Raising Arizona: Prospects for the 2006 Season

[Mitch]

Linebackers

Karlos Dansby is an absolute budding star who possesses first rate physical skills and instincts as both a run chaser and a pass rusher. Injuries slowed him down during the middle of the season...but he finished the year with the same kind of bang that he started it with in New York. Clancy Pendergast understands how to use this young man's talents and there is strong reason to believe that if Dansby can be physically ready to play at a high level throughout the entire season, that he will be heading to his first Pro Bowl this upcoming year. The only aspect of his game that he needs to improve is his ability to take blockers on at the point of attack. He tends to sidestep blockers at times rather than take them head on. If he beats them to the punch this year, we may be looking at the most prolific linebacker to ever don the Cardinal red.

While James Darling would seem to be a little small for the MLB role, he is not small on heart, hustle and finishing ability. The way Darling was flying to the ball these past several weeks...there's no question in my mind that the team is just fine with him in the middle. The only real problem with Darling is that he a slow starter early in the year...but...these past two years he has been an outstanding finisher down the stretch. The challenge for Darling is to start strong this year and keep his momentum going. Pendy allowed Darling to be more aggressive, by sending Darling into the vacated gaps...this was key, because Darling tends to sit back a little too long at times. Hey, smaller MLBers have fared well in this league...look at what Lofa Tatupu has done as a rookie with the Seahawks, for example. It all has to do with how well coached and aggressive the defensive schemes are...and in this manner, Darling is a real asset to this defense.

Gerald Hayes will be give every opportunity to challenge Darling for the starting job at MLB. Hayes has the more proto-typical size and is an aggressive, downhill tackler. He will need to prove that he has the lateral quickness to chase plays all over the field, the way Darling did these past several weeks...and Hayes will need to show that he's relaible in pass coverage. Hayes is blessed with talent...it will be interesting to see what he will do with his talent this year now that he is healthy once again.

Lance Mitchell performed well on special teams, and IMO, was the team's most improved special teams player. Mitchell, like Darling, is a little undersized for a MLB...but he's a quick and fundamental tackler. Mitchell may be a very nice surprise as he grows within the system.

At the other outside LB spot, Orlando Huff was inconsistent. The only aspect of his game he was consistent in was trash talking. Huff is an aggressive player...but he's not particularly instinctive which causes him to be step or two too slow to get to the ball on time. Unless this changes, Huff may not see much of the field next year...because on his tail is last year's third round draft pick, Daryl Blackstock. Blackstock played well in his cameo appearances...and showed a real knack for pass rushing. He will need to become more physical at the point of attack...but this kid is a sure tackler and his instincts look pretty solid.

I have a sneaking supsicion that Dennis Green is going to add a big name LBer to this group...at first I was thinking Lavar Arrington...because when DG applied for the Redskins' job two years ago, Arrington was very vocal about his desire to play for Green. While I still think Arrington might be the one...a new name has entered the picture: Julian Peterson. Yeah, Peterson did not have a big year in SF this past year, but...he clearly wanted out of SF and there's no reason why he can't return to his old form, providing he continues to regain his strength. Could you imagine a healthy Julian Peterson on this defense? Wow!

It wouldn't surprise me either if Green winds up drafting DeMeco Ryans or Chad Greenway at #10. If he think one of these guys is the best player on the board, he may not hesitate. This will only happen if Green doesn't sign a free agent LB before the draft...and, obviously, if the other players Green has rated ahead of Ryans or Greenway (like Jimmy Williams perhaps)are taken.

 

[Mitch]

Secondary

The drafting of Antrell Rolle and Eric Green was a fortuitous bounce for the future of the Cardinals' secondary. Rolle is already the most physical corner the Cardinals have ever had, especially in run support. He needs to work hard this off-season to shorten up his cushion in coverage, and learn proper positioning, passing angles and excelleration out of his turns. He doesn not possess great recovery speed, so an emphasis on these funamentals is key. What's great about his brief return at the end of the season is that he was able to get a real sweet taste of the big play, which will further motivate this already highly motivated player to be special.

Eric Green was more physical in run support than advertised, which was a very pleasant surprise. Green does have good recovery speed, but, like Rolle, needs to shadow his man more closely in the open field. Green too has the knack for the big play and has the innate sense of suddenness to break on the ball at the right time. When he becomes more consistent in coverage, he may move right past David Macklin at starting RCB. In the meantime, he's a very good nickel corner who can play inside on the slot or outside on the perimeter.

