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Green Bay - The Arizona Cardinals have taken a precipitous plunge in the span of nine days that leaves them as almost an impossible team to figure entering a game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Just nine days ago, the Cardinals were on the verge of posting possibly their most significant victory since the franchise moved from St. Louis to Phoenix in 1988. They led the undefeated Chicago Bears, 23-3, with 1 minute left in the third quarter and still found a way to lose in horrifying fashion, 24-23.
On Sunday, the Cardinals went to Oakland and were manhandled by the previously winless Raiders, 22-9.
Although the Cardinals are 1-6, they're just a 3-point underdog against the Packers (2-4), who own merely three victories in their last 13 home games, counting playoffs.
"It's a close game if they show up to play," an executive in personnel for a recent Cardinals opponent said. "If they don't, then you'll get Oakland. But you've got to think because they got embarrassed by Oakland that they're going to respond and you'll probably see what you saw against Chicago. Or close to it."
An assistant coach for a team that recently played Arizona said its performance against Chicago was an anomaly.
"I think Green Bay will torch them," the coach said. "The Cardinals can't cover anybody."
The Cardinals are a fast-starting team but haven't scored an offensive touchdown beyond the first quarter in the last four games.
"They're not getting anything out of (Edgerrin) James because they can't block for him," one scout said. "The strength of their team is their personnel on defense and their receivers. If (Larry) Fitzgerald plays, and the kid (Matt Leinart) gets time, he can find them.
"Yeah, they can win at Green Bay because they can play good defense. If they're playing their game, they're winning 17-14, 17-10. One thing they can't do is play well from behind because of the young quarterback. But I don't see Green Bay scoring any more than 17."
Another opposing personnel director also forecast a tight game.
"Green Bay's defensive line has to win the game," the scout said. "That's what it comes down to. The Cards have got some inherent problems in the line. But they can move the ball."
McGINN'S VIEW
Gene Stallings, Joe Bugel, Buddy Ryan, Vince Tobin and Dave McGinnis. They all came to the desert with high hopes and they all died as head football coaches in the desert. Now Dennis Green is feeling their pain.
Green, 57, was given one of the most tepid votes of confidence ever Monday by club vice president Michael Bidwill, who wouldn't commit to him beyond Sunday. With the Cardinals having lost six straight and the bye in their schedule coming next week, it should surprise no one if the ax falls Monday.
In 2½ seasons, Green has made too many mistakes in personnel and blamed too many others (seven assistant coaches demoted, fired or forced out) for his failings. Green will be leaving soon, more than likely never to coach again, and the Bidwill gang will hire somebody else who eventually will join him in their football graveyard.
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Coach Dennis Green demoted coordinator Keith Rowen on Oct. 17 and promoted QB coach Mike Kruczek to coordinate and call plays. Kruczek, an NFL assistant for just 2½ years, stayed with what basically is a one-back system. Green can't do what he once did in Minnesota because his tight ends and line can't block. So the Cardinals rank 32nd both in rushing yards (66.9) and in rushing average (2.53). They also rank 24th in scoring average (17.1), 26th in yards (280.7) and 30th in turnovers (16).
RECEIVERS
Larry Fitzgerald (6 feet 3 inches, 226 pounds) made the Pro Bowl last year but Anquan Boldin (6-1, 223) probably is even more highly regarded. What makes Boldin so special is his ability after the catch. It takes a posse to bring him down. Plus, he has tremendous hands, is a great leader and blocker, and catches everything. All he's lacking is a great 40-yard dash time (4.65 seconds). Fitzgerald, the third pick in the '04 draft, missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and is questionable. He has good (4.49), not great speed, and can be jammed. But his body control, ability to read defenses and hand-eye coordination are superior. Bryant Johnson (6-2½, 216), the 17th pick in '03, has burning speed and averages 22.1. He's a tad on the stiff side. Little Troy Walters (5-6½, 171) isn't much. Rookie Leonard Pope (6-8, 265), a third-round pick, and free agent Adam Bergen (6-4½, 267) are weak-blocking tight ends and don't factor in the passing game. Pope has the tools to develop.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Oakland DE Derrick Burgess annihilated RT Oliver Ross (6-4, 327), who hasn't handled speed or quickness all season. If Ross is the poorest starter, the three inside players aren't much better. The Packers considered making a restricted free-agent offer to LG Reggie Wells (6-3, 318), who did get one from Buffalo ($5 million in bonuses) that the Cardinals regret having matched. Wells isn't playing with any strength. Scrappy C Nick Leckey (6-2½, 291) was an upgrade over benched Alex Stepanovich in the last two games. Still, he's too small and his arms are too short. It doesn't make much difference whether former Viking Chris Liwienski (6-5½, 325) or former Texan Milford Brown (6-5, 330) starts at RG. Liwienski is over the hill and Brown, who got a $3 million signing bonus in March, lacks ability. LT Leonard Davis (6-6, 365), the second pick in '01, likes to maul and will go for the throat. But he lacks left-tackle feet and would be better suited by a return to guard.
