The offseason truth - no sugar coating

[Skkorpion]

Behind the scenes, many of us who write for ASFN wonder if we sound too homerish or too positive. In particular, Ed Burmila frets that we write too much fluff. Is he right?

Maybe we have been too enthusiastic this offseason. We are more pragmatic and realistic in our expectations than many of you know. I was going to write an article on my true expectations but have instead decided it would be better to start a thread on this.

I would very much like intelligent season analysis from all, including all our writers. I will delete any post that consists of "all our players suck" or "we are so talented, we could go 19-0."

If you have an opinion, make your argument. I'll go first.

Please - start with the bad or what concerns you, then with the strong points you see, and finish with a prediction range.

 

[BleedRed]

Well, I'm kind of new on this board, but I love the Cards and here's my thoughts:

Things that concern me:
1. #22 starting @ running back. I really felt like Shipp proved that he could be a starting back in this league, and to give Smith the starting job from day one was kind of a slap in the face. I would have much rather have seen us use that money on some of our more glaring needs instead of trying to please all the cowgirl fans in the valley.

2. Bill Bidwill (I sure wish Colangelo would buy the Cards).

3. Actually my only hope for the season is we stay healthy. If our O-line can stay healthy I think our offense will be fine.


Things I'm excited about:
1. Our secondary. I feel like this will be one of our most improved areas (baring any injuries). I mean Starks was really only healthy a couple of games last year, and even thought he was one of our best players for quite a few seasons, Lassiter sucked last year. I'm excited to see Adrian Wilson continue to become one of the best safties in the game and to see him play next to a very athletic saftey in Dexter Jackson. I've always loved David Barrett and I've heard he put on some more muscle this year. As if he wasn't already a physical corner. This is a good bunch of DB's.

2. Our young WR's. I'm excited to watch these guys play this year. I can't wait to see the rookies (Johnson and Boldin). Especially Boldin, I hate FSU, but I loved to watch this guy. He actually reminds me of David Boston. I'm also excited about Brian Gilmore (even though I really haven't seen him play too much), escpecially with Jeff Blake's ability to throw the ball down the field.

3. Hopefully our TE. I really felt like Jake should have thrown the ball to Freddie Jones alot more last year. And from the stuff I've read this off season is sounds like Blake will do just that.

If we stay healthy this year I could see us going 7-9. I think 8-8 would be a good year for us.

Sorry I'm not the best of writers , but it's just my opinion.
Go Cards!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skkorpion]

My fears:

1. The defensive history. For three years, we've heard that "this year the defense will attack more." It always turns out to be nonsense.

Whether that's because of McGinnis' philosophy, Marmie's preferences, Joe Greene's poor coaching, or just lack of talent, the results have been exactly the same for 7 years - a bottom 10 NFL ranked defense.

Will this year be different? My fear is it won't.

2. Backup Quarterback. I see nothing in McCown except a big arm. If he has to play, we will be in big trouble.

3. Health of the offensive line. If the season were to start today, not one single starter from tackle to tackle would be ready. Only TE Freddie Jones is healthy enough to play.


The good:

1. Leadership and drive. Jeff Blake and Emmitt Smith are pushing everybody.

2. Depth at RB. Best we've had in Arizona.

3. Wide Receivers. My eyes are open. I GUARANTEE this will be a team strength by midseason.

4. Depth everywhere except at DB and FB and DT. Excellent. Oline backups are a team strength. Lb - not bad. K - great shape. Gramatica has lost a bunch of weight and may fight off Duncan. Huge upgrade in special teams.


The unknowns:

1. Coaching. Can Sullivan call plays that work? Is Cary Godette the answer as DE coach?

2. Wendell Bryant. I'm worried about him. I see no drive.

3. Calvin Pace. Barring injury, he's a stater right now. He's very impressive and quite a physical specimen. But can he pressuree the passer.

Prediction:

6-10 with 8-8 possible and 3-13 the bottom side if Jeff Blake gets hurt early. No way this team is better than 8-8, even if everything goes right. Too many new coaches, players, and scheme changes.

 

[AZCB34]

This should get interesting.