David Macklin's play this year was a major disappointment. Last year he was showing a real nose of the ball...yet, unexplicably this year he seemed intent on turning his back into his WR's route so as to slow the WR down, but in the process lost complete sight of the football on a regular basis. Macklin plays hard...he never dogs it...but he's got to start to get back to seeing the football so he can break plays up and snag timely interceptions. He has also got to work on defending the quick hitch...as he was beaten badly several times up the sideline when he ran out of control at the WR. In run support, Macklin remains solid.

Lamont Reid was a very pleasant UCFA surprise...man, do the Cardinals do their homework on UCFAs, or what?!! Reid positions himself very well in coverage...reminds me a little of Renaldo Hill in this fashion. He's smart and fundamentally sound, which compensates for his average physical skills. In time he will make quicker breaks on the ball and develop a greater anticipation...but the fact that he is so sound fundamentally at this point in his career bodes well for his future with the organization.

At strong safety...Adrian Wilson has developed into a monster player and has become one of the most hellacious blitzers in the game. Credit Clancy Pendergast for moving Wilson into the box and giving him specific tasks to take full advantage of his strengths. Had Wilson not gone into a two or three game lull during the middle of the season, he may have been invited to the Pro Bowl this year. Had his late season highlights been spread more evenly throughout the year, he would likely have garnered enough votes. Where Wilson struggles...is in zone pass coverage...which CP can take care of if he asks Wilson to cover the flat instead of a deep third. Wilson gets caught flat footed in space and struggles when he is asked to use peripheral vision...which is why when the coaches ask him to do a specific thing he can focus his eyes on, he's outstanding at it. If CP uses more man coverage next year, that will be fine for Wilson because he can cover most of the TEs in this league...and even blanket them.

The rest of the Cardinal safeties are really all strong safeties as well. It still remains a head scratcher as to why Dennis Green thought Robert Griffith could play free safety. Griffith did practically the best he could...and came on much stronger in run support as the season progressed, but was a liability in pass coverage because of his lack of range and anticipation. Griffith is a physical player...but he's a strong safety and always will be. He has another year on his contract and should continue to provide a veteran presence, but really needs to be used in a more specific and limited role.

Quentin Harris is a physcial player who works hard and contributes to special teams. Harris has pretty decent instincts, but as a free safety he lacks range. Aaron Francisco got some playing time in the last couple of games...and contributed on special teams...but, he too seems more ideally suited to play strong safety...as does physical juggernaut Ernest Shazor, who got a good long look at the NFL from the sidelines this year...and if he grabs onto Adrian Wilson's shirt-tail and starts applying his energies to being an impact player, who knows?

It would not be surprising at all if Dennis Green tabs Jimmy Williams of Virginia Tech or Michael Huff of Texas at #10 in this year's draft. In fact, it would be wise to add two ballhawking centerfielders this off-season...not just one...especially for the cover 2.

 

[kerouac9]

There is no bigger sucker for the "big name" player on this board than Mitch. When he's not jocking CFL talent like Raynoch Thompson, he's pimping overrated guys like Lavar Arrington, a player that's been a walking attitude problem in Washington for the past three years.

 

[TheCardFan]

PREDICTION: Green will keep LD at LT...he will sign a free agent guard...Leckey and Brown will start at C and RG...he will start with Ross at RT...but a RT may be added during the first day of the draft, perhaps Alex Stenovich of Michigan in round three.

There is no freakin way they go into next year with only 1 new starter on the oline!

IMO, LD is a lock to start. Leckey should be the starter at C and if Brown can get in better shape and stronger, he could very well be the starter at RG for many years. However, at this point, LG, RG, and RT are positions needing serious upgrading and we still need depth. I can't see how you let Ross stay in AZ. He flat out sucked all year. I would like to see a new RT and LG at the very least, with competition at C and RG.

 

[Mitch]

There is no bigger sucker for the "big name" player on this board than Mitch. When he's not jocking CFL talent like Raynoch Thompson, he's pimping overrated guys like Lavar Arrington, a player that's been a walking attitude problem in Washington for the past three years.

Yeah, I liked Raynoch Thompson a lot coming out of college. I figured, like the Cardinals did, that he would gain stength and size as a pro...but he maxed out at 225 pounds, for whatever the reason...and thus couldn't take the physical pounding for a player who would try to lay the wood on people...and give Noch Noch credit for that...he stuck his nose in there.

Have a little more insight regarding Lavar Arrington, K9...Arrington is not necessarily my choice...but you have to understand Dennis Green: (A) he loves players who BUY into his system..which really means players who BUY into him; (B) he believes he can turn players' careers around.

The LB I would love to see the Cardinals snag is Julian Peterson. Yeah, he had a down year and there is concern about his rehab...but...he's still very young and if he ever returns to form, he's one of the most outstanding all-around LBers in the NFL...in all three ways: run support, blitzing and pass coverage.

