Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Here's a look at some of the questions regarding the offense heading into this weekend's minicamp:
1. #3 QB. Will Toby Korrodi challenge Shane Boyd? It should be very interesting to see how Korrodi's arm strength and accuracy will measure up on the pro level. Boyd is such a good athlete and he knows Whiz's system, which will not only help his own cause, but he can be very helpful in assisting Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner as they try to become more familiar with the new system.
2. TE and FB. Whiz's system will bring a Renaissance to the TE and FB positions. At TE, Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick should become the prime targets in the passing game. The question is who will win the #3 TE job, the bruising John Bronson or the versatile Troy Bienneman?
The competition at FB should one of the most interesting ones throughout the summer and pre-season. Certainly, Terrelle Smith, by virtue of his experience and past success is the odds-on favorite to be the starter. But, what happens if one or two of the three string rookies (Castille, Snow, Vercher) shows as much talent as Smith?
Also...what will happen with pass catching FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo? And what about special teams dynamo A.J. Schable? If you saw the re-run of the MNF game versus the Bears, Schable was outstanding in that game. That kid is a gamer and should not be overlooked.
3. The O-Line Shuffle. The fun won't really begin until the pads come on. But this weekend, it will be interesting to see how comfortable Levi Brown is at right tackle. In my opinion, if the transition to the right side is an awkward one, and the coaches will be able to see how well Brown's feet are adjusting to the move---which is the key factor--I think Brown should be returned to left tackle for good.
It will also be interesting to see what kind of shape Oliver Ross, Mike Gandy, Brandon Gorin and Quasim Mitchell are in...and what kind of footwork they can display at this time. My hunch is that UCFA Elliot Vallejo will make a very positive impression on the coaches throughout the minicamp. This kid has the kind of feet one looks for in a tackle and if he improves his strength he really could be the future bookend opposite Levi Brown.
At guard the biggest question mark is Reggie Wells. Watching how much he struggled at guard in the MNF Bears' game, it makes one wonder whether he will ever be able to hold his own there. Milford Brown is noticeably more rugged and powerful at the point of attack. On the other side, Deuce Lutui is a mainstay. The major question, depth-wise is what kind of effort Elton Brown will bring to the unit. My hunch is that LSU guard Brian Johnson might be a sleeper here, although I am also intrigued with Gs Lyle Sendlein and T.J. Dowling.
4. What about G Alan Faneca? The Steelers are playing hardball with him and they can't be pleased with the distraction and concern Faneca is causing for new head coach Mike Tomlin, as Tmlin tries to set a positive tone for the organization after an off-season of turmoil in Pittsburgh.
The question is can and should the Cardinals make a concerted effort to acquire Faneca now?...or should the Cardinals wait until next year when Faneca becomes a free agent?
My feeling is that if the Cardinals can trade let's say Reggie Wells or Milford Brown and a 6th round draft pick for Faneca right now, they should do it. I would be fine with trading their 4th round pick for Faneca straight up.
I feel a sense of urgency here. Adding Faneca would do wonders for the prospects of running the football AND changing the attitude along the offensive line. Faneca is a fiery player and a first-rate competitor.
Adding Faneca would, most importantly, improve the Cardinals' chances of winning right away...which would be the BEST thing that could happen to the organization and the new coaching staff. If the new staff has to suffer through another disappointing season in its inaugural season, everyone associated with the organization, especially the players and the fans will have to continue to wonder if the annual stigma of losers will ever be lifted. The only panacea for this situation is winning...not playing close games or being competitive or putting up good numbers in a losing cause.
Winning right away would completely change the atmosphere within the organization.
5. At center the battle of the summer begins for high paid UFA C Al Johnson and the classic underdog who plays his tail off and never discourages, C Nick Leckey.
6. It should be very interesting to see who wins the last WR spot...it would appear that the Cardinals will have to keep six WRs this year because of Sean Morey, who will focus primarily on special teams. Steve Breaston should be the punt returner. Therefore, the remaining roster spot at WR will be up for grabs amongst the following contenders: LeRon McCoy, Michael Spurlock, Todd Watkins, Evan Prall, Ahmad Merritt, Matt Trannon and Greg Lee.
McCoy is the most well-rounded and has the ability to become a #2 WR at some point in his career, but has injury concerns. Spurlock is extremely nifty out of the slot and has promising return abilities. Watkins is the fastest and best deep threat. The others need to turn some heads to find themselves in the mix.
7. At RB...the main question is how determined J.J. Arrington is to make a splash this year. Arrington is blessed with talent and now knows the ropes. I think he is going to be a very pleasant surprise this year and will make believers out of the coaches, fellow players and fans. He's the speed back the Cardinals need and now with John Lott in his corner, the toughness issue will be history.
