

[Phrazbit]

So soon you forget about the Money Matt was paid...??? Skelton is our man.

Leinart made a fraction of what Kolb is slated to earn AND Leinart was not Ken's boy... Kolb is.

There will be no legitimate QB competition until the season starts. We will hear the coaches blab about everyone earning their spots but it wont matter what happens in the preseason. Kolb is their pick.

But like I said; expect Kolb to get injured or booed off the field by week 6.

 

[seesred]

3 big ? marks

QB
RT
Cb #2

This is where the important races wil be run as far is who will be the man on the field.

My best guess

Skelton..Massse..Toler if healthy, if not the 3rd rounder.

GBR
40

 

[redheat]

QB:Kolb
HB:Wells
TE:Heap
WR: Fitz/Floyd
OT:Brown/Bridges
OG:College/Snyder
C:Sendlein

DE:Campbell/Dockett
NT:Williams
OLB:Haggans/Acho
MLB:Washington/Lenon
CB: Peterson/Toler
S:Rhodes/Wilson

 

[Chopper0080]

You or others may argue that Lenon is a 'very poor player', but it remains that he's a guy who has shown up at a dozen camps and beat out a host of perhaps more gifted. This makes him a 'pros - pro' and why he's respected by coaches and teammates.

Who has he beat out? Reggie Walker? Injury prone and overpaid Stewart Bradley who couldn't learn the system? An injured Gerald Hayes? PS Quan Studivant?

Similar to Brandon Keith, just because a player is starting on your team and the coaches express their "confidence" in him, doesn't mean he is a starting caliber player. Especially when the team has not brought in a legitimate and quality replacement.

The Cardinals did not sign Stewart Bradley last year to sit behind Paris Lenon, and Paris Lenon did not beat out Stewart Bradley, Stewart Bradley beat out Stewart Bradley.

 

[juza76]

QB:Kolb
HB:Wells
TE:Heap
WR: Fitz/Floyd
OT:Brown/Bridges
OG:College/Snyder
C:Sendlein

DE:Campbell/Dockett
NT:Williams
OLB:Haggans/Acho
MLB:Washington/Lenon
CB: Peterson/Toler
S:Rhodes/Wilson

top 5 pick next year

 

[Krangodnzr]

Bob Kemp has said it mutiple times on the radio, and Bickley has echoed that idea. If you think that the coaches are happy with Rashard Johnson's development, why do you think we brought in a ton of defensive backs this offseason? Because we're so excited to see Johnson take on a greater role?

Do you think that a team is happy investing a 3rd round pick on a 4th safety? Rashard Johnson wasn't good enough last year to even be the third safety. He was so bad that the coaching staff was more eager to start a cornerback who had never played in the defense and had never played safety in his career, rather than start Rashard Johnson.

Richard Marshall was the defensive MVP last season because he kept Rashard Johnson on the bench where he couldn't make anyone else look bad.

He's a serviceable player, nothing more, nothing less. And all this talk of Johnson being on the bench....how is it that Johnson started nine games?

Bob Kemp is as much an insider as you or I are. Do I think Johnson has developed like anticipated? Most certainly not, but look at how long it took Adrian to play well. By the time that Wilson was a good player he was in his 4th year or so.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Who has he beat out? Reggie Walker? Injury prone and overpaid Stewart Bradley who couldn't learn the system? An injured Gerald Hayes? PS Quan Studivant?

Similar to Brandon Keith, just because a player is starting on your team and the coaches express their "confidence" in him, doesn't mean he is a starting caliber player. Especially when the team has not brought in a legitimate and quality replacement.

The Cardinals did not sign Stewart Bradley last year to sit behind Paris Lenon, and Paris Lenon did not beat out Stewart Bradley, Stewart Bradley beat out Stewart Bradley.

My point was that he made it through a dozen camps and has impressed enough to be named a captain. That's legitimate in the eyes that count: coaches who decide who is or is not on the team, on the field - and the guys in the dressing room.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

top 5 pick next year

Right. We have a full training camp; players returned to health; improvements through FA and the draft and we are going to drop 8/10 spots in the draft. Good month of May call.

 

[Krangodnzr]

My early prediction before camp is 9-7. I think we're better than Seattle and the Rams, and the Niners won't continue their ridiculous turnover advantage.

