The off-season so far-----my take

[Catfish]

With a very pleasant surprise yesterday------BA sent the team off to an early start for their personal time until training camp starts. He did so because he was VERY pleased with the response that the entire roster has given him in OTA's and Mini-Camp this off season. Here are some of the things he talked about in his praise of the team.

He was extremely happy with the huge turnout of both newbies and veterans during the voluntary work this off season. He was also very happy with the shape that these players were in as they reported for the voluntary work. He commented on how much faster and stronger the entire roster has become, and how they worked well together and helped each other out during their daily work.

Maybe best of all--he acknowledged that the entire roster worked very hard, wasted no time or reps----completed their work ahead of schedule each step along the way, and worked very hard at learning the playbook and the techniques needed to implement the plan for the upcoming season.

He talked of roster depth and of key position battles being waged, and he had virtually no negative comments to pass along. His only caution was to not contribute to any distraction while they were gone, and to not be the guy that fails in that regard.

All these things contributed to his releasing the team early to begin their off time until the start of training camp.

I am very pleased that BA did this as it was fitting for all the hard work done by the entire roster thus far. It was very well accepted by the players.

Steve Keim has shown that he is still working to churn the roster, and that he has been able to create additional cap room with which to work, and that he has singled out several free agent veterans who could yet help solidify this team as it goes into camp in August. He has apparently laid solid ground work from which to work, and has reached verbal consent with some free agent vets for one year contracts yet to come if needed.

All in all------this off season has the feeling of being very successful, with great competition for jobs, and great depth across the board, and yet with a plan to cover losses from injury or whatever, if needed. I can recall no other season in which the Cardinals appeared to be so ready to head into training camp, and so prepared to compete for a championship.

I am thinking that Michael Bidwill must be extremely pleased with his GM and front office and scouting department, as well as with the entire coaching staff and the complete roster. They have thus far done EVERYTHING that he has hoped for-----and now there are several weeks ahead for mental and physical recuperation and relaxation in preparation for the start of training camp.

I cannot recall any other Cardinals team so ready and prepared for TC to begin.

 

[cardpa]

With a very pleasant surprise yesterday------BA sent the team off to an early start for their personal time until training camp starts. He did so because he was VERY pleased with the response that the entire roster has given him in OTA's and Mini-Camp this off season. Here are some of the things he talked about in his praise of the team.

He was extremely happy with the huge turnout of both newbies and veterans during the voluntary work this off season. He was also very happy with the shape that these players were in as they reported for the voluntary work. He commented on how much faster and stronger the entire roster has become, and how they worked well together and helped each other out during their daily work.

Maybe best of all--he acknowledged that the entire roster worked very hard, wasted no time or reps----completed their work ahead of schedule each step along the way, and worked very hard at learning the playbook and the techniques needed to implement the plan for the upcoming season.

He talked of roster depth and of key position battles being waged, and he had virtually no negative comments to pass along. His only caution was to not contribute to any distraction while they were gone, and to not be the guy that fails in that regard.

All these things contributed to his releasing the team early to begin their off time until the start of training camp.

I am very pleased that BA did this as it was fitting for all the hard work done by the entire roster thus far. It was very well accepted by the players.

Steve Keim has shown that he is still working to churn the roster, and that he has been able to create additional cap room with which to work, and that he has singled out several free agent veterans who could yet help solidify this team as it goes into camp in August. He has apparently laid solid ground work from which to work, and has reached verbal consent with some free agent vets for one year contracts yet to come if needed.

All in all------this off season has the feeling of being very successful, with great competition for jobs, and great depth across the board, and yet with a plan to cover losses from injury or whatever, if needed. I can recall no other season in which the Cardinals appeared to be so ready to head into training camp, and so prepared to compete for a championship.

I am thinking that Michael Bidwill must be extremely pleased with his GM and front office and scouting department, as well as with the entire coaching staff and the complete roster. They have thus far done EVERYTHING that he has hoped for-----and now there are several weeks ahead for mental and physical recuperation and relaxation in preparation for the start of training camp.

I cannot recall any other Cardinals team so ready and prepared for TC to begin.

Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you would write a post like this? It's almost like being reborn!

 

[Cardsfanstl]

Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you would write a post like this? It's almost like being reborn!