QUARTERBACKS
Leinart (6-5, 230), the 10th pick this year, replaced ineffective Kurt Warner (6-2, 222) late in Week 4 and has taken every snap since. After two solid games, Leinart struggled in Oakland but did prove that he could stand up to a fierce physical beating. Leinart, who scored 35 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test, is a good manager. He gets the ball out quickly, takes the check-downs and doesn't rattle. He doesn't have a big arm but is quite accurate.
RUNNING BACKS
James (6-0, 220) leads the NFL in carries (161) but averages merely 2.68, down from 4.22 in Indy. He looks confused. There's a ton of penetration and he's hesitating, much as he did with success running the Colts' stretch plays. He catches well, can move the chains and will run hard. The Cardinals just expected more big plays from a $20 million investment over 2006-'07. Neither scatback J.J. Arrington (5-9, 218), who is timid, nor tough guy Marcel Shipp (5-10½, 232) gets much time. Obafemi Ayanbadeyo (6-2, 230) isn't expected to play with a leg injury, leaving fullback duties to rookie A.J. Schable (6-3½, 285), a defensive end until a month ago.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
Third-year coordinator Clancy Pendergast, a former colleague of Jim Bates' in Dallas, uses Bates' base "quarters" coverage system. Where he breaks from Bates is creative game-planning. Each week, the tobacco-chewing Pendergast gives foes about 10 snaps of something they haven't seen. He uses 3-, 4- and 5-man lines and blitzes extensively with defensive backs, especially SS Adrian Wilson. The Cardinals rank first in takeaways (20), 23rd in yards allowed (338.1) and 24th in scoring average (23.6).
DEFENSIVE LINE
RE Bertrand Berry (6-2½, 270) was a Pro Bowl starter in 2004 and has been hot lately. He flies off the edge, is athletic, never quits and is a terrific leader. The 30-year-old Chike Okeafor (6-4½, 245) is only a year younger than Berry but the left end's career is in decline. Okeafor remains a high-effort player, still can run and has a good feel. However, he appears to have lost weight over the years and is getting shoved around too easily. Three-technique DT Darnell Dockett (6-3½, 290), a third-round pick in '04, also is a solid starter. He is very quick to penetrate, pays attention to the run and usually plays hard. Former Giants NT Kendrick Clancy (6-1, 305) is expected to miss a third straight game with an ankle injury so rookie Gabe Watson (6-3½, 340) will start again. Watson isn't fit enough for extended duty. Intensity, not ability, was his problem at Michigan, but he appears to have cranked it up the last two weeks.
LINEBACKERS
Talented Karlos Dansby (6-3½, 240) suffered a hip injury in Oakland and will be replaced by Calvin Pace (6-4, 272), who shouldn't be a major drop-off. Pace, a converted defensive end, was the 18th pick in '03. He started four of the first five games when Dansby was injured. MLB Gerald Hayes (6-1, 253), a third-round pick in '03, never leaves the field. He's somewhat limited by speed (4.79) and athleticism. However, he does bring old-fashioned bulk and a tough demeanor, and his range isn't that bad. Orlando Huff (6-2, 236), with 4.92 speed, is one of the slowest and least dynamic weak-side starters in the NFL.
SECONDARY
The best player on defense probably is Wilson (6-2½, 230). Pendergast keeps Wilson out of center field, where his reactions are slow, and uses him almost as another linebacker near the line. A feared blitzer and explosive hitter, Wilson must be accounted for at all times. He's fast and athletic, too. The other safety, one-time Viking Robert Griffith (5-11, 202), is in his 13th season, including the last 11 as a starter. Griffith has had speed issues since the late 1990s. He's a tough guy hanging on by a thread. Cornerbacks Antrel Rolle (6-0½, 208), the eighth pick in '05, and Eric Green (5-11½, 194), a third-round pick in '05, are a matched pair. They're rugged hitters and aggressive in coverage. However, their 4.52 speed makes both vulnerable deep. Rolle is the better of the two. Veteran CB David Macklin (5-8½, 206) and physical S Aaron Francisco (6-2, 212) fill out the dime.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Neil Rackers is just 12 for 18, including two game-deciding misses, after making a record 40 of 42 in '05. His kickoffs haven't been as good, either. Scott Player, the Cardinals' solid punter since '98, ranks last in net at 31.4 yards. He's 36. Punt coverage has been atrocious in the last two games. Walters makes good decisions as the punt returner but lacks speed to go far. On kickoffs, Arrington often appears to be looking for a place to fall down.
