This gets me Excited!!! Anyone else hoping this is true????

[Shane]

This is the report from Kent Somers If its true then I am going to be one happy camper this season! READ THE 5th PARA. IN BOLD!

By Kent Somers/Arizona Republic


Cardinals Team Report
April 20, 2003 Print it


* Leonard Davis was drafted two years ago with the idea he eventually would be a full-time tackle. But after playing right tackle all of last season in place of injured Anthony Clement, he is moving back to right guard.

Davis acquitted himself well at tackle, though he occasionally was beaten by speed rushers, but the coaches consider him a devastating force at right guard.

Clement is back and LT L.J. Shelton is coming off his best season, so Davis can settle back in at guard. ...

WR Bryan Gilmore, who broke his leg last season, probably won't be running full speed until training camp. He's the fastest player on the team and could provide a deep threat to an untested receiving unit.

OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS

New coordinator Jerry Sullivan loves the passing game. He's similar to Rams coach Mike Martz in that he wants to be bold and unconventional in his play-calling.

QB Jeff Blake throws a great deep ball and has worked with unproven receivers before. Sullivan wants to use three-receiver sets and attack downfield. Don't look for a ball-control attack, though the personnel might be better suited to that.

The offensive strengths are a veteran, physical line and a deep group of running backs. In Emmitt Smith and Marcel Shipp, the team has two capable backs who run well between the tackles.

 

[Ed B]

Our play-calling has been so god-awfully boring for the last 8 years that if Sullivan drew up a crossing route it would qualify as "thrilling"

My only question about this is if one can run a "st louis rams offense" with the likes of Kasper and Gilmore. That ain't exactly Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt!

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by Ed B
Our play-calling has been so god-awfully boring for the last 8 years that if Sullivan drew up a crossing route it would qualify as "thrilling"

My only question about this is if one can run a "st louis rams offense" with the likes of Kasper and Gilmore. That ain't exactly Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt!

Well hopefully we will be able to the Marcus Robinson in the mix!

As well as possibly an IMPACT WR of some sort from the draft?

 

[SECTION 11]

I'd love to see some pounding ground control offense.
The affect on the turn-over battle alone would be worth it.

 

[kerouac9]

The Rams' offense is predicated on a RB who can score a TD any time he touches the ball, whether it's a screen, pitch, handoff, reverse, or running a route lining up as a WR. You have to dedicate a lineman, LB, and safety to know where Marshall Faulk is on the field at all times, or else they're going to kill you. Also, you need to have either wicked quick corners or immensely physical corners to contain Bruce and Holt, who can also catch anything thrown near them.

Even if we sign Marcus Robinson and/or Mushin Muhammed and/or Andre Johnson, we won't have the bullets to run that kind of O. It's pretty well known on this board how I feel about Shipp and Smith, but even the most optimistic posters have to agree that neither of them are anywhere near the talent of Marshall Faulk.

In regards to the article, I don't know where Kent Somers came up with his report, but the wording of it makes me think it's his own conjecture, and nothing specific. To say that Sullivan loves the passing game isn't a big reach, considering he was the WR coach.

 

[jstadvl]

I yhink

Gilmore and McAddley both have the speed to stretch the field. Kasper could become an over the middle receiver, he's got the mentallity for it. I'm not saying we have great receivers,yet! However I'm not afraid of going into this season with what we have.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

I thoroughly agree, Shane H. Keeping BIG inside at RG enables them to pound the ball up the middle with more regularity. But, keeping defenses off-balance as Sullivan proposes to do is just what the Cardinals need.

The Cardinals found a formula for success last year the few times they entered the fourth quarter with a lead. By then the offensive line had worn down the opponents' defensive line and the Cardinals could pound the ball down their throats. Remember the Seahawk and Cowboy wins in particular.

This is why I wanted Sullivan as OC from the get go. He's smart enough to realize that few teams if any are able to pound the ball for four quarters...and that to grab a good little lead in this league an offense needs to be multi-dimensional. In Jeff Blake and hopefully Byron Leftwich, Sullivan will be able to employ the vertical passing game that Jake was unable to provide...which is another reason why running was so difficult for the Cards at times...because without having to fear the deep passing game, opponents were able to keep the secondary closer to the box. I don't know if you noticed this but the Cardinals were even having trouble completing the mainstay of their offense: the quick slant. Why? Too many defenders in or around the box. And while many of you scoff at the trio of McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper...let's remember one key thing about all three of these players: they have the speed to get deep. This year, McAddley will be able to run under the ball, not have to stop in his tracks and fight his way back to the ball. There are reasons why the team was willing to part with Boston, Sanders and Jenkins. Sullivan has faith in McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper. He also likes Nathan Poole and Jake Soliday...and if he adds a free agent and a high draft pick, he will have all the options in the passing game he needs.