 

[Catfish]

Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you would write a post like this? It's almost like being reborn!

I had hoped to be able to do that some day--------but the thought of actually being able to DO it is fantastic. GO CARDS !!!!

 

[Garthshort]

Catfish, I enjoyed your 'take' very much. In reference to your comments about SK being ready to add to the roster, if necessary, what are the chances that the Cards sign Tim Wright, the TE cut by NE, today? With NE and TB he seemed to be a good pass catching TE. I know that BA likes TE's who block, but with Niklas having an injury history, Wright seems that he would be a good addition.

 

[Mitch]

As you know, Catfish, I share your enthusiasm for the direction the organization and team has been taking ever since MB added BA&SK.

As a former coach, however, I find myself at times wondering what BA is doing and why---because he is like The Great Gatsby of coaches---he's got the swag, the glam and an "extraordinary gift for hope."

Thus, when I saw his speech to the team yesterday, BA said a few things that made me a little nervous---there was almost too good of a feeling to what he saying, at least for my liking---like saying "I know you guys will come back in great shape."

Honestly, I don't think BA's teams the past two years have come into TC in great shape, which, imo, is why there have been so many injury issues.

I hate to be distrusting---but if it were me, I would want to give my players some sort of an edge to chew on for 7 weeks, not a royal pat on the back for doing what they should have been doing---playing hard, well and fast in helmets and shorts.

However---what saved the day for me was the caveat that Carson Palmer issued to the team about not taking BA's generosity for granted by messing up the afternoon walk-throughs.

And then it occurred to me that BA's whole philosophy is to put the true leadership of the team in the hands of the veterans. Thus, BA can be as positive as he wants when he wants...he can...and does when he trusts the players will hold themselves and each other accountable.

And you know what?

This season will come down to veteran leadership.

BA is right---he and the coaches can only do and say so much.

The veteran players know what's at stake and what it takes---and if they are taking the ownership of the team squarely into their hands, as Carson Palmer did before breaking the team down yesterday, then BA has---come to think of it---given the team the best chance to win.

 

[Catfish]

Catfish, I enjoyed your 'take' very much. In reference to your comments about SK being ready to add to the roster, if necessary, what are the chances that the Cards sign Tim Wright, the TE cut by NE, today? With NE and TB he seemed to be a good pass catching TE. I know that BA likes TE's who block, but with Niklas having an injury history, Wright seems that he would be a good addition.

Garth-----I would not even pretend to try and know who Keim might be talking with or about. He probably does not even know at this point just who he will end up offering those one year contracts to. You can rest assured though that he has a contingency plan that encompasses a number of prospective veteran players who could help under given sets of circumstances.

That is what is so refreshing to me. He is prepared, but not committed to any single plan. He has simply paved the way to go in any direction he might need to address when the time comes.

 

[Catfish]

Mitch----my old friend, I love your skepticism. You are truly a coach at heart.

Ultimately, however, I believe that you have come to the same conclusion that I have, in that it is the veteran leadership that will decide how things will occur. I love how Palmer immediately took it upon himself to drive home the caveat of 'not being that guy' who screws things up during the rest period just beginning. This is where I believe that the careful selections of team captains and self motivation characteristics that this staff and front office has followed will make its biggest pay-off.

That is why is was no surprise to me to see them let Dockett walk this off-season, because he almost assuredly would be 'that guy' who would have at the very least laid out a good deal of bulletin board material for competing teams to chew on while players are out of touch with the coaching staffs and other veterans.

Real injuries happen, despite best the precautions taken. At least BA has minimized that possibility of occurrence by his early release. I've gotta like that kind of thinking. I also like what he said about Patrick Peterson and his trials and tribulations last season, as compared to where he is at this point in time this year. PP's actions on the field seem to have borne that out during OTA's and Mini Camp this year.

I also like that BA managed to actually find praise for both DJ Humphries and for Johnathon Cooper when he last addressed the media. That cannot hurt anything, and hopefully was re-assuring and comforting to each of those two as down-time comes. His "coach 'em hard and hug 'em later", philosophy is being seen again in action. I do love that about him. Good Lord, but this franchise has come a long way in a very short time.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch----my old friend, I love your skepticism. You are truly a coach at heart.