 

[Mitch]

There is no freakin way they go into next year with only 1 new starter on the oline!

IMO, LD is a lock to start. Leckey should be the starter at C and if Brown can get in better shape and stronger, he could very well be the starter at RG for many years. However, at this point, LG, RG, and RT are positions needing serious upgrading and we still need depth. I can't see how you let Ross stay in AZ. He flat out sucked all year. I would like to see a new RT and LG at the very least, with competition at C and RG.

I would like to agree with you CardFan...but...Green only added one new starter to last year's pitiful line: T Oliver Ross in place of L.J. Shelton.

Green likes LD at LT...that's a done deal.

He will likely add a free agent LG.

Leckey is now the starting center and deserves to be, IMO.

Green drafted Elton Brown for a reason and has even said that Brown made good strides this year. In all likelihood Brown will be the starting RG...and with a new o-line coach, Browm may be the answer.

Then there's Oliver Ross...who Green will make his pet project this off-season. Green has to much pride and money tied up into Ross to let Ross dis him another year.

For whatever reason Green hated L.J. Shelton from Day 1...he thought Shelton symbolized McGinnis' Cardinals and had to go...well, guess what...Green's prize recruit to take Shelton's spot made L.J. Shelton look a heckuva lot better...which, by the way, he is...L.J. Shelton is a far better NFL tackle than Oliver Ross...and always will be.

 

[Mitch]

Special Teams

Just as the Cardinals have a dynamic duo in Fitz and Q...they have a dynamic duo in Neil Rackers and Scott Player. Rackers is extraordinary and it will be great to get him back healthy to where he's knocking kickoffs over the goalline. Player is about as solid a punter as you will find...he's not spectacular, but he's steady, and he's improved all aspects of his punting, especially his pooch punts. In addition, Player is an exceptional holder for Rackers.

Nathan Hodel is on the money with his snaps 99% of the time...and would have been 100% had he not recently made an uncharacteristically high snap on an extra point. What's great about Hodel too is that he takes such pride in his coverage ability and is often downfield as quickly as he can get. Haven't seen hi make too many tackles, but the effort's there.

The coverage teams were poor this year...with a new special team's coordinator and an influx of youth and the ever-increasing depth of the team, the Cardinals should be much stronger in this area next year.

If PR/WR/DB Will Blackmon from Boston College is on the board at #40 in the second round...he will be a tempting choice for Dennis Green. If Denny can sign the top need free agents prior to the draft, then he will have the luxury of being able to snag players like Blackmon. In any case, the team needs a return specialist...one who could ignite the return units and give the team a real spark when the momentum of a game needs to be swayed. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Patriots select Blackmon late in the first round...they love speedy versatile players in the Troy Brown mold.

 

[joeshmo]

David Macklin's play this year was a major disappointment. Last year he was showing a real nose of the ball...yet, unexplicably this year he seemed intent on turning his back into his WR's route so as to slow the WR down, but in the process lost complete sight of the football on a regular basis. Macklin plays hard...he never dogs it...but he's got to start to get back to seeing the football so he can break plays up and snag timely interceptions. He has also got to work on defending the quick hitch...as he was beaten badly several times up the sideline when he ran out of control at the WR. In run support, Macklin remains solid.

Sorry Mitch but you are completely wrong on this, in so many ways. First Macklin has got to be the most underappreciated and overlooked player on this team.

First of all he does break up a lot of plays, out of all DB's, that includes safeties and CB's he ranks 13th in the league in passes defensed with 17, 2 more then last year of which he was top 15 as well. He does have 2 less INT's though. He also gave up fewer TD's this year compared to last, same goes for 20+ yard pass plays. And thats all with less of a pass rush this year compared to last.

Macklin is much better then you or a lot of others give him credit for.

 

[Mitch]

Sorry Mitch but you are completely wrong on this, in so many ways. First Macklin has got to be the most underappreciated and overlooked player on this team.

First of all he does break up a lot of plays, out of all DB's, that includes safeties and CB's he ranks 13th in the league in passes defensed with 17, 2 more then last year of which he was top 15 as well. He does have 2 less INT's though. He also gave up fewer TD's this year compared to last, same goes for 20+ yard pass plays. And thats all with less of a pass rush this year compared to last.

Macklin is much better then you or a lot of others give him credit for.

Good stats on Macklin, Joe. Thanks...but...let's face it he was picked on a lot more this year, because other teams were seeing his flaws on tape. Do you have a stat as to how many catches were made by his man? And what about the hitch plays? Man, he was a sitting duck most of the year on those.