Negatives
1. The Cards failed to sign a couple critical FAs the targeted...Colvin and Holliday. I was very very high on Colvin and lukewarm to Holliday but the Cards obviously made a strong push for both. The fact the Cards failed to sign either...especially when they offered the top deals...is disturbing and I believe calls into question Graves and/or the coaches salesmanship (money wasn't the issue). There was something in there that these players didn't believe the Cards would be winners.

2. Letting Boston walk for nothing. To quote the infamous BEERZ...nuff said.

3. A poorly executed trade on draft day where it appears as though Graves, in his desperate desire to bail out of #6 overall, got taken to the cleaners.

4. I believe there to be a lack of CB talent on this team right now since I do not see a #2 CB right now on the roster. Even with a, hopefully improved, pass russ this is going to become a serious issue.

5. An unproven, yet likely enthusiastic, pass rush. This is aa huge weakness for the past few season and right now it is questionable if things have gotten any better. As of this moment I think it a weakness but development in camp and preseason could turn this into something of a positive. In the same vein, the WR corp is full of bodies but whether that translates into players also remains to be seen. I, again think of this unit as a weakness until things shake out and we see what kind of real talent Graves has put together.

Positives
1. The Cards did a decent to very good job of signing lower tier FAs. They created depth at a couple positions which this team lacked. While not completely enamored with the Emmitt signing, it likely did improve the RB corp but at what cost. Hodgins, Darling et al were solid if unspectacular signings.

2. The supposed change in offensive and defensive philosophies. More aggressiveness has been called for over the past couple years and I am unsure why the coaches were so timid. IF the OC and DC really do unleash their players, this could become an exciting if not very good team.

3. The consolidation in the front office. It makes it very clear who is making the decisions and that clarity has been severely lacking in the past. While we may not agree with some of the decisions, it never hurts to have one voice making the calls.

4. Blake over Jake. This is maybe the biggest move of them all. Blake may not be the glamor name and he may not have the glamor stats but he plays smart and doesn;t needlessly turn the ball over. This is, right now, the biggest upgrade of the offseason.

5. A decent draft. On draft day, it was hard being a Cards fan. Things made no sense but as time has progressed, it becomes clear Graves had a plan and by and large stuck to it. Whether he was successful remains to be seen but things are brighter than on draft day.

I refuse to place W/L marks on specific games on the schedule because there are too many variables. However, I think as an overall season, the Cards will get 7-8 wins and be in the playoff hunt until about week 15. The NFCW is looking a bit down this year so with any luck things could be better. Realistically, 7-8 wins and Macs saves his job. IMO anything less than 7 wins and we will be discussing the new coaching staff next offseason.

 

[MadCardDisease]

OK Here's how I see it!

Concerns:

1- My biggest concern going into this season is the health of the offensive line. As the strenght of the team we need this unit on the field in one piece. Our offensive success depends on a healthy line.

2- Another concern is our Defensive Line. Will they generate a pass rush this year. Last year it was frustrating to watch a QB with a broken foot sit in the pocket and pick his targets. Will this new one gap scheme work? Or will it just fuel the opposing teams running game?

3- Depth at the corner back position also scares me. If one of our starters goes down again we are in trouble.

Strong Points

1- If the offensive line is healthy and stays healthy I think we have a powerful offense. I'm not concerned that we don't have a WR with more that a couple years of experience. Sullivan is a master and finding the diamonds in the rough. Blake has the field vision that Jake lacked. Freddie Jones should have a career year and I think we have the best set of RB's we have seen in years.

2- Our starting Defensive Backfield has the potential to be great. However even great DB's can only cover someone for so long. We will need to put at least some pressure on the QB with our front four.

3- I am very happy with our young LB's. We picked up a several LB's this offseason so there should be some good competition for the starting spots this season.

Summary

I believe the Cardinals were able to answer many of their starting line up questions this offseason. Also they added some much needed depth to several key areas. However there are still some holes that if a player goes down it could create some serious problems. The key is for the Cardinals to stay healthy.

I predict the cardinals will win between 6-9 games depending on the health of the team.

 

[SECTION 11]

The staff writers as well as the posters should simply write what they feel if it's an editorial, and report what they can, as accurately as they can, if it's an objective, factual piece.