Just nine days ago, the Cardinals were on the verge of posting possibly their most significant victory since the franchise moved from St. Louis to Phoenix in 1988. They led the undefeated Chicago Bears, 23-3, with 1 minute left in the third quarter and still found a way to lose in horrifying fashion, 24-23.
On Sunday, the Cardinals went to Oakland and were manhandled by the previously winless Raiders, 22-9.
Although the Cardinals are 1-6, they're just a 3-point underdog against the Packers (2-4), who own merely three victories in their last 13 home games, counting playoffs.
"It's a close game if they show up to play," an executive in personnel for a recent Cardinals opponent said. "If they don't, then you'll get Oakland. But you've got to think because they got embarrassed by Oakland that they're going to respond and you'll probably see what you saw against Chicago. Or close to it."
An assistant coach for a team that recently played Arizona said its performance against Chicago was an anomaly.
"I think Green Bay will torch them," the coach said. "The Cardinals can't cover anybody."
The Cardinals are a fast-starting team but haven't scored an offensive touchdown beyond the first quarter in the last four games.
"They're not getting anything out of (Edgerrin) James because they can't block for him," one scout said. "The strength of their team is their personnel on defense and their receivers. If (Larry) Fitzgerald plays, and the kid (Matt Leinart) gets time, he can find them.
"Yeah, they can win at Green Bay because they can play good defense. If they're playing their game, they're winning 17-14, 17-10. One thing they can't do is play well from behind because of the young quarterback. But I don't see Green Bay scoring any more than 17."
Another opposing personnel director also forecast a tight game.
"Green Bay's defensive line has to win the game," the scout said. "That's what it comes down to. The Cards have got some inherent problems in the line. But they can move the ball."
McGINN'S VIEW
Gene Stallings, Joe Bugel, Buddy Ryan, Vince Tobin and Dave McGinnis. They all came to the desert with high hopes and they all died as head football coaches in the desert. Now Dennis Green is feeling their pain.
Green, 57, was given one of the most tepid votes of confidence ever Monday by club vice president Michael Bidwill, who wouldn't commit to him beyond Sunday. With the Cardinals having lost six straight and the bye in their schedule coming next week, it should surprise no one if the ax falls Monday.
In 2½ seasons, Green has made too many mistakes in personnel and blamed too many others (seven assistant coaches demoted, fired or forced out) for his failings. Green will be leaving soon, more than likely never to coach again, and the Bidwill gang will hire somebody else who eventually will join him in their football graveyard.
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Coach Dennis Green demoted coordinator Keith Rowen on Oct. 17 and promoted QB coach Mike Kruczek to coordinate and call plays. Kruczek, an NFL assistant for just 2½ years, stayed with what basically is a one-back system. Green can't do what he once did in Minnesota because his tight ends and line can't block. So the Cardinals rank 32nd both in rushing yards (66.9) and in rushing average (2.53). They also rank 24th in scoring average (17.1), 26th in yards (280.7) and 30th in turnovers (16).
RECEIVERS
Larry Fitzgerald (6 feet 3 inches, 226 pounds) made the Pro Bowl last year but Anquan Boldin (6-1, 223) probably is even more highly regarded. What makes Boldin so special is his ability after the catch. It takes a posse to bring him down. Plus, he has tremendous hands, is a great leader and blocker, and catches everything. All he's lacking is a great 40-yard dash time (4.65 seconds). Fitzgerald, the third pick in the '04 draft, missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and is questionable. He has good (4.49), not great speed, and can be jammed. But his body control, ability to read defenses and hand-eye coordination are superior. Bryant Johnson (6-2½, 216), the 17th pick in '03, has burning speed and averages 22.1. He's a tad on the stiff side. Little Troy Walters (5-6½, 171) isn't much. Rookie Leonard Pope (6-8, 265), a third-round pick, and free agent Adam Bergen (6-4½, 267) are weak-blocking tight ends and don't factor in the passing game. Pope has the tools to develop.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Oakland DE Derrick Burgess annihilated RT Oliver Ross (6-4, 327), who hasn't handled speed or quickness all season. If Ross is the poorest starter, the three inside players aren't much better. The Packers considered making a restricted free-agent offer to LG Reggie Wells (6-3, 318), who did get one from Buffalo ($5 million in bonuses) that the Cardinals regret having matched. Wells isn't playing with any strength. Scrappy C Nick Leckey (6-2½, 291) was an upgrade over benched Alex Stepanovich in the last two games. Still, he's too small and his arms are too short. It doesn't make much difference whether former Viking Chris Liwienski (6-5½, 325) or former Texan Milford Brown (6-5, 330) starts at RG. Liwienski is over the hill and Brown, who got a $3 million signing bonus in March, lacks ability. LT Leonard Davis (6-6, 365), the second pick in '01, likes to maul and will go for the throat. But he lacks left-tackle feet and would be better suited by a return to guard.
