Receivers not worried about letdown with Leinart
By Darren Urban, Tribune
October 7, 2006
A rookie quarterback usually means a dip in the passing game, which could make the next few games rough on Cardinals receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
But both players are still on pace for more than 90 receptions and more than 1,150 yards, and Boldin said he isn’t worried that the Cards’ dynamic duo will be lost in the transition to Matt Leinart.
“I think it’s a situation where they probably try and get us the ball a little bit more,” Boldin said. “To help him out and take the pressure off. “(The passing game) has kind of been our trademark. It’s something we can’t go away from.”
In his brief fourth quarter appearance against Atlanta, Leinart threw eight passes. Two went to Fitzgerald, with one completion for 11 yards. Two throws went to Boldin, completing both for 22 yards.
Leinart said his timing is fine with his two star receivers, although most of their work together came during the offseason.
On the season, Boldin has 24 catches for 295 yards and a touchdown. Fitzgerald has 23 for 321 and a single score.
The Cards are expected to get the ball often to running back Edgerrin James — barring the Cards falling way behind against Kansas City, James shouldn’t have a problem reaching 30 carries — in an effort to jump-start a floundering offense.
Coach Dennis Green’s patience is clearly wearing thin after the Cards have scored just three offensive touchdowns the past three games. “The point is, we have no excuses,” offensive coordinator Keith Rowen said. “We are not playing well enough. We address it, we find the things we can do well offensively and we accentuate that for the guys on the field. Over the course of last year we were able to find that, and we have to do the same thing this year.”
FACING L.J.
The Cards are taking on some impressive running games this season, from Frank Gore to Steven Jackson to Shaun Alexander to the three-headed Atlanta attack that included quarterback Michael Vick. Sunday, they get Larry Johnson, who blew up for 1,750 yards last season despite starting just nine games as the backup to Priest Holmes.
Before the season, many speculated whether Johnson would crack the 2,000-yard barrier. Instead, he has “only” 295 yards in three games as defenses make him their top target.
“The bull's-eye is on the poor guy’s back,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said.
“He’s learning that a little bit too. It’s different than being the other guy. People, when they game plan, first thing they will do is stop the runner.”
Johnson’s stature does help. Backup quarterback Damon Huard has been excellent, in part because the defense focuses on Johnson.
Against San Francisco last week, Huard was 13-for-15 for 152 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. Still, the Cardinals will worry about Johnson first.
“Larry Johnson is a big dude, a big physical dude,” cornerback Eric Green said. “If you’re scared to hit, it’s definitely going to show.”
EXTRA POINTS
Linebacker James Darling (calf) was officially downgraded to out on the injury report. . . .
James, on dealing with the Cards’ 1-3 start: “It’s tougher than you would want it, but being realistic, you said, ‘This has the potential to happen.’ I’m not shocked, but I am kind of surprised because you would think you’d get off to a better start.”
By Darren Urban, Tribune
October 7, 2006
A rookie quarterback usually means a dip in the passing game, which could make the next few games rough on Cardinals receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
But both players are still on pace for more than 90 receptions and more than 1,150 yards, and Boldin said he isn’t worried that the Cards’ dynamic duo will be lost in the transition to Matt Leinart.
“I think it’s a situation where they probably try and get us the ball a little bit more,” Boldin said. “To help him out and take the pressure off. “(The passing game) has kind of been our trademark. It’s something we can’t go away from.”
In his brief fourth quarter appearance against Atlanta, Leinart threw eight passes. Two went to Fitzgerald, with one completion for 11 yards. Two throws went to Boldin, completing both for 22 yards.
Leinart said his timing is fine with his two star receivers, although most of their work together came during the offseason.
On the season, Boldin has 24 catches for 295 yards and a touchdown. Fitzgerald has 23 for 321 and a single score.
The Cards are expected to get the ball often to running back Edgerrin James — barring the Cards falling way behind against Kansas City, James shouldn’t have a problem reaching 30 carries — in an effort to jump-start a floundering offense.
Coach Dennis Green’s patience is clearly wearing thin after the Cards have scored just three offensive touchdowns the past three games. “The point is, we have no excuses,” offensive coordinator Keith Rowen said. “We are not playing well enough. We address it, we find the things we can do well offensively and we accentuate that for the guys on the field. Over the course of last year we were able to find that, and we have to do the same thing this year.”
FACING L.J.
The Cards are taking on some impressive running games this season, from Frank Gore to Steven Jackson to Shaun Alexander to the three-headed Atlanta attack that included quarterback Michael Vick. Sunday, they get Larry Johnson, who blew up for 1,750 yards last season despite starting just nine games as the backup to Priest Holmes.
Before the season, many speculated whether Johnson would crack the 2,000-yard barrier. Instead, he has “only” 295 yards in three games as defenses make him their top target.
“The bull's-eye is on the poor guy’s back,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said.
“He’s learning that a little bit too. It’s different than being the other guy. People, when they game plan, first thing they will do is stop the runner.”
Johnson’s stature does help. Backup quarterback Damon Huard has been excellent, in part because the defense focuses on Johnson.
Against San Francisco last week, Huard was 13-for-15 for 152 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. Still, the Cardinals will worry about Johnson first.
“Larry Johnson is a big dude, a big physical dude,” cornerback Eric Green said. “If you’re scared to hit, it’s definitely going to show.”
EXTRA POINTS
Linebacker James Darling (calf) was officially downgraded to out on the injury report. . . .
James, on dealing with the Cards’ 1-3 start: “It’s tougher than you would want it, but being realistic, you said, ‘This has the potential to happen.’ I’m not shocked, but I am kind of surprised because you would think you’d get off to a better start.”