Combining the objective and the subjective into a coherent article is the responsibility of the writer alone, and the individual writers deserve the opportunity to present their findings and their perspectives in their own way.

I don't think there's anything that can be done about the ebb and flow of positive/negative. Attempting to influence the overall tone of ASFN one way or another would be contrived and unsuccessful, in my opinion.


Wendell Bryant had exactly three more solo tackles than Leonard Davis last season, but I still think we're going 10-6.


I'll rip this team to shreds, then build them back up tomorrow...

 

[Brighteyes]

Concerns:

1) Defensive Coaching - The few practices I saw looked a little anemic to me -- not from the players, but from the coaching. I think Ed B's term of "lawnchair coaching" summed it up.

Dexter Jackson said they approached it like a practice here; in Tampa, they always approach it with the effort and intensity of a real game. I don't believe there's any way to practice EXCEPT like it's a game, with all the intensity and desire. If you don't practice that way, it doesn't magically come out during game day. As you get tired, you fall into old habits.

However, I think a lot of the defensive players there will surprise people . We had injuries last year that have definately healed.

2) Health of the O line.


Strengths:

1) Offensive Coaching - People comment on Sullivan being a new coach, but I think he'll prove to be the smartest thing we ever did. All my concerns about the defensive coaching were brought to light watching the way he ran his offensive practice. No down time, highly organized, and always with a plan and a goal. Energy and intensity.

2) Receivers - Last year when we were pulling people out of day jobs to catch, one analyst actually said receiving must not be tough, because we seem to do it with anyone. That was pure Jerry Sullivan -- and this year he has men ready to play, and a true leader to throw it to them.

3) Jeff Blake - speaking of leaders, I'm very impressed. He's smart; he has no bias against throwing to Freddie Jones, and he's hungry. He knows it's a team game, and a team victory. He's working hard with the men around him -- and I think that'll show on the field.

4) Emmitt Smith - brings a lot in talent, know-how, sheer skill. He sets a real example of work ethic, for everyone. And with Marcel Shipp behind him, dear heavens, we actually have a running game.

5) Vanden Bosch, F. Jones, D.Starkes, D.Jackson, Hodgins ... I could list half the team. There's a lot of guys who aren't here to collect a paycheck -- they're here to win. Including our rookies. By the end of the season, I don't think anyone will make comments about our 'bad draft'.


I like the FEELING of the team this year. Last year they started so well, but we had key positions that really kept letting us down -- and eventually it took it's toll. Everyone else was killing themselves to compensate, and the injuries stacked up.

Those key position "letdowns" are all gone now.


I could go on and on -- but you all know I'm a very optimistic sort. When Ian next goes to Vegas on business, I've got my money ready to bet on the Cardinals, all the way.

 

[CardinalChris]

The bad:

1. Depth at corner. Lucas can play nickel, which helps, but we need a third corner badly, especially in our division

2. Chemistry: There was a large turn over this year, which could be great or could mean a slow start. These new players believe in what McGinnis is selling, we may have a good season.

3. Pass rush: Nothing was done. Hoping players already on the roster develop has been the Cardinal’s Achilles Heel in the past because there are reasons they didn’t contribute last year, which make it a large leap of faith to go from our roster last year, with minimal changes to a decent pass rush this year.

4. Receivers: This is sort of a side concern. I don’t think I am as worried as most, but there is some concern. I think they will be better than most expect, but not game changers. The problem it makes the problems with the defense even more glaring when you can’t score.

The GOOD!!!

1. “Yougottawanna”: In he Army enthusiasm meant a lot in training missions. We called it “Yougottawanna” I see a lot of players helping players, players working after hours, organizing extra practices. This is new and a breathe of fresh air. We now have a team that mirrors McGinnis and could surprise if they play within themselves and don’t get down when they lose.

2. Depth: We have it up and down the roster. The OL isn’t as healthy as preferred, so we have more depth than any year I can remember. LB? A lot of good to above average players. Competition at WR and DL make this an exciting year filled with hope.

3. Swagger: We signed players who win and believe they will win here. Jackson, Smith and Blake have impressed me with attitude and the rookies seem humble and driven. I like that A LOT.