QUARTERBACKS
Leinart (6-5, 230), the 10th pick this year, replaced ineffective Kurt Warner (6-2, 222) late in Week 4 and has taken every snap since. After two solid games, Leinart struggled in Oakland but did prove that he could stand up to a fierce physical beating. Leinart, who scored 35 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test, is a good manager. He gets the ball out quickly, takes the check-downs and doesn't rattle. He doesn't have a big arm but is quite accurate.
RUNNING BACKS
James (6-0, 220) leads the NFL in carries (161) but averages merely 2.68, down from 4.22 in Indy. He looks confused. There's a ton of penetration and he's hesitating, much as he did with success running the Colts' stretch plays. He catches well, can move the chains and will run hard. The Cardinals just expected more big plays from a $20 million investment over 2006-'07. Neither scatback J.J. Arrington (5-9, 218), who is timid, nor tough guy Marcel Shipp (5-10½, 232) gets much time. Obafemi Ayanbadeyo (6-2, 230) isn't expected to play with a leg injury, leaving fullback duties to rookie A.J. Schable (6-3½, 285), a defensive end until a month ago.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
Third-year coordinator Clancy Pendergast, a former colleague of Jim Bates' in Dallas, uses Bates' base "quarters" coverage system. Where he breaks from Bates is creative game-planning. Each week, the tobacco-chewing Pendergast gives foes about 10 snaps of something they haven't seen. He uses 3-, 4- and 5-man lines and blitzes extensively with defensive backs, especially SS Adrian Wilson. The Cardinals rank first in takeaways (20), 23rd in yards allowed (338.1) and 24th in scoring average (23.6).
DEFENSIVE LINE
RE Bertrand Berry (6-2½, 270) was a Pro Bowl starter in 2004 and has been hot lately. He flies off the edge, is athletic, never quits and is a terrific leader. The 30-year-old Chike Okeafor (6-4½, 245) is only a year younger than Berry but the left end's career is in decline. Okeafor remains a high-effort player, still can run and has a good feel. However, he appears to have lost weight over the years and is getting shoved around too easily. Three-technique DT Darnell Dockett (6-3½, 290), a third-round pick in '04, also is a solid starter. He is very quick to penetrate, pays attention to the run and usually plays hard. Former Giants NT Kendrick Clancy (6-1, 305) is expected to miss a third straight game with an ankle injury so rookie Gabe Watson (6-3½, 340) will start again. Watson isn't fit enough for extended duty. Intensity, not ability, was his problem at Michigan, but he appears to have cranked it up the last two weeks.
LINEBACKERS
Talented Karlos Dansby (6-3½, 240) suffered a hip injury in Oakland and will be replaced by Calvin Pace (6-4, 272), who shouldn't be a major drop-off. Pace, a converted defensive end, was the 18th pick in '03. He started four of the first five games when Dansby was injured. MLB Gerald Hayes (6-1, 253), a third-round pick in '03, never leaves the field. He's somewhat limited by speed (4.79) and athleticism. However, he does bring old-fashioned bulk and a tough demeanor, and his range isn't that bad. Orlando Huff (6-2, 236), with 4.92 speed, is one of the slowest and least dynamic weak-side starters in the NFL.
SECONDARY
The best player on defense probably is Wilson (6-2½, 230). Pendergast keeps Wilson out of center field, where his reactions are slow, and uses him almost as another linebacker near the line. A feared blitzer and explosive hitter, Wilson must be accounted for at all times. He's fast and athletic, too. The other safety, one-time Viking Robert Griffith (5-11, 202), is in his 13th season, including the last 11 as a starter. Griffith has had speed issues since the late 1990s. He's a tough guy hanging on by a thread. Cornerbacks Antrel Rolle (6-0½, 208), the eighth pick in '05, and Eric Green (5-11½, 194), a third-round pick in '05, are a matched pair. They're rugged hitters and aggressive in coverage. However, their 4.52 speed makes both vulnerable deep. Rolle is the better of the two. Veteran CB David Macklin (5-8½, 206) and physical S Aaron Francisco (6-2, 212) fill out the dime.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Neil Rackers is just 12 for 18, including two game-deciding misses, after making a record 40 of 42 in '05. His kickoffs haven't been as good, either. Scott Player, the Cardinals' solid punter since '98, ranks last in net at 31.4 yards. He's 36. Punt coverage has been atrocious in the last two games. Walters makes good decisions as the punt returner but lacks speed to go far. On kickoffs, Arrington often appears to be looking for a place to fall down.
