The Steve Breastons of 2009

[Mitch]

Here are the players who, IMO, will be the surprises of 2009:

1. QB Brian St. Pierre. It's unlikely that the Cardinals will go another full season without having to play a backup QB in meaningful situations. St. Pierre is a good fit in Whiz's system and he adds a dimension that Warner and Leinart don't: he can tuck the ball in and run.

What's very interesting is why St. Pierre is signing one year contracts with the Cardinals. He does not want to commit himself to a perennial backup's contract, because he feels that when he gets his shot he will prove to be a more than competent starter.

The fact that the Cardinals signed St. Pierre on the first day of free agency is significant...as is the Cardinals' offer to pay a supposed #3 QB more than the veteran minimum. St. Pierre is not viewed by the coaches as #3 QB and when he gets his opportunity this year, he will perform admirably.

2. T Elliot Vallejo and G Brandon Keith. In an effort to improve both the running game and the pass protection it is my belief that Russ Grimm will do some major tinkering with the offensive line this season. It would not surprise me in the least if he slides Mike Gandy down to LG, Reggie Wells to C, and inserts Elliot Vallejo at LT and Brandon Keith at RG.

Vallejo has begun to blossom under Grimm's tutalege. He's an athletic LT who plays with good leverege and is lighter on his feet than Gandy, which will be a real asset in protecting the edge. In time, Vallejo will remind some of Panthers' LT Jordan Gross.

Keith is a remarkable athlete at his size and strength. Grimm was tempted to start Keith in Lutui's place late in the year, but decided to keep the continuity. But this time around Grimm won't hesitate. Keith is bigger and stronger than Lutui and he has better feet.

3. WR Steve Breaston. Himself, again. We are going to be amazed that he will be even better this year. With teams doubling Fitz, Breaston is going to find himself in a position to make big plays left and right. Don't be surprised if Breaston joins the double digit TD club this year, and a few will be on long bombs and intermediate passes that he takes to the house.

4. WR Early Doucet. This tough as nails competitor will come to camp on a mission and will thrive in the slot WR role and will emerge as the team's clutch 3rd down go-to WR.

5. WR Lance Long. Will remind some of Wes Welker, with his nifty feet, excellent hands and elusive RAC ability.

6. TE Ben Patrick. Will separate himself from the pack of TEs and be highly productive as a run blocker and receiver. His 2-PT conversion catch in the NFC Championship game and his TD in the Super Bowl are indications of what an asset he is and will be this year in the red zone.

7. NT Alan Branch. I am not kidding. The light is going to go on and stay on. He will be John Lott's pet project this off-season and will not only clog the middle, he will show rare pass rushing ability that we haven't seen from recent Cardinal NTs.

8. DE Calais Campbell. He will win the Steve Breaston award as the team's MIP. Campbell has the motor, size and tackling ability to be standout 3-4 DE...and he will be a consistently tenacious player in the middle of the defense.

9. LB Karlos Dansby. Bill Davis will do the smart thing and move Dansby all around the defense and have him attack opposing offenses from all different angles. Dansby's sack totals will rise, as will his big plays, and he will earn his first Pro Bowl invitation.

10. LB Monty Beisel. With his back woes well behind him and with a coach in Bill Davis who believes in him, Beisel will have a major role in the defense this year and will prove himself to be one of the best tacklers and cover LBs on the team.

11. LB Ali Highsmith. Will be used as a situational LB and will show his knack for being around the ball and making big plays, while continuing to shine on STs.

12. CB Michael Adams. Will earn a spot in the nickel (adding speed and quickness in coverage) and continue to shine as a gunner on STs.

13. S Keith Lewis. Like Adams he will shine on STs and will perform a key role as a rangy FS in the nickel and dime packages.

Others to Keep and Eye On: (in alphabetical order)

DT Jason Banks
FB Tim Castille
DT Keilen Dykes
DE Kenny Iwebema
FS Dennis Keyes
LB Travis LaBoy

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

are you just doing the St.Pierre thing to bug people now. We all know you like him, think he's the greatest backup to ever set foot on the field , and so on. Do you have to post about him every 3 days?