4. Direction: I feel the team has improved by following a sometimes controversial blueprint for the offseason. I hope it is enough to keep McGinnis for another year.

Outlook

I think we will win 6 or 7 games and surprise some people. More importantly, we will be tough, even in the loses. Last year I saw poor talent that tried hard. The offense will start sluggish, but be the key. We know what we will get with the defense. Can the offense keep up the the scoreboard?

 

[KingofCards]

Ok. I'll contribute.

Things that concern me:

1. At this time it is the remaining amount of salary cap $$. I believe that we should be able to locate some increased depth with that money. Or at least re-sign some of our more experienced and talented youngsters long term. ie: Wilson, L. Davis, maybe Raynoch. I don't see how we can leave that money on the table. I respect good cap management and would think a smart G.M. would end up with 4-5 million left when the season starts for injury protection.

2. Secondary depth. Which goes back to #1. What if one of the following goes down? Wilson, Barrett, Starks, Jackson? Who is going to come in? Stone? I like Lucas at the nickle but not fulltime. I think we need another CB and can't believe we did not draft or attmpt to sign one Cornerback.


3. Lack of depth behind Jeff Blake. In fact I think I should have put this #1. If he goes down, I predict the season will fall apart. From what I have seen/heard about McCown, he is not ready and while it might end up being a good for his growth the long term of the team, it will be a disaster for this season.

4. The treatment we received by free agents this season. This is the biggest thing that needs to start to change. The team needs to correct the horrible perception we have league wide. I look forward to a time when they are able to take advantage of the Valley's appeal to young millionaires, ie. The Suns in the late 90's and attract free agents with not only big payoffs but long term winning. We need to get over this cycle: Free agents don't come here because we suck, we suck because free agents don't come here. Starks, Jones, Jackson, Blake, Hodgkins, Darling, and Emmitt are just a start. But when a team based in this City offers the most money but free agents go elsewhere, for less, it just perpetuates this problem. It is the stigma, and they need to shake it.

5. The fans that live here and root for the wrong teams. For me this is the biggest frustration. It goes back to #4. The stigma.



Things that excite me:

1. Change at QB. To have a QB that can read the entire field, throw the deep ball, and not make the same exact mistakes over and over again, is going to be more than refreshing. Plus I won't have to yell: "Come on Jake!", EVER again. (Some might remember I was one of the most Pro-Jake members of this board at one time.)


2. Depth at RB. Both our top two guys are talented and durable. Really don't have the infuriating fumblitis shown by our past guys. These guys have vision, straight-forward running and under-rated abilities to make catches out of the backfield. Plus I think our young guys have talent as well.

3. Our oline. While their health should be listed in concerns, I think we do have depth now on the oline. This should be consider one of , if not the the biggest, strengths of the team for a few years to come. This absolutely depends on their durability of course. I would be very excited if we could start an oline of Shelton, Clement, Garcia, Davis, Kendall, and Jones at T.E. consistently.

4. Youth and talent at WR. This could be a concern but I trust what the guys here have reported and believe that we have a good group and mix of talent, size, speed, and smarts at this position. All we need is proven durability and experience and this would be #2.


5. Our schedule. I believe our schedule to be very favorable this year.


I say 9-7 as a prediction. For a range, I expect us to be between 6-10 and 10-6 Too big a range? Well this is pure Arizona ***** it might be big, but it is not too big.

 

[BleedRed]

Just a quick thought on the cb situation. I really felt like Renaldo Hill proved tha the could be a decent corner last year. Not to say that we couldn't use another corner, but I like Hill as our # 3 corner.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

the bad:

1. health of the oline. this unit was developed into a strength over the past three years. but now, if they can't stay healthy, we'll be blaming them for our 10 defeats.

2. defensive line. I'm optimistic but worried. once we get over the 25 sack mark I'll feel better, but these guys have proven zilch. It could be donavan mcnabb throwing for 500 yards on a busted ankle again this year. (wretch)

3. special teams were awful down the stretch last year. I mean really really really bad. This has got to improve if we are seriously going to contend for a playoff spot.

the good

1. jeff blake as the new qb. best move of the off season by far.

