Ted Washington could be released

[CardinalChris]

Originally posted by Krangthebrain
Hand is not even close to Ted Washington.

Washington is a former Pro Bowler...

Former? Not his old self and would probably cost more than Hand. I know, we have the room, but my point is Hand had more potential and is younger and we wouldn't trade a 6th for him. What is there that makes us believe that if we wouldn't trade a 6th for a guy who is better than any DT we have now we would go after a mid 30s DT who's performance seems to be affected by nagging injuries?

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by CardinalChris
Former? Not his old self and would probably cost more than Hand. I know, we have the room, but my point is Hand had more potential and is younger and we wouldn't trade a 6th for him. What is there that makes us believe that if we wouldn't trade a 6th for a guy who is better than any DT we have now we would go after a mid 30s DT who's performance seems to be affected by nagging injuries?

Hand is not young either, and has played pretty badly the past few years. I don't see how he has any more potential than one of the best run defenders of the late nineties.

And his performance hasn't been affected by "nagging injuries" he had a season ending injury last year. The year before that he was a Pro Bowl caliber run defender, while Hand was an overweight blob that could barely play.

As you can tell, I wasn't too concerned that we passed on Hand, but I would be miffed if we passed on Wilkinson, Jackson, or Washington without having to give up anything (such as a draft pick).

 

[Goldfield]

Originally posted by nidan
At 35 he is an upgrade ?

I am less than enthusiastic, maybe several years ago but now ?

in 5 years he will still be better than afew of our DT's, we NEED to do what ever we can to upgrade that position...

 

[Cardiac]

Originally posted by az1965
I am concerned about Bryant panning out. He is still a question mark. His lack of any noticeable splash last season is kind of bothering even with missing training camp. And we already know what Davis and Tanner can do. Should definitely try to get Washington. We know what we can get from him even with some diminished capabilities at 35.

I agree that Bryant is still a huge ?. He was who I wanted the Cards to draft but his performance last year was very weak no matter what the circumstances.

At DE we may not have any proven starters but we have a lot of potential.

At DT we still have needs. Wilkerson or Washingtion should both be on our shopping lists if available.

Tanner is okay as a backup / rotation guy, Bryant has shown no signs of being a force against the run, Davis makes 3 plays a game and Bell is yet again being counted on to have a break out year for the 3rd year in a row. Just too many ifs and hopes in this group. Get someone who is a force against the run.

 

[BIGDADDY_REDBIRD]

The change in Defensive strategy will show us all that our DT's are actually more than adequate. Finally our Linemen will be asked to penetrate the line of scrimmage & be disruptive. I understand the fans desire for the Big Name players. I openly stated my desire for the Cards to pursue Darrell Russell from the Raiders. I have since come to my senses about that. Thanks to Krang!!!!(thumbs up) Bringing in anyone to Arizona to play in a 2 gap system is setting them up for failure. Hypothetically, if we had Ted Washington, Grady Jackson in our two gap scheme Do you think they'd be more productive than what we have??? I don't. Both are large men with limited mobility, Much like Tanner, the 2 gap did'nt call for our linemen to pursue, only maintain an area. I like the speed off the ball of both Bell, & Bryant. The simplification of the Defense will only accelerate both players growth & production. I say we're fine with what we have. The change in defensive strategy is 3 years overdue. I'd like to see us sign a veteran backup qb, & a solid veteran corner, alot more than a 350 pound tackle who's gonna want alot of $$$, & who's best days are behind him. Let's let our young guys play some tradition style defense. I think athletically as a team this is the best team we've had in a long time. Now it's up to the coaches to put it all together.

 

[CardinalChris]

Originally posted by bigdaddy_redbird
The change in Defensive strategy will show us all that our DT's are actually more than adequate. Finally our Linemen will be asked to penetrate the line of scrimmage & be disruptive. I understand the fans desire for the Big Name players. I openly stated my desire for the Cards to pursue Darrell Russell from the Raiders. I have since come to my senses about that. Thanks to Krang!!!!(thumbs up) Bringing in anyone to Arizona to play in a 2 gap system is setting them up for failure. Hypothetically, if we had Ted Washington, Grady Jackson in our two gap scheme Do you think they'd be more productive than what we have??? I don't. Both are large men with limited mobility, Much like Tanner, the 2 gap did'nt call for our linemen to pursue, only maintain an area. I like the speed off the ball of both Bell, & Bryant. The simplification of the Defense will only accelerate both players growth & production. I say we're fine with what we have. The change in defensive strategy is 3 years overdue. I'd like to see us sign a veteran backup qb, & a solid veteran corner, alot more than a 350 pound tackle who's gonna want alot of $$$, & who's best days are behind him. Let's let our young guys play some tradition style defense. I think athletically as a team this is the best team we've had in a long time. Now it's up to the coaches to put it all together.

I think we have SCARY problems at two key positions. Nickel and DT. One stops the run, one stop the pass. Teams in our division will exploit those holes, but I sense no urgency among the front office. Just because we switch (supposedly) to a 2 gap doesn't mean you don't need a space eater. A garauntee DT who has to get doubled makes Bryant better. Tanner and Davis are backups at best. Washington and Hand may be big, but they are quick in short spaces. That's what you need. I see the Card's satisfaction with our DT situation as slightly alarming.

Krang.... Hand was a stud in San Diego for several years, then in New Orleans before he got hurt two years ago. Last year he was out of shape, and that is correctable. I just don't see age as being correctable. 35 is about the age when a DT lose their legs, which makes or breaks a run stuffer. Hand is 5 years younger at 30 and has 3-5 good ones left, as well as being one of the more underrated stuffers in the league. The trade lit a fire under him. I just worry about Washington's age, but I worry more about Davis and Tanner's ability.

 

[red desert]

Hand is going to get the job done in seattle. We missed a huge opportunity.

 

[JeffGollin]

Based on what our defensive line talent has shown to date, this is one position where I'd leap at the chance to bring in a 35 year old dude if he can get the job done inside even if only for one or two years.

We really need to jam up the hole in the dyke, and I'd caution us not to "bet on the cum" - i.e. placing all our bets on the "hope" that our new defensive scheme will be the answer to all our problems.

If Washington is healthy and has another year left, bring his butt in. Given our deficiencies inside, he could make us 15 - 20% better defensively.

 

[AZCB34]

First of all, his age is largely irrelevant because he will not be asked by ANY team to play 80 plays a game. He will be part of the DL rotation so the fact he is 35 doesn't bother me.

As for his injury, it should be healed. He is a typical DL warrior. He has started evergame possible except on since 1994 up until last year. I don't think injury is an issue either.

His stats have dropped since around 1997 but I attribute that to teams going to alot more rotation in the DL than prior to that. Before that, he was getting alot more sacks and tackles since he was playing alot more.

With the possible exception of Bryant, Washington would be the top DT on the roster IMO. If released the Cards would be foolish to not contact him at a minimum. I don't think the Bears will release him though. I have predicted they would release Keith Traylor who is really a run stuffer. Washington stays out in some passing situtations but Traylor almost always comes out.