Surprise Go and Surprise Stay

[kerouac9]

Keyed on Hadnot: against the Broncos' #2s, he looked worse than Deuce has against anyone else's #2s. Stood his ground (mostly) in pass Pro, although our guys always seem to get turned around so they're facing the QB for some reason. In the run game he doesn't get much push and straight-up missed the first pulling block he "made."

On the other hand, Deuce blocked two guys out of the play on his first pull.

 

[TJ]

Keyed on Hadnot: against the Broncos' #2s, he looked worse than Deuce has against anyone else's #2s. Stood his ground (mostly) in pass Pro, although our guys always seem to get turned around so they're facing the QB for some reason. In the run game he doesn't get much push and straight-up missed the first pulling block he "made."

On the other hand, Deuce blocked two guys out of the play on his first pull.

Not too hard when he's as big as half the field.

On a serious note, I am becoming a little irritated by Lutui's seemingly depreciating lack of self-discipline and regard for his own body (which many in the fitness/athletic world will say is your "temple"). We expect him to come to camp a little overweight, but 30-50lbs is completely inexcusable, especially for a player worth millions over. Doesn't matter if he's under contract, tendered or a free agent, he has to stay in shape to be productive. Even the Bengals, one of the leagues worst franchises, felt he was dismissible and didn't want to work with him. Lutui coming back to AZ was more a favor for him than a bargain for the Cardinals in the grand scheme of things.

Looking at him tonight, while he did have a nice pull as you described above, he was still a step slow all game long. Lutui was playing with the #4s at the end and didn't really stand out in pass pro or run blocking. A player who has been starting his entire career should look like a man amongst boys in that situation. And until he can get into game shape (which is going to be very difficult to do midseason), he's going to be watching the game from the sidelines.

All tonight's performance tells me is Deuce should make the team, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's either 2nd string or not dressed week 1.

 

[Indiana Hoosier]

No, way on Skeleton, this kid has a lot going for him!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

No, way on Skeleton, this kid has a lot going for him!

I agree, he keeps himself in shape .

 

[Krangodnzr]

Not too hard when he's as big as half the field.

On a serious note, I am becoming a little irritated by Lutui's seemingly depreciating lack of self-discipline and regard for his own body (which many in the fitness/athletic world will say is your "temple"). We expect him to come to camp a little overweight, but 30-50lbs is completely inexcusable, especially for a player worth millions over. Doesn't matter if he's under contract, tendered or a free agent, he has to stay in shape to be productive. Even the Bengals, one of the leagues worst franchises, felt he was dismissible and didn't want to work with him. Lutui coming back to AZ was more a favor for him than a bargain for the Cardinals in the grand scheme of things.

Looking at him tonight, while he did have a nice pull as you described above, he was still a step slow all game long. Lutui was playing with the #4s at the end and didn't really stand out in pass pro or run blocking. A player who has been starting his entire career should look like a man amongst boys in that situation. And until he can get into game shape (which is going to be very difficult to do midseason), he's going to be watching the game from the sidelines.

All tonight's performance tells me is Deuce should make the team, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's either 2nd string or not dressed week 1.

I actually disagree (I have the intellectual honesty to come back and eat some crow). Lutui was playing as if this was Super Bowl. I keyed on him often and he was mauling people in the run game, and dominating people in the passing game.

But Hadnot ALSO had a good game. We didn't really run too much with him in the lineup, but the rightside of the line protected very well. Levi/Colledge were terrible, though I'm inclined to think that Colledge was losing his man trying to help the constant jail break from LT.

I think this was Lutui's chance to win back his job, and was also a way to burn off lots of weight before the season. This begs the question: Why does the head coach have to treat this adult like this? Why can't Lutui not be a fat ass, and take the game seriously? He looked really winded a few times, but I do agree it didn't really affect his play.

I want to pull for Lutui, but I take it personally as a fan of this team when guys like him obviously don't put in the offseason work.

 

[Cardiac]

First off, Thank You once again CC. I shake my head at some of the conspiracy theories that some of our fans come up with and don't have the patience or time to refute them all.

Several fans give Haley an inordinate amount of praise for how he took this team to the SB. They specifically mention how tough he was on Fitz and that's the reason Fitz works harder then anyone to be great. Yet if Whiz shows any indication of doing the same he is playing head games and a hater.

Typical K9 giving a (I have to believe known) falsehood about Duece's ideal playing weight from the coaches as 320 lbs. The coaches have stated it's between 330 to 340 lbs. and yet to make a point KP exagerates this. Anyone who doesn't think Duece plays better with his best chance to make the Probowl at an ideal weight is letting their own biases taint their argument. Let's blame Whiz for hating Duece instead of doing everything possible to make him the best he can be.

Intelligent will informed posters making outlandish statements to either create a debate or simply exercise their contrary brain muscles?!?!?!?!?

 

[Duckjake]

On the other hand, Deuce blocked two guys out of the play on his first pull.

Not too hard when he's as big as half the field.

Dang, let's get some more guys like Lutui who are as big as half the field. Anyone know if any have been released so far this weekend?