2. a legitimate fullback. we had centers before mackosuka. how long did we have to wait for a prototypical fullback?

3. Wide receivers. man, if you think about it, this group really stunk last year. can you imagine if we trotted boston out there at 280 or whatever he is now? how long would it be before he and 6.5 million signing bonus were sitting on the bench with a bad knee or foot? martay didn't want to be here and frank was done. I'm glad we went with the youth movement.

I will predict some injuries cause us to fight to be 8-8. I just can't go any higher than eight wins until we know the answer to some of these questions.


as far as the asfn staff. I think you guys do a terrific job. I like the positive spin. We're cardinals fans, ok? we need the upbeat stuff.

 

[jmr667]

I have to agree with Section 11. A little personal flavor in the editorials is a good thing. It says a lot about a team if watching the practices gets the authors fired up. It says something completely different if the it brings the editors down or makes them loose faith.

For what its worth here's my penny's worth on the team.

The D-Line is scary. If we are lucky one DT and one or two DE's step up and have a break through season. But that would still leave some weaknesses on the line. Basically the team is forced to hope 4-5 players suprise everyone. Scary.

The WR positioni is going to be fun to watch. There are so many players with so much potential. Add in Sullivan and company teaching them and in a couple of years this could be a devastating crew. This year.... well, we'll it will be fun to see how fast they come along.

The QB situation is much improved.

Emmitt Smith has apparently already begun to pay off in team attitude. If he doesn't mind sharing some carries with Shipp... At least they finally have some depth here.

Overall the depth on this team (except for DL and DB's) is much better than it has been in the years I've been following them. The only real weakness is can someone back up Blake and the DB's. But you gotta love the moves made at OL, LB and WR.

The Cards are finishing up the offseason with lots of cap room. I for one am happy they did not bet the farm on any of the FA's this year. Let's face it, Colvin might be good but he's no LT and Holliday might be better than anything we got by a long shot but he's still no Reggie White. The team has almost all the depth players they need, and lots of players with serious potential. For the first time I honestly believe this team may be only be a 2-3 players away from being a serious contender.
If some of their young players come along quick and looking at the strength of schedule this team should be close to .500 this year. Use that cap space to add those 2-3 players next year, have some youngsters develop and the team could be a threat to anyone next year.

Then again I could be wrong.

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by Skkorpion
Behind the scenes, many of us who write for ASFN wonder if we sound too homerish or too positive. In particular, Ed Burmila frets that we write too much fluff. Is he right?

Maybe we have been too enthusiastic this offseason. We are more pragmatic and realistic in our expectations than many of you know. I was going to write an article on my true expectations but have instead decided it would be better to start a thread on this.

I would very much like intelligent season analysis from all, including all our writers. I will delete any post that consists of "all our players suck" or "we are so talented, we could go 19-0."

If you have an opinion, make your argument. I'll go first.

Please - start with the bad or what concerns you, then with the strong points you see, and finish with a prediction range.

Concerns:

1. Pass Rush

I think that it will be better than the last two years but I really dont know how much better. I am in the camp that Pace will be a pleasant surprise barring injury.

2. Experience at WR

I think that Skkorp is right this is probably the most physically gifted group of WRs this team may have ever seen as a collective whole. But the experience factor is what concerns me. I hope these guys make the clutch plays and learn quickly to come back to the QB when hes in trouble. These guys will either flop or I think they may just be an unexpected bright spot IMO!

3. Health of the O-line

This has been a huge problem the last 2 years and I just hope thta for once the gods will shine brightly on us and let us remain injury free that way we can obtain some continuity!

4. Emmitt Smith

He just isnt the most talented RB on the team at this point in his career and should not have been handed the starting job. He should have earned it. I predict that Shipp will be starting no later than week 10 either due to injury or performance.


Posotives:

1.QB

No Jake and a very solid guy in Blake who has an arm and an ability to read a defense. I concur this was the best FA signing this year! He will be worth 3 wins alone IMO! He wont lose any for us either!

2. Depth

We have definately made this a deeper team that is better prepared to withstand the wear and tear of a 16 game season. Almost every position is deeper with the exception of CB and QB! I pray that Blake can withstand the whole 16 game season otherwise we are in BIG trouble!