Ultimately, however, I believe that you have come to the same conclusion that I have, in that it is the veteran leadership that will decide how things will occur. I love how Palmer immediately took it upon himself to drive home the caveat of 'not being that guy' who screws things up during the rest period just beginning. This is where I believe that the careful selections of team captains and self motivation characteristics that this staff and front office has followed will make its biggest pay-off.

That is why is was no surprise to me to see them let Dockett walk this off-season, because he almost assuredly would be 'that guy' who would have at the very least laid out a good deal of bulletin board material for competing teams to chew on while players are out of touch with the coaching staffs and other veterans.

Real injuries happen, despite best the precautions taken. At least BA has minimized that possibility of occurrence by his early release. I've gotta like that kind of thinking. I also like what he said about Patrick Peterson and his trials and tribulations last season, as compared to where he is at this point in time this year. PP's actions on the field seem to have borne that out during OTA's and Mini Camp this year.

I also like that BA managed to actually find praise for both DJ Humphries and for Johnathon Cooper when he last addressed the media. That cannot hurt anything, and hopefully was re-assuring and comforting to each of those two as down-time comes. His "coach 'em hard and hug 'em later", philosophy is being seen again in action. I do love that about him. Good Lord, but this franchise has come a long way in a very short time.

+1 Agree on all points!

 

[oaken1]

when you have a good coach the players actually "want" to perform for him....they want to do a good job..... adding in some praise occasionally just makes them want it more.

some of the guys have been pushed harder than the others...either directly or through the media.... those guys especially need that positive finish,...carrying good feelings into the down time will have them wanting to work harder to be ready for camp....this should be particularly effective with some of our younger players who are just learning to be a pro......... a guy like Coop for example...had a rough run early on,..took lots of heat all around, didn't perform well after his injury...........but he worked hard in the off season,...has shown improvement....this type of thing can push him to work even harder between now and camp

 

[NeverSayDieFan]

Charley Brown & Lucy....

We all know the "visual." Good Ol' Charlie Brown eagerly races towards the football only to have Lucy pull a "fast-one". (literally)

BUT...this "feels" different. It feels...REAL!

This team sounds ready and I think they are looking forward to the season just as much as we are.

One thing I have learned repeatedly in my life. "Passion" is often the key ingredient that makes something successful. You simply CAN'T teach people to invest..to care...Either they will or they won't. I have NO DOUBT that this group is all-in and rarin' ta' go.

Mark in SC

BASK-ING! It's a Cardinal-thing!

 

[RedRob]

BUT...this "feels" different. It feels...REAL!

BASK-ING! It's a Cardinal-thing!

Old time fans (myself included) are going to continually have to pinch themselves going in to a season with a realistic hope (and expectation) for the postseason for many reasons including, a roster capable of going to the SB, plus a coach and GM capable of winning a SB...

As we all know injuries, turmoil, drama, etc. can change everything but the reality is us Card fans can legitamitely hold expectations of nothing but the Lombardi trophy in our hearts as any team right now!

 

[Snakester]

Love the positive talk for the team. Having a good staff and GM is great. We have improved our depth on the team in almost every area. I do hope that we find another vet CB though because that is the one area that scares me. If Bethel doesn't step up this year we are very thin at CB.

 

[ajcardfan]

Love the positive talk for the team. Having a good staff and GM is great. We have improved our depth on the team in almost every area. I do hope that we find another vet CB though because that is the one area that scares me. If Bethel doesn't step up this year we are very thin at CB.

Unless some of these young guys just amaze in preseason, I think we will be looking for both CB and TE when the cuts towards the end of camp happen. And, that is assuming we are in good health even. IMHO

 

[Darkside]

As you know, Catfish, I share your enthusiasm for the direction the organization and team has been taking ever since MB added BA&SK.

As a former coach, however, I find myself at times wondering what BA is doing and why---because he is like The Great Gatsby of coaches---he's got the swag, the glam and an "extraordinary gift for hope."

Thus, when I saw his speech to the team yesterday, BA said a few things that made me a little nervous---there was almost too good of a feeling to what he saying, at least for my liking---like saying "I know you guys will come back in great shape."

Honestly, I don't think BA's teams the past two years have come into TC in great shape, which, imo, is why there have been so many injury issues.