Don't get me wrong. I like Macklin and was very happy with his performance last year...and if he plays better technique next year I will have no problem with him.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Well, we all know that this is the area of the football team that needs the greatest attention in the off-season. The question is: what changes will be made.

The one player who would seem like a lock to start where he currently is...C Nick Leckey. Smart, fundamental and competitive, Leckey did a wonderful job of solidifying the center position when he was inserted into the starting lineup.

Big Leonard...we are all too familiar with the LT-LG debate...Davis performed reasonably well at LT this season, save his penchant for forgetting the snap count. Yet, did Davis really dominate his position? Not in the running game, primarily because he was out-quicked by DEs who wouldn't let Leonard engage them at the line of scrimmage. As a pass protector Davis played well...consistently well. Kudos there, #75.

The other question is: what kind of a leader is Davis? The answer seems to be that he is not much of a leader. As the premier player and most highly paid performer on the line, shouldn't he be the leader of the unit?

Davis has the girth and strength to block ANY defensive lineman in the NFL. The Cardinal's primary problem was their guards could not block the average to better than average DTs they faced...which made Davis playing at tackle all the more tantalizing. When the Cardinals find themselves unable at guard to block good DTs...Leonard Davis becomes more valuable at guard, because he can.

On the other side, Oliver Ross, struggled whether he was healthy or not. He lacks good feet and does what o-linemen are taught not to do: lunge. It will be interesting to see what the team will do with Ross. Will they hope he rebounds? Will they release him and swallow his signing bonus? Will they shift him to guard? Hard to figure at this point. Green will probably stick with Ross as his RT. That may be a huge mistake.

Elton Brown has the biggest upside of any of the Cardinal guards...he's young and strong, but is susceptible to getting beat by rip and swim moves from quick DTs. Brown has pretty good feet, but loses his base (balance) too readily...which he is likely to improve during the off-season.

Fred Wakefield proved to be a serviceable and valuable backup. He's a lunch pail worker and an aggressive player...but his size and body frame are not ideally suited for playing the o-line...one sees this when Wakefield tries to gain leverage in the running game...he's mostly all arms, which is easy to counter.

Alex Stepanovich will need to try to crack the starting lineup at guard or right tackle. Step is strong and has solid technique...he understands leverage and can establish it when he beats his man off the ball properly and keeps his feet moving. He may be a forgotten man right now with Leckey moving ahead of him at center, but he may surprise next year...and maybe at right tackle if Ross continues to struggle.

Reggie Wells' best chance of being a starter in the NFL are at Center and right tackle...where he can use his agility and good footwork to his advantage. This kisd is smart too.

Adam Haayer and Jeremy Bridges worked hard as spot starters...but lack the strength and technique to get the job done in the running game. Both have some pass blocking ability. Yet, this team needs guards who can spring the run. not stifle it.

PREDICTION: Green will keep LD at LT...he will sign a free agent guard...Leckey and Brown will start at C and RG...he will start with Ross at RT...but a RT may be added during the first day of the draft, perhaps Alex Stenovich of Michigan in round three.

BEST MOVE? Depends on who the free agent guard is. If he's good and Brown is a year stronger and savvier, yes...assuming Ross works hard to prove the naysayers wrong.

MY OPINION? If it were up to me I would move Leonard Davis to LG, sign two free agent o-linemen, preferrably LT Jeff Backus and RG LeCharles Bentley. Then I would draft one of the good tackles in this year's draft on the first day...in case Ross doesn't improve. I also have a sneaking suspicion that Stepanovich and Wells may be better at RT than we think.

I like your plan on the offensive line

 

[CardLogic]

pimping overrated guys like Lavar Arrington, a player that's been a walking attitude problem in Washington for the past three years.

An admitted PSU homer, I basically agree with your statement here regarding Levar Arrington. He has been very disappointing for the Redskins.

But it is hard to figure out, aside from some injury issues, why Arrington has underperformed. Is it just Arrington's problem attitude, or are there really some basic issues with the Washington organization? The Redskins, extremely talented personnel-wise, have been consistently dissappointing and under-performing ever since Mr. Snyder became owner.

If Arrington plays up to his potential he could be the most dominating LB in the NFL. I wouldn't mind seeing Green bring it out of him.

Walter, I appreciate the work that you have put into the positional analysis given in this thread. Nice job!

 

[joeshmo]

ONe of the biggest problems that Washington has with Arrington is that he doesnt play within the scheme or the play called. He free lances way to often and becuase of that he is usually out of place compared to his teammates placements and it cuases for a hole to be open or for a break in the zone to appear when you have only 10 guys in the place where they should be.

If he plays within Pendys system I have no doubt he would be a monster here, but he hasnt shown he can actually do that so he is a big question mark for us right now.