3. Secondary

I love our young and I am much bigger on Barrett then guys like ajcardfan and Jeff Gollin are. The guiy is a player and is going to be a solid NFL stasrter for years to come. I think that Wilson will pull his head out of his arse and we will start to see that physical talent shine through. The othe rtwo positions speak for themselves. I love picking up Dexter jackson and his aparent enthusiasm!

4. FB

This was the second best signing of the FA period IMO this guys is gonna plow open holes for Emmitt and Shipp!


5. Schedule and bye week

We have the weakest schedule in all of football that bodes very well for us! We also have a favorable bye wee k for once. This all points to the promise of a decent year.

I will predict no worse then 7-9 and if we stay healthy as good as 10-6!

 

[long_season]

Concerns:

O-line health. If this unit gets health and stays healthy it would be awesome. They have an all time leading back behind them that they should fight for, knowing they will take the blame if he is unproductive. Hopefully everyone will see how Shipp outperforms the all time leading rusher in the same circumstances

Getting our 1st rounders into camp ON TIME. If Rod pulls this off I will be a firm believer in him and his ability to pull Bidwills strings, and not vice versa.

Sullivan - He is a technician. I hope he has the ability to call plays. I believe Blake can help here.

Worst case: 4-12
Most likely: 6-10
Best case: 8-8

If best case happens we will contend for a playoff berth next season.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Rooting for your team?

To positive? How can a fan of a team be too positive ?

I root for the Cardinals. Thick and Thin. Untill we lose a game we are going 19-0.

As far as I am concerned the team is almost completely different than last year. New leaders. New players. New look. And we got a new stadium coming soon.

What is not to like here? Are we supposed to think our team will be terrible forever? Is it that impossible that the Cardinals could be a good football team next year?

We will see.

 

[KingofCards]

He meant on THIS thread not the entire board.

 

[football24/7]

Biggest concerns for 2003 are

1) Injuries- While we have become deeper across the board, we must stay healthy. This teams margin for error is slim, so we need our studs game in game out.

2) Pass rush- Lots of ifs here, but lots of potential. I dont expect any sack records, but improvement must be made in this critical area. Pace, Johnson, and Bryant must contribute or our improved secondary will still look weak.

3) Mac must get this team to come out of the gates ready to play. No more deficits of 14 points or more. Jake was a third to blame for his lack of reading defenses and really limiting the offense. Olson also owns part of the blame for a vanilla gameplan (jake) and the last third of the blame pie goes to the sorry defense, which made our offense into a boring time possesion type joke. Sully will be aggressive and call the plays we all want to see. No more 3 and out s up the middle. Lets be creative with both sides of the ball, and if we still suck at least we gave it every effort.
.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

NEGATIVES

If Marmie coordinates like he did last year, it will cost Mac his job.

POSITIVES

Graves will not let Marmie go a whole season with an anemic gameplan.

Only one position (WR) is our team weaker than last year.

Record 9-7 if coaching is decent.

 

[Sack Daddy]

Sizing up the Cards

Every team in the NFL has holes, ALL of them. When you look closely, you see that most games come down to a handful of plays. A team with a good offense and a bad defense can win games and vise versa. All this speculation means nothing. The Cards' could go 3-13 or 13-3. Don't think so? Take a look at the standings over the last 5 years. My only hope is that the Cards' show improvement and play competitive games. If they don't, the players will play for pathetic crowds and big name free agents will continue to avoid Arizona like the plague. You don't play this game and endure this kind of punishment to lay it on the line for a bunch of fairweather naysayers, do you? Money won't convince a player to bust his ass on the field. E.Smith was brought here to plant butts in the seats and that was smart. I don't care how they did it; I'm just glad they did. It certainly won't hurt the teams' psyche or morale should they look up and see something other than empty seats. There has been, and is talent on this team. If people think the only reason players leave this team is ownership, they need to wake up. I'm tired of that crap. People need to support this team and drag there butts to the games and give these players a boost. How discouraging is it to have a 1/2 empty stadium for a home game? To never have homefield advantage? If you'll only go to a game if the team is winning; don't call yourself a fan. I know there are alot of good fans, I'm not talking to them. I only wish there were more. Pack that stadium, see what happens. Big crowds, true fan support; this team would surpass everyone's expectations. I just don't know if we'll ever find out. After 2 or 3 losses, we'll be back to 1/2 empty. That's my 2 cents.