1. #3 QB. Will Toby Korrodi challenge Shane Boyd? It should be very interesting to see how Korrodi's arm strength and accuracy will measure up on the pro level. Boyd is such a good athlete and he knows Whiz's system, which will not only help his own cause, but he can be very helpful in assisting Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner as they try to become more familiar with the new system.
2. TE and FB. Whiz's system will bring a Renaissance to the TE and FB positions. At TE, Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick should become the prime targets in the passing game. The question is who will win the #3 TE job, the bruising John Bronson or the versatile Troy Bienneman?
The competition at FB should one of the most interesting ones throughout the summer and pre-season. Certainly, Terrelle Smith, by virtue of his experience and past success is the odds-on favorite to be the starter. But, what happens if one or two of the three string rookies (Castille, Snow, Vercher) shows as much talent as Smith?
Also...what will happen with pass catching FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo? And what about special teams dynamo A.J. Schable? If you saw the re-run of the MNF game versus the Bears, Schable was outstanding in that game. That kid is a gamer and should not be overlooked.
3. The O-Line Shuffle. The fun won't really begin until the pads come on. But this weekend, it will be interesting to see how comfortable Levi Brown is at right tackle. In my opinion, if the transition to the right side is an awkward one, and the coaches will be able to see how well Brown's feet are adjusting to the move---which is the key factor--I think Brown should be returned to left tackle for good.
It will also be interesting to see what kind of shape Oliver Ross, Mike Gandy, Brandon Gorin and Quasim Mitchell are in...and what kind of footwork they can display at this time. My hunch is that UCFA Elliot Vallejo will make a very positive impression on the coaches throughout the minicamp. This kid has the kind of feet one looks for in a tackle and if he improves his strength he really could be the future bookend opposite Levi Brown.
At guard the biggest question mark is Reggie Wells. Watching how much he struggled at guard in the MNF Bears' game, it makes one wonder whether he will ever be able to hold his own there. Milford Brown is noticeably more rugged and powerful at the point of attack. On the other side, Deuce Lutui is a mainstay. The major question, depth-wise is what kind of effort Elton Brown will bring to the unit. My hunch is that LSU guard Brian Johnson might be a sleeper here, although I am also intrigued with Gs Lyle Sendlein and T.J. Dowling.
4. What about G Alan Faneca? The Steelers are playing hardball with him and they can't be pleased with the distraction and concern Faneca is causing for new head coach Mike Tomlin, as Tmlin tries to set a positive tone for the organization after an off-season of turmoil in Pittsburgh.
The question is can and should the Cardinals make a concerted effort to acquire Faneca now?...or should the Cardinals wait until next year when Faneca becomes a free agent?
My feeling is that if the Cardinals can trade let's say Reggie Wells or Milford Brown and a 6th round draft pick for Faneca right now, they should do it. I would be fine with trading their 4th round pick for Faneca straight up.
I feel a sense of urgency here. Adding Faneca would do wonders for the prospects of running the football AND changing the attitude along the offensive line. Faneca is a fiery player and a first-rate competitor.
Adding Faneca would, most importantly, improve the Cardinals' chances of winning right away...which would be the BEST thing that could happen to the organization and the new coaching staff. If the new staff has to suffer through another disappointing season in its inaugural season, everyone associated with the organization, especially the players and the fans will have to continue to wonder if the annual stigma of losers will ever be lifted. The only panacea for this situation is winning...not playing close games or being competitive or putting up good numbers in a losing cause.
Winning right away would completely change the atmosphere within the organization.
5. At center the battle of the summer begins for high paid UFA C Al Johnson and the classic underdog who plays his tail off and never discourages, C Nick Leckey.
6. It should be very interesting to see who wins the last WR spot...it would appear that the Cardinals will have to keep six WRs this year because of Sean Morey, who will focus primarily on special teams. Steve Breaston should be the punt returner. Therefore, the remaining roster spot at WR will be up for grabs amongst the following contenders: LeRon McCoy, Michael Spurlock, Todd Watkins, Evan Prall, Ahmad Merritt, Matt Trannon and Greg Lee.
McCoy is the most well-rounded and has the ability to become a #2 WR at some point in his career, but has injury concerns. Spurlock is extremely nifty out of the slot and has promising return abilities. Watkins is the fastest and best deep threat. The others need to turn some heads to find themselves in the mix.
7. At RB...the main question is how determined J.J. Arrington is to make a splash this year. Arrington is blessed with talent and now knows the ropes. I think he is going to be a very pleasant surprise this year and will make believers out of the coaches, fellow players and fans. He's the speed back the Cardinals need and now with John Lott in his corner, the toughness issue will be history.
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