I hate to be distrusting---but if it were me, I would want to give my players some sort of an edge to chew on for 7 weeks, not a royal pat on the back for doing what they should have been doing---playing hard, well and fast in helmets and shorts.

However---what saved the day for me was the caveat that Carson Palmer issued to the team about not taking BA's generosity for granted by messing up the afternoon walk-throughs.

And then it occurred to me that BA's whole philosophy is to put the true leadership of the team in the hands of the veterans. Thus, BA can be as positive as he wants when he wants...he can...and does when he trusts the players will hold themselves and each other accountable.

And you know what?

This season will come down to veteran leadership.

BA is right---he and the coaches can only do and say so much.

The veteran players know what's at stake and what it takes---and if they are taking the ownership of the team squarely into their hands, as Carson Palmer did before breaking the team down yesterday, then BA has---come to think of it---given the team the best chance to win.

Agree with this to some extent. There are just a couple of points I would add that you also allude to in your post.

I'm all for giving guys something to chew on, but the reality is you can only grind guys so hard (see Harbaugh). When the grinding becomes manufactured or somewhat disingenuous though, you're going to start losing guys mentally.

Another point I'd add is that BA doesn't need to threaten or worry players needlessly, since he's already shown a propensity for playing the best guys, regardless of draft status or promise--he simply plays the best 11 he can field at any given time. There's no need anymore to give them something to think about, since playing time is what matters most, aside from money, to these players.

Furthermore, it's entirely possible the vets, especially, did come in in great shape. You read about PP losing weight, Cooper and others working hard in the off-season, and Palmer saying he's in the best shape in his life... And it's entirely possible they went above and beyond what's expected...thus, his comments.

I think BA is somewhat unique in that he doesn't have to constantly motivate dudes or worry them. He'll just take their playing time. The rest is up to them.

I think his message about coming back in great shape was mainly for the rooks since they're new to the system and BA's philosophy.

BA is a mad scientist in that regard: not afraid to play rooks if they're prepared, and not afraid to bench a vet if they come in heavy or unprepared. He can afford to pat them on the back because he has a track record of playing the most prepared players. So he can get away with saying good things about a guy who has been relegated to riding pine while he learns the play book, like Massie, or sitting Coop because he hasn't learned to play with pain.

 

[Catfish]

Love the positive talk for the team. Having a good staff and GM is great. We have improved our depth on the team in almost every area. I do hope that we find another vet CB though because that is the one area that scares me. If Bethel doesn't step up this year we are very thin at CB.

While I understand your concern----the dept lies in our safeties------Matthieu has proven himself as a nickes corner, and Buchanan has proven himself as an additional linebacker--------let's not forget that we are in good stead with that. I am sure that SK will be looking though, and if the right situation presents itself, then he has the money to act on it. Meanwhile we are not nearly so thin as it would appear. We have so very many interchangeable parts both on offense and defense-------This team has hidden security.

 

[Catfish]

Agree with this to some extent. There are just a couple of points I would add that you also allude to in your post.

I'm all for giving guys something to chew on, but the reality is you can only grind guys so hard (see Harbaugh). When the grinding becomes manufactured or somewhat disingenuous though, you're going to start losing guys mentally.

Another point I'd add is that BA doesn't need to threaten or worry players needlessly, since he's already shown a propensity for playing the best guys, regardless of draft status or promise--he simply plays the best 11 he can field at any given time. There's no need anymore to give them something to think about, since playing time is what matters most, aside from money, to these players.

Furthermore, it's entirely possible the vets, especially, did come in in great shape. You read about PP losing weight, Cooper and others working hard in the off-season, and Palmer saying he's in the best shape in his life... And it's entirely possible they went above and beyond what's expected...thus, his comments.

I think BA is somewhat unique in that he doesn't have to constantly motivate dudes or worry them. He'll just take their playing time. The rest is up to them.

I think his message about coming back in great shape was mainly for the rooks since they're new to the system and BA's philosophy.

BA is a mad scientist in that regard: not afraid to play rooks if they're prepared, and not afraid to bench a vet if they come in heavy or unprepared. He can afford to pat them on the back because he has a track record of playing the most prepared players. So he can get away with saying good things about a guy who has been relegated to riding pine while he learns the play book, like Massie, or sitting Coop because he hasn't learned to play with pain.

Great stuff Darkside-----------you nailed it---------