I think i'm going to start touting Pago Togafau, who,btw has actually played in a NFL game, to be inserted into the starting lineup. All he's needs is a chance.

 

[joeshmo]

Thats a pretty big list.

With Pierre its only 200k more then what his vet minimum would have been. Not really signifacant of a raise, although you could make the argument that it is a big raise for a #3 QB. I am going to assume you dont think one of Matt or Kurt will be here next year?

If Warner is still here I wouldnt see Wells at center. He had troubles with the shotgun snap the first go around and one of ther easons why he was moved back outside again.

I think Long could make some noise but do you think there is room on the 53 or enough playing time for him with Fitz, Boldin, Urban, Doucet, Breaston all in front of him, to even allow him to make that noise. I think we may have to wait one more year.

 

[bg7brd]

I'll be surprised if Beisel is even on the team next year.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

LOL. No offense but you named half the team.

Question: Who is the surprise player of 2009?

Answer: One of the 53 guys on the roster.


Brandon Keith - Why? Cause it seems everything out of Cardinals camp says he moves really well. That and he is HUGE!!! Put him a guard and let him supply the push we have been looking for.

Early Doucet - Do you hear that ? That is the door closing behing Urban, cause Doucet just took his spot.

 

[TJ]

Couple of things, Mitch:

• I agree that Lance Long can make an impact next season. I don't think it is going to be at WR, but rather as a return specialist as JJ is gone and Breaston is more of a receiver these days than a PR
• Brandon Keith is going to get some serious consideration for RG over Lutui, so Deuce better focus this offseason on getting in shape and work on his mechanics. Keith has the talent of a 1st or 2nd round pick, but slipped last season due to personal issues. Grimm with a little discipline has gotten into his head I bet.
• As for Vallejo, I don't know enough about him. I don't think he is a serious threat for breaking the starting line up, unless Levi Brown completly melts down
• Dennis Keyes is the guy I am looking forward to coming out of no where and becoming something special. He was nails in college and did well in preseason. I was surprised that he was relegated to the practice squad
• Ali Highsmith = stud special teamer and will help in the linebacker rotation
• Ben Patrick needs to stay healthy to prove he can separate himself from the pack. Right now, we have three third-string tight ends on this team IMO.
• And of course... St. Pierre....no one will ever understand your infatuation with this guy. He may be better than the average emergency quarterback, but if the Cards re-sign Warner, thats what he's going to be. Chances of him seeing big game action next season are slim. I'd be more than happy to eat crow, but he is no where near as talented as Warner and Leinart

 

[Jetstream Green]

Offense- Early Doucet...that guy was too much of a play maker in college to expect anything less and was not scared to run a route in traffic...get hit...and hold on to the catch

Defense-Antrel Rolle...second year at the position...one of the top pure athletes on this team who will be able to be more instictive by growing more familiar with the position

 

[Ryanwb]

I don't really think you can look into the signing of St. Pierre on the first day as significant. As if he was truly as important as one projects he would have been retained prior to free agency.

I hope you are right on Alan Branch, this team will need solid contributions from the DL this year

 

[abomb]

Brian St Pierre died for your sins, you sons of *******.

 

[cardfan]

If we look at this post 11 months from now, I think we will find that a lot of the things Mitch is saying here were true.

 

[joshstmarie]

Brian St Pierre died for your sins, you sons of *******.

 

[LVG]

Brian St Pierre died for your sins, you sons of *******.

5/5.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

I've never seen "Saint" Pierre play so I have no basis for judging Mitch man love for him. I think Mitch is a pretty good evaluater of talent, but I don't believe he would be a 3rd stringer if he were that talented.

He does know when to call a trick play though, so maybe he will be an excellent coach.

