azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Outlook hazy on ability of new backfield
Odeen Domingo
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
First in a series looking at Cardinals positions heading to training camp, which opens Aug. 1. Today: offensive backfield.
Depending on whom you ask, the backfield is either solid or a mess.
Starting quarterback Kurt Warner has shown he can play close to an elite level when given time in the pocket. But when that time decreases, his decision-making and accuracy stray. His leadership skills are unquestioned, but he has yet to show great zip on the ball since joining the Cardinals.
Josh McCown led the team within a game of .500 after nine games last season before suddenly being benched. His arm may never be as accurate and his trophy shelf may never be as full as Warner's, but he's smart and mobile.
If a strong arm and a statuesque frame were all you needed in today's NFL, John Navarre would be winning Super Bowls. Navarre needs more experience on top of more experience, plus an offensive line that is built like the Great Wall.
Free-agent rookie quarterback Tim Chang is vying for a practice-squad spot.
All indications point to rookie J.J. Arrington starting in coach Dennis Green's one-back, three-receiver set. Arrington has great speed, shiftiness and hands. He's short (5 foot 9) but stocky (214 pounds). He has speed running to the outside, but can he take the pounding running inside as an every-down back for 16 games?
That's where Marcel Shipp comes in. Shipp has the experience and the proven desire to ground out yards inside. Training camp will show whether he's 100 percent recovered from major knee and ankle injuries.
Unless Troy Hambrick shows up at Flagstaff with a rock-hard body and 4.3 speed, his voluntary camp no-shows bode well for the other four backs who are trying to earn a roster spot.
The fullback position won't be used much, but Obafemi Ayanbadejo's versatility gives him the edge over James Hodgins for any playing time.
Impact player
Arrington. The rookie is a threat at the receiving end of a handoff and a pass. Rookie running backs adapt to the NFL easier than any other position. Without a proven pass-catching tight end, Arrington will become Warner's safety net on dump-off passes.
Keep an eye on
McCown. If the offensive line doesn't improve, Warner will be knocked around. Green won't hesitate to promote McCown, an experienced quarterback who can move his feet and escape trouble. McCown's ongoing development may be as important as Warner's possible resurgence.
Monday: receivers.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0724cardsbackfield0724.html
Odeen Domingo
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
First in a series looking at Cardinals positions heading to training camp, which opens Aug. 1. Today: offensive backfield.
Depending on whom you ask, the backfield is either solid or a mess.
Starting quarterback Kurt Warner has shown he can play close to an elite level when given time in the pocket. But when that time decreases, his decision-making and accuracy stray. His leadership skills are unquestioned, but he has yet to show great zip on the ball since joining the Cardinals.
Josh McCown led the team within a game of .500 after nine games last season before suddenly being benched. His arm may never be as accurate and his trophy shelf may never be as full as Warner's, but he's smart and mobile.
If a strong arm and a statuesque frame were all you needed in today's NFL, John Navarre would be winning Super Bowls. Navarre needs more experience on top of more experience, plus an offensive line that is built like the Great Wall.
Free-agent rookie quarterback Tim Chang is vying for a practice-squad spot.
All indications point to rookie J.J. Arrington starting in coach Dennis Green's one-back, three-receiver set. Arrington has great speed, shiftiness and hands. He's short (5 foot 9) but stocky (214 pounds). He has speed running to the outside, but can he take the pounding running inside as an every-down back for 16 games?
That's where Marcel Shipp comes in. Shipp has the experience and the proven desire to ground out yards inside. Training camp will show whether he's 100 percent recovered from major knee and ankle injuries.
Unless Troy Hambrick shows up at Flagstaff with a rock-hard body and 4.3 speed, his voluntary camp no-shows bode well for the other four backs who are trying to earn a roster spot.
The fullback position won't be used much, but Obafemi Ayanbadejo's versatility gives him the edge over James Hodgins for any playing time.
Impact player
Arrington. The rookie is a threat at the receiving end of a handoff and a pass. Rookie running backs adapt to the NFL easier than any other position. Without a proven pass-catching tight end, Arrington will become Warner's safety net on dump-off passes.
Keep an eye on
McCown. If the offensive line doesn't improve, Warner will be knocked around. Green won't hesitate to promote McCown, an experienced quarterback who can move his feet and escape trouble. McCown's ongoing development may be as important as Warner's possible resurgence.
Monday: receivers.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0724cardsbackfield0724.html
I wouldn't be surprised if something strange happened this year and he was benched a game or two...