 

[football karma]

Why the Cardinals will have a break out year:

Plummer, while not the anti-christ, was all along the reason why an offensive unit with decent talent horribly underachieved the last three years. Blake comes in and for once the offensive unit overachieves. The deep passing game and a grind it out running game scores enough points and keeps the defense off of the field.

On defense, Wendell Bryant lives up to expectations, and Pace, KVB and Dennis Johson tag team to get enough sacks to be average.

The team stays reasonably healthy, wins 10 games due to a soft schedule, and the Cards go in 2004 with lots of cap room and a new attitude.


Why the Cardinals will go 3-13:

The young wr's cant beat press coverage on a regular basis. This allows opposing Ds to load up 8 in the box to take away the running game. Frequent blitzes also have the youngsters running the wrong routes, etc. Blake goes down for half the season.

None of the young D linemen show any progression. The old, cant stop the run, cant rush the passer D line reappears.

Mac is gone at the end of the year, and Rick Neuheisel is hired to replace him (it couldnt get that bad, could it?)

 

[Krangodnzr]

My 2 cents:

Concerns:

1. Pass Rush: Anyone who has watched this team the past two years, knows that we need a pass rush badly. If Wendell Bryant or Calvin Pace can't step it up, I can't really see it improving much. Sure KVB might step it up, but he is more of a 5-7 sack per year guy, and we need at least one of the other guys to become a 10 sack per guy.

2. Stopping the run: Another thing we were horrible doing last year. Honestly I don't think Wendell will ever be stout against the run (though he potentially is a very good pass rusher) and we already know what Tanner, Davis, and Wakefield are capable of. Marcus Bell needs to step it up and become a better run defender inside. If Bell can become that inside run defender, this defense will improve dramatically, especially with the depth we have.

3. O Line health: Very disturbing to say the least. O Lines need as much time together as possible, and I'm afraid we will be going into the season with our line still trying to get it together. One positive from this: The younger guys are getting more reps.

4. WRs: I think we have a good group of receivers, but I'm afraid that they are a year away from being a good group. Boldin should immediately be the go to receiver to move the chains, but the rest really scare me. McAddley showed flashes last year, but he is far from a good player at this point in time. Johnson, McAddley, Walker, and a few others have potential, but they are closer to a problem than a solution.

5. QB: As others on this thread have stated, we will be royally screwed if Blake goes down for an extended period of time. McCown has bust written all over him, but I'll give him more time to prove himself.

6. CB: I disagree with many on this board. I actually think that Barrett can get the job done as a number two. But the problem is the nickel corner. Renaldo Hill and Coby Rhinehart are more of a liability. I was hoping for a veteran third corner, but it isn't looking likely. Hopefully Rhett Nelson is a find, but I won't get my hope too high.

Positives:

1. Jeff Blake: The guy has come in here and become a leader on this football team. He has brought a veteran presence that Plummer never brought to this team. He will cut down on our mistakes, which alone will make him worth it.

2.Emmitt Smith: Say what you want about who deserves the job, but Emmitt brings credibility, leadership, and a sense of urgency on this football team. The young guys want to play with him and win with him, and he is the highest profile player that this team has had in a decade.

3.Depth: Graves continually talked about the belly of the team getting better, and he certainly addressed that. He has improved the depth of the OL, at LB, RB, and WR. I've only watched this team for about 10 years, and the depth is the best it has ever been. Criticize Graves all you want, but he has definitely made this a better football team overall.

RB: With Smith and Shipp, runningback figures to be a key position for us, especially now that they will be running behind the massively built bull dozer, better known as James Hodgins. This is by far the best rb corps that I've seen since I've watched. Even Damien Anderson has shown some talent.

4. Young talent: Bryant, Pace, Thompson, Bell, KVB, Fisher, Barrett, Wilson, are all young and talented on defense. Shipp, the receivers, and most of the o line are all young and pretty talented too. Overall this team is very young, andwith a little fine tuning, this team could be pretty good in a couple of years if it is kept together.

