Well, they say every team has at least one weakness. I believe that to be an accurate generalization. Clearly the Cards have two that must be looked at as this season approaches. Oddly, I felt that last season many of the deficiencies were on the offense. Almost all of them have been resolved. A premier runner has been added. The O-line depth is vastly improved. At tight end the assembled group of players should provide safety in numbers. With or without Boldin, the offense will be improved. I expect Breaston to take another step forward. This will be an even more explosive team in 2009.
Then there’s the defense. To say the least, the anchor tackle play was weak in 2008. The Cards are gambling Watson will put injuries behind him and play bigger as well as better. Robinson played well for a journeyman, but clearly is not an impact player. Branch had the best seat in the house and got an excellent view of the action. The Cards can survive this weakness, but I am surprised it wasn't addressed.
Moving to the secondary, with Hood leaving, the depth in the secondary is scary. I like Brown, but not starting should injury befall the unit. He should prove adequate at the nickel. Comparisons of Toler to DRC are not justified. Toler has far less polish and is a long shot to make a contribution this year, even on special teams. DRC is a rarity. The depth at safety was poor last season and looks weak this year. I think Rolle will show improvement, but while I like Johnson’s future, I’m less certain he’s the “play now” type. His history would indicate he does better when allowed to grow into his role.
The linebacking corps is solid inside, but the failure to sign Dansby makes one wonder if he will play with reckless abandon. Last year there were times I faulted the defensive set calling that may have not been justified. As I look back I wonder if Dansby may have been playing it safe. A severe injury then and now would cost him a huge amount of money. Looking outside, rush linebackers rarely age well. Berry and Okeafor will give it what they’ve got, but will that be enough? Okeafor always looked better to me with a hand on the ground. I’m not certain he is comfortable in his current role. Berry looked out of gas by the Super Bowl and surely will be less energized after another year’s wear.
Overall, my question about the entire defense is, “Where’s the pass rush?” I think Cody Brown can play at this level, but a year’s seasoning would help. I was not surprised to see LaBoy cut, he was a one trick pony, but that trick was pass rushing. A weaker rush puts more pressure on the secondary and increases the chance of injury. Pass coverage players are rarely injured if the ball doesn’t get into the air. The Cards’ starting secondary is solid, but nothing breaks a player’s spirit like giving up a big play. In pass coverage, self-confidence is critical. Give receivers all day to make double moves and no secondary looks good. Berry & Okeafor appear to have lost a step. They will execute, but not do so at the optimum level. Okeafor often hesitates and that missing step means he can’t close the deal like he once could. Newcomer Brown will rely on athleticism and that seldom is enough in this league. Up front Campbell is a small upgrade from Smith in the pass rushing department, but will likely not be an impact rusher. The Cards couldn’t get to the QB when it counted in the Super Bowl and I don’t see that flaw as corrected.
In the end, this team will have to win most weeks by out-scoring the opposition. They will do that quite often, but mark my word. At a critical time in the season, the lack of an adequate pass rush will cost them dearly.
Then there’s the defense. To say the least, the anchor tackle play was weak in 2008. The Cards are gambling Watson will put injuries behind him and play bigger as well as better. Robinson played well for a journeyman, but clearly is not an impact player. Branch had the best seat in the house and got an excellent view of the action. The Cards can survive this weakness, but I am surprised it wasn't addressed.
Moving to the secondary, with Hood leaving, the depth in the secondary is scary. I like Brown, but not starting should injury befall the unit. He should prove adequate at the nickel. Comparisons of Toler to DRC are not justified. Toler has far less polish and is a long shot to make a contribution this year, even on special teams. DRC is a rarity. The depth at safety was poor last season and looks weak this year. I think Rolle will show improvement, but while I like Johnson’s future, I’m less certain he’s the “play now” type. His history would indicate he does better when allowed to grow into his role.
The linebacking corps is solid inside, but the failure to sign Dansby makes one wonder if he will play with reckless abandon. Last year there were times I faulted the defensive set calling that may have not been justified. As I look back I wonder if Dansby may have been playing it safe. A severe injury then and now would cost him a huge amount of money. Looking outside, rush linebackers rarely age well. Berry and Okeafor will give it what they’ve got, but will that be enough? Okeafor always looked better to me with a hand on the ground. I’m not certain he is comfortable in his current role. Berry looked out of gas by the Super Bowl and surely will be less energized after another year’s wear.
Overall, my question about the entire defense is, “Where’s the pass rush?” I think Cody Brown can play at this level, but a year’s seasoning would help. I was not surprised to see LaBoy cut, he was a one trick pony, but that trick was pass rushing. A weaker rush puts more pressure on the secondary and increases the chance of injury. Pass coverage players are rarely injured if the ball doesn’t get into the air. The Cards’ starting secondary is solid, but nothing breaks a player’s spirit like giving up a big play. In pass coverage, self-confidence is critical. Give receivers all day to make double moves and no secondary looks good. Berry & Okeafor appear to have lost a step. They will execute, but not do so at the optimum level. Okeafor often hesitates and that missing step means he can’t close the deal like he once could. Newcomer Brown will rely on athleticism and that seldom is enough in this league. Up front Campbell is a small upgrade from Smith in the pass rushing department, but will likely not be an impact rusher. The Cards couldn’t get to the QB when it counted in the Super Bowl and I don’t see that flaw as corrected.
In the end, this team will have to win most weeks by out-scoring the opposition. They will do that quite often, but mark my word. At a critical time in the season, the lack of an adequate pass rush will cost them dearly.