 

[JeffGollin]

Think vertical.

Using deep pass plays off play action fakes to the RB and countering with ISO and sprint draw plays to Emmitt or Shipp up the gut.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by JeffGollin
Think vertical.

Using deep pass plays off play action fakes to the RB and countering with ISO and sprint draw plays to Emmitt or Shipp up the gut.

Whatever. How often do you see the Rams go to the PlayAction?

 

[red desert]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
I thoroughly agree, Shane H. Keeping BIG inside at RG enables them to pound the ball up the middle with more regularity. But, keeping defenses off-balance as Sullivan proposes to do is just what the Cardinals need.

The Cardinals found a formula for success last year the few times they entered the fourth quarter with a lead. By then the offensive line had worn down the opponents' defensive line and the Cardinals could pound the ball down their throats. Remember the Seahawk and Cowboy wins in particular.

This is why I wanted Sullivan as OC from the get go. He's smart enough to realize that few teams if any are able to pound the ball for four quarters...and that to grab a good little lead in this league an offense needs to be multi-dimensional. In Jeff Blake and hopefully Byron Leftwich, Sullivan will be able to employ the vertical passing game that Jake was unable to provide...which is another reason why running was so difficult for the Cards at times...because without having to fear the deep passing game, opponents were able to keep the secondary closer to the box. I don't know if you noticed this but the Cardinals were even having trouble completing the mainstay of their offense: the quick slant. Why? Too many defenders in or around the box. And while many of you scoff at the trio of McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper...let's remember one key thing about all three of these players: they have the speed to get deep. This year, McAddley will be able to run under the ball, not have to stop in his tracks and fight his way back to the ball. There are reasons why the team was willing to part with Boston, Sanders and Jenkins. Sullivan has faith in McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper. He also likes Nathan Poole and Jake Soliday...and if he adds a free agent and a high draft pick, he will have all the options in the passing game he needs.

Well put, Walter. As always.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Whatever. How often do you see the Rams go to the PlayAction?

Often, how about "regularly"?

The quick strike, score first at all cost Rams? Naw, they never use play action.
I'm pretty sure play action set up their first score in the Superbowl against the Pats.

 

[earthsci]

Originally posted by Shane H
New coordinator Jerry Sullivan loves the passing game. He's similar to Rams coach Mike Martz in that he wants to be bold and unconventional in his play-calling.

It doesn't say he wants to run the same offense as St. Louis, just to be bold and unconventional like them.

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by SECTION 11
The quick strike, score first at all cost Rams? Naw, they never use play action.
I'm pretty sure play action set up their first score in the Superbowl against the Pats.

This is my point. Play Action means that you have to get the D worried about the run first, because you've already established that you can use it as a weapon. You can't really use the play action when you come out in 3-4 WR sets every down, like the Rams do. I have no problem using the play action effectively, like the Colts do when Edge or Mungro or whomever is running effectively, but you've seen during the past two seasons that the Colts' O doesn't run right when the RB isn't gaining 85 yards a game.

"Score at all costs" teams (like the Vikes of a couple years ago, and the Rams and the Seahawks late this season) don't take the time to set up the play action, and then run the ball down teams' throats once the score is 24-7 in the middle of the second quarter. Play action teams keep the score close until the end of the first half or so (14-3), and then pull away because LBs are looking run-first and safeties are playing 3-5 yards in, and then your burners can go deep.

 

[SECTION 11]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Play action teams keep the score close until the end of the first half or so (14-3), and then pull away because LBs are looking run-first and safeties are playing 3-5 yards in, and then your burners can go deep.

That's about the opposite of the Rams the last few years.
They run it right from the get go because teams have to account for Faulk from play one.

 

[Goldfield]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Whatever. How often do you see the Rams go to the PlayAction?

Dood, read the article again! It never said we are going to run the RAMS offense!!!

It says SULLY is simillar to Martz, he likes to be explosive and unpredictable!!!


Shiesh...

 

[kerouac9]

Originally posted by SECTION 11
That's about the opposite of the Rams the last few years.
They run it right from the get go because teams have to account for Faulk from play one.

And what has been the criticism of Martz since the Super Bowl? For the past year, the problem with the Rams has been that they don't give Marshall the rock enough. You have to make Ds respect you, no matter how good you are/were last season.