 

[Assface]

7. NT Alan Branch. I am not kidding. The light is going to go on and stay on. He will be John Lott's pet project this off-season and will not only clog the middle, he will show rare pass rushing ability that we haven't seen from recent Cardinal NTs.

Branch caught a lot of grief from fans this year for not getting any playing time over Bryan Robinson but looking back not one single young player beat out a veteran this year.

Warner over Leinart
James over Hightower
Urban over Doucet
Entire OL stayed intact.
Robinson over Branch
Green over DRC

Some, like James, were obvious but the theme of this year was Whis going with veterans first. I think Branch's lack of playing time reflects on his ability and I think he'll be just fine next year. He looked good enough in the limited action he got.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Brian St Pierre died for your sins, you sons of *******.

That was awesome.

 

[Assface]

I don't really think you can look into the signing of St. Pierre on the first day as significant. As if he was truly as important as one projects he would have been retained prior to free agency.

I think signing St. Pierre is them hedging their bets against Warner not returning. As much as I laugh at the prospect of him becoming a full time starter, all things considered there aren't any better backup options if Kurt leaves and Matt takes over.

 

[lauraw]

i'm looking for big years by branch and doucet.

 

[82CardsGrad]

The St. Pierre comments from Mitch are simply comical now...

- Branch: If the light doesn't go on this year, he's done wearing Cardinal red. Easily the most frustrating player on this team. All-Pro size, skills and talent with the heart of a mouse...

- Doucet: I am so not sold on this guy. He has a ton to prove. I do not see him taking Urban's position. If Q remains with this team, I don't see any changes at all at WR for this team... If Q goes, I think Doucet will have his hands full fighting for the #3 spot with Urban, and at this stage, I'm not convinced that Early will win that battle...

- Campbell & Iwebema: With Antonio now gone, these two will certainly get their chance to shine under the spotlight. I believe Campbell , like Branch, has ALL-Pro size, speed and skills. Unlike Branch, I believe Calais also has the engine to go along with his size and skills... He could be a lot of fun to watch!!!

 

[Assface]

Campbell & Iwebema: With Antonio now gone, these two will certainly get their chance to shine under the spotlight. I believe Campbell , like Branch, has ALL-Pro size, speed and skills. Unlike Branch, I believe Calais also has the engine to go along with his size and skills... He could be a lot of fun to watch!!!

Not long after he was drafted Campbell was being interviewed by Gambo and Ash. Everything out of his mouth was "yes sir, no sir" and he kept talking about the things he needed to improve such as his hands usage. Small things but the first word that popped in to my mind when I heard him speaking was "coachable." He obviously has the physical attributes but I'm convinced that he has the attitude and mindset to become very good for us.

 

[IAWarnerFan]

If Kurt Warner doesn't return, we are going with Brian St. Pierre.
NOW CAN YOU DIG THAT!?!

 

[Assface]

If Kurt Warner doesn't return, we are going with Brian St. Pierre.
NOW CAN YOU DIG THAT!?!

You're not going to follow that up with a spinaroonie, are you?

 

[Buckybird]

Mitch, do u know or have connections with coaches or players with the Cards? Obviously, you know football but I was just wondering what you base some of your opinions on other than what you think.

 

[abomb]

My earlier post was from this sketch;

http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=1998022812

 

[Vermont Maverick]

2. T Elliot Vallejo and G Brandon Keith. ...It would not surprise me in the least if he slides Mike Gandy down to LG, Reggie Wells to C, and inserts Elliot Vallejo at LT and Brandon Keith at RG.

Um, so at the position where continuity is perhaps the most important, Russ Grimm will CHOOSE to change 4 of the 5 parts? Jeez, Mitch.

 

[RON_IN_OC]

I've never seen "Saint" Pierre play so I have no basis for judging Mitch man love for him. I think Mitch is a pretty good evaluater of talent, but I don't believe he would be a 3rd stringer if he were that talented.

He does know when to call a trick play though, so maybe he will be an excellent coach.

I don't think many have...it's like the legend of Big Foot.