Overall: I'm not that excited about this team next year, too many unknowns. I think as Skkorp said, our record could range from around 3-13 to 8-8 if we get some breaks. I would say that we go 6-10, with Mac being fired. His read and react defense, and his inability to make changes become the nails in his coffin (with Graves firing Mac and picking a successor). I hate to say it but that's what will happen this year guys and gals.

 

[Red Air Force]

The good

Our young reciever corps will suprise a lot of peeps this year. With Blake leading the way we now have a reciever for every situation, long, short, in, and out.

I'm excited about our front 7. We have a lot of depth and a new philosophy. These guys just might tear it up this year.

The bad

I seriously think we are overating our own DB's. Starks was adequate, but I still think he was more of a by-product of the Raven defense, than through his own abilities. I'm still not sold on Barret, and I have a hard time picturing him as more than a nickle back. While Wilson seems to be a great athlete, he still hasn't translated that into game day results. I was very dissapointed with him last year, and hope he's able to turn it up this year.

The record

Through a combination of improved play, and a weak schedule I think we go at least 10-6. I won't say more than 10, but I don't think it is totaly out of the realm of possibilites.

10 wins gets us into the playoffs, and we can go form there.

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by BleedRed
Just a quick thought on the cb situation.

Rhett Nelson

 

[Metal Militia]

I personally think that David Barrett has proven that he is a legit #2 corner. Hopefully he will continue to improve.

 

[conraddobler]

Originally posted by Skkorpion
My fears:

1. The defensive history. For three years, we've heard that "this year the defense will attack more." It always turns out to be nonsense.

Whether that's because of McGinnis' philosophy, Marmie's preferences, Joe Greene's poor coaching, or just lack of talent, the results have been exactly the same for 7 years - a bottom 10 NFL ranked defense.

Will this year be different? My fear is it won't.

2. Backup Quarterback. I see nothing in McCown except a big arm. If he has to play, we will be in big trouble.

3. Health of the offensive line. If the season were to start today, not one single starter from tackle to tackle would be ready. Only TE Freddie Jones is healthy enough to play.


The good:

1. Leadership and drive. Jeff Blake and Emmitt Smith are pushing everybody.

2. Depth at RB. Best we've had in Arizona.

3. Wide Receivers. My eyes are open. I GUARANTEE this will be a team strength by midseason.

4. Depth everywhere except at DB and FB and DT. Excellent. Oline backups are a team strength. Lb - not bad. K - great shape. Gramatica has lost a bunch of weight and may fight off Duncan. Huge upgrade in special teams.


The unknowns:

1. Coaching. Can Sullivan call plays that work? Is Cary Godette the answer as DE coach?

2. Wendell Bryant. I'm worried about him. I see no drive.

3. Calvin Pace. Barring injury, he's a stater right now. He's very impressive and quite a physical specimen. But can he pressuree the passer.

Prediction:

6-10 with 8-8 possible and 3-13 the bottom side if Jeff Blake gets hurt early. No way this team is better than 8-8, even if everything goes right. Too many new coaches, players, and scheme changes.

To make this simple and since it's so late I will just agree with your points on positives and negatives and still can't see how you are so negative.

I think those of us who follow the Cardinals really close get as blind to the good as we do the bad.

Really I do see all the same weaknesses you do but in just comparing this team to say the Chiefs for example who I would say should be about average this year of 8-8 maybe worse due to the division they play in and still I think if we went back there this year we'd win.

The team flat out tanked last year but before injuries it was pretty good. This year we basically lose Boston and thats about it. Now thats a big blow but everything else is better plus right now healthy.

I see 10-6 barring signifigant long term injuries maybe better. The schedule is really as easy as it gets and the 49ers shouldn't scare anyone. The Rams prob could be good again but the seahawks just stink. Our non-conference schedule is easy too I would put a non-injury baseline low of 8-8. Serious bad ju ju to do worse than that.

By the way if Blake gets hurt I want the best most ready QB to take over and I bet that would be Parsons. I think he would do better than peoples wildest dreams if that happend.