I don't think we improved the roster that much, but I think we're not worse and that's good enough for us to win 2 more games. Look at last season: if we win the Giants game and the Redskins game we win 9 ball games. It's not too hard to think that with a full camp and the further development of our younger talent (Peterson, Washington, Dan Williams, Housler, etc.) that we turn a winning record this year.

IMO it will shake out like this in the NFC West:

SF 10-6
AZ 9-7
SEA 6-10 (Will Carroll be canned if this is the case?)
STL 4-12 (Still awful, Bradford isn't a franchise QB)

 

[Stout]

Spare me the sermon and use IGNORE!

I don't wish to do that because, while you and I often disagreed, you used to have posts of substance and actual opinion. They've just not been that way recently is all.

You or others may argue that Lenon is a 'very poor player', but it remains that he's a guy who has shown up at a dozen camps and beat out a host of perhaps more gifted. This makes him a 'pros - pro' and why he's respected by coaches and teammates.

See, that's a post with an actual opinion that doesn't just throw a blanket of negativity on someone without offering your own opinion. That's why I don't want to ignore you.

 

[az1965]

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

Offense:

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


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.

Defense:

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

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

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

RB: Wells -- No way Whiz starts an unproven RB for a position where we have a proven vet.

RT: Massie -- Unlike RB, I believe Massie will be started just because we don't have any other option. We will be in big **** if Massie turns out to be a bust.

TE: Heap -- If healthy, he will start.

NT: Williams -- Carter will start only if Williams comes into camp way overweight.

SOLB: Schofield -- Bradley? Really? A guy who was completely lost last season at his position (ILB). Now you expect him to start at a new position?

FS: Rhodes -- Better playmaker. Rashad still has to prove a lot.

RCB: Toler -- AJ Jefferson should not even be on the team. Other possibility is Gay if Toler shows tentativeness during training camp.


Rest I agree...

QB: Skelton -- I hope so...

 

[az1965]

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.

Not by much...

 

[az1965]

My early prediction before camp is 9-7. I think we're better than Seattle and the Rams, and the Niners won't continue their ridiculous turnover advantage.

I don't think we improved the roster that much, but I think we're not worse and that's good enough for us to win 2 more games. Look at last season: if we win the Giants game and the Redskins game we win 9 ball games. It's not too hard to think that with a full camp and the further development of our younger talent (Peterson, Washington, Dan Williams, Housler, etc.) that we turn a winning record this year.

IMO it will shake out like this in the NFC West:

SF 10-6
AZ 9-7
SEA 6-10 (Will Carroll be canned if this is the case?)
STL 4-12 (Still awful, Bradford isn't a franchise QB)

LOL... we were 8-8 last year. If we win Giants and Redskins game we are 10-6 and in the playoffs as wild card. We change history since Giants don't make the playoffs and hence not win super bowl. LOL!!!

 

[TJ]

IMO it will shake out like this in the NFC West:

SF 10-6
AZ 9-7
SEA 6-10 (Will Carroll be canned if this is the case?)
STL 4-12 (Still awful, Bradford isn't a franchise QB)

Not sure how SF loses three more games than last season, except for maybe the increase in difficulty of competition for this upcoming season.

IMO, SF got better not just by adding significant pieces on offense, but keeping all 11 starters from arguably the best defense in the league. Compound that with having one of the better coaches in the league and you have a very solid 11-13 win team next season.

I do think; however, that if the coaches ask Alex Smith to do more than preserve the game next season, he will struggle. Throwing only 5 INTs in one season for a QB of Smith's caliber shows he was playing conservative in 2011. Harbaugh is better served just letting the run game take over the offense again and simply asking Smith not to screw it up.

 

[Duckjake]

LOL... we were 8-8 last year. If we win Giants and Redskins game we are 10-6 and in the playoffs as wild card. We change history since Giants don't make the playoffs and hence not win super bowl. LOL!!!

I've posted similar stuff several times. There were 4 more games we should have won last season. We could have been 12-4. On the other hand if we lose the 4 OT games we'd have been 4-12. That's our Cardinals nothing is ever normal with them. That is also what makes it really hard to predict what is going to happen this, or any other season.