Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
After a successful bum of the week tour the Cards crashed back to grounded reality this last Sunday. I’m afraid that Thursday will be another bite of the same apple.
Starting with KK, I think we now know how he could have a high power offense and still lose all those games. Game management is usually the last skill ahead coach acquires. He’s not a certain failure at this point, but between the ego calls (flash plays when the base offense is moving the ball) and the lack of red zone impact plays, his success is not assured. I’m bothered by his game plan structure. Most coaches run plays to set up a big hit. It’s not just misdirection plays, things like running short crosses to draw the defense closer to the line and then blowing speed by them seem to be lacking. Every play seems a stand alone event, not part of an overall strategy. It’s one thing to take calculated risks yet another to make a reckless call like Sunday. The Cards may have lost anyway but a tough loss could have boosted morale. His strategy left the team broken. Finally he needs to stop ignoring proven strategies and use his creative plays integrated into a more balanced offense. Everything doesn’t have to be revised. Concepts like establishing the run, overloading a zone and using hot reads to beat blitzes work when properly executed.
Watching the RB situation was yet another example of how bad a GM Keim really is. As soon as DJ was injured a RB should have been added to the practice squad. I can’t remember the last time I saw a team have to put a skill player on the field who didn’t know the plays; a total embarrassment. He should have been fired last year if not earlier. This is the weakest roster Ive seen in many years (not counting tankers like the Fins).
There were a number of posts last week about how the O-line was coming along. It wasn’t. The competition just made it appear it was. They opened no holes on Sunday and frequently left Murray running for his health. This line will have to be totally rebuilt. It likely won’t happen in a year. Yet another example of SK not understanding the game. You don’t leave a huge investment like Murray exposed. He needed security more than weapons. What have the 3 WRs SK chose offered to Murray? You don’t build a house from the top down. I’m okay with the Murray gamble; he’s a talent. Thinking his greatest need were players he could win with was illusionary. Keim always thinks his teams are closer than they are.
Then there was the theory that the secondary would be greatly improved with Peterson back. It wasn’t. It was a little better but most quality NFL teams can scheme against one corner. There’s just too little developed talent. The Thompsons have a chance to be decent. Baker at least showed flashes of coming to play but he was never going to be another TM. Murphy looks decent but like any young corner is vulnerable. This unit has a chance but needs at least the rest of this season and some quality coaching to be effective. At least they won’t take up numerous draft choices for replacement
Jones is an exceptional rusher but he will need help. They need a better anchor centering the D-line who can also collapse the pocket. Hicks is getting better zone drops, but they need more help in the middle.
I think DJ & Edmonds are good enough to win. However, as I noted before I think Edmonds is better as a change of pace and third down back. Split out DJ on third down and use Edmonds as a safety valve. That will create needed matchup problems for defenders.
Don’t write off the 2 active rookie WRs. It usually takes year two before most WRs make an impact. Despite denying it, a productive TE would help.
Special teams look good.
Overall I’d start getting Murray some security but the personnel is just too thin. That’s why I say 2 years before this team competes for the playoffs.
Starting with KK, I think we now know how he could have a high power offense and still lose all those games. Game management is usually the last skill ahead coach acquires. He’s not a certain failure at this point, but between the ego calls (flash plays when the base offense is moving the ball) and the lack of red zone impact plays, his success is not assured. I’m bothered by his game plan structure. Most coaches run plays to set up a big hit. It’s not just misdirection plays, things like running short crosses to draw the defense closer to the line and then blowing speed by them seem to be lacking. Every play seems a stand alone event, not part of an overall strategy. It’s one thing to take calculated risks yet another to make a reckless call like Sunday. The Cards may have lost anyway but a tough loss could have boosted morale. His strategy left the team broken. Finally he needs to stop ignoring proven strategies and use his creative plays integrated into a more balanced offense. Everything doesn’t have to be revised. Concepts like establishing the run, overloading a zone and using hot reads to beat blitzes work when properly executed.
Watching the RB situation was yet another example of how bad a GM Keim really is. As soon as DJ was injured a RB should have been added to the practice squad. I can’t remember the last time I saw a team have to put a skill player on the field who didn’t know the plays; a total embarrassment. He should have been fired last year if not earlier. This is the weakest roster Ive seen in many years (not counting tankers like the Fins).
There were a number of posts last week about how the O-line was coming along. It wasn’t. The competition just made it appear it was. They opened no holes on Sunday and frequently left Murray running for his health. This line will have to be totally rebuilt. It likely won’t happen in a year. Yet another example of SK not understanding the game. You don’t leave a huge investment like Murray exposed. He needed security more than weapons. What have the 3 WRs SK chose offered to Murray? You don’t build a house from the top down. I’m okay with the Murray gamble; he’s a talent. Thinking his greatest need were players he could win with was illusionary. Keim always thinks his teams are closer than they are.
Then there was the theory that the secondary would be greatly improved with Peterson back. It wasn’t. It was a little better but most quality NFL teams can scheme against one corner. There’s just too little developed talent. The Thompsons have a chance to be decent. Baker at least showed flashes of coming to play but he was never going to be another TM. Murphy looks decent but like any young corner is vulnerable. This unit has a chance but needs at least the rest of this season and some quality coaching to be effective. At least they won’t take up numerous draft choices for replacement
Jones is an exceptional rusher but he will need help. They need a better anchor centering the D-line who can also collapse the pocket. Hicks is getting better zone drops, but they need more help in the middle.
I think DJ & Edmonds are good enough to win. However, as I noted before I think Edmonds is better as a change of pace and third down back. Split out DJ on third down and use Edmonds as a safety valve. That will create needed matchup problems for defenders.
Don’t write off the 2 active rookie WRs. It usually takes year two before most WRs make an impact. Despite denying it, a productive TE would help.
Special teams look good.
Overall I’d start getting Murray some security but the personnel is just too thin. That’s why I say 2 years before this team competes for the playoffs.