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by Walter Mitchell
I thoroughly agree, Shane H. Keeping BIG inside at RG enables them to pound the ball up the middle with more regularity. But, keeping defenses off-balance as Sullivan proposes to do is just what the Cardinals need.

The Cardinals found a formula for success last year the few times they entered the fourth quarter with a lead. By then the offensive line had worn down the opponents' defensive line and the Cardinals could pound the ball down their throats. Remember the Seahawk and Cowboy wins in particular.

This is why I wanted Sullivan as OC from the get go. He's smart enough to realize that few teams if any are able to pound the ball for four quarters...and that to grab a good little lead in this league an offense needs to be multi-dimensional. In Jeff Blake and hopefully Byron Leftwich, Sullivan will be able to employ the vertical passing game that Jake was unable to provide...which is another reason why running was so difficult for the Cards at times...because without having to fear the deep passing game, opponents were able to keep the secondary closer to the box. I don't know if you noticed this but the Cardinals were even having trouble completing the mainstay of their offense: the quick slant. Why? Too many defenders in or around the box. And while many of you scoff at the trio of McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper...let's remember one key thing about all three of these players: they have the speed to get deep. This year, McAddley will be able to run under the ball, not have to stop in his tracks and fight his way back to the ball. There are reasons why the team was willing to part with Boston, Sanders and Jenkins. Sullivan has faith in McAddley, Gilmore and Kasper. He also likes Nathan Poole and Jake Soliday...and if he adds a free agent and a high draft pick, he will have all the options in the passing game he needs.

I agree Walter if we are to add the likes of Robinson and draft a decent "impact" WR this team should be ok. Gilmore has made constant strides that should continue and Mcaddley came along so fast theres no reason to think he wont be leaps and bounds past where he was last year following another camp!

Kerouac9,

Like has been said nobody stated we are going to run the rams O! More that we will be unpredictable and have more excitement than what we are used to. Wouldnt that be a good thing?

 

[Cheesebeef]

Originally posted by Shane H
I agree Walter if we are to add the likes of Robinson and draft a decent "impact" WR this team should be ok. Gilmore has made constant strides that should continue and Mcaddley came along so fast theres no reason to think he wont be leaps and bounds past where he was last year following another camp!

Kerouac9,

Like has been said nobody stated we are going to run the rams O! More that we will be unpredictable and have more excitement than what we are used to. Wouldnt that be a good thing?

Gilmore has made constant strides? How many ctaches does he have as a pro - didn't that report quoted acualy say he wouldn't even be running full speed until AT LEAST training camp?

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by cheesebeef
Gilmore has made constant strides? How many ctaches does he have as a pro - didn't that report quoted acualy say he wouldn't even be running full speed until AT LEAST training camp?

Yes he has! How closely do you follow the Cards Cheesy?

Gilmore has gotten better the last two years. In fact last year it was almost as if he was a different player when he came to camp the guy was catching everything in sight and was running good routes he was one of the most pleasant surprises in camp!

That shows improvement and Im sure it will continue as long as he is at full speed come training camp as expected!

 

[Cheesebeef]

Originally posted by Shane H
Yes he has! How closely do you follow the Cards Cheesy?

Gilmore has gotten better the last two years. In fact last year it was almost as if he was a different player when he came to camp the guy was catching everything in sight and was running good routes he was one of the most pleasant surprises in camp!

That shows improvement and Im sure it will continue as long as he is at full speed come training camp as expected!

when the guy gets on the field and starts making plays - that is when I will accept that he has made great strides.

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by cheesebeef
when the guy gets on the field and starts making plays - that is when I will accept that he has made great strides.

Well that is your right.

But you are a fan not a coach. not to mention one of the most respected WR coaches in the NFL ala Sullivan!

Sullivan was the one who stated just how far along he had come last year and that he was extremely impressed with his strides that he had made!

 

[Cheesebeef]

Originally posted by Shane H
Well that is your right.

But you are a fan not a coach. not to mention one of the most respected WR coaches in the NFL ala Sullivan!

Sullivan was the one who stated just how far along he had come last year and that he was extremely impressed with his strides that he had made!

no I am not a coach and never stated I was - and let me ask you this - what is sullivan supposed to say about the kids he's trying to groom - "He sucks." "I need better talent to work with."

Growth means getting on the field and producing, not being on the inactive list for the first six games of the season and then ending your season in the first game.

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by cheesebeef
no I am not a coach and never stated I was - and let me ask you this - what is sullivan supposed to say about the kids he's trying to groom - "He sucks." "I need better talent to work with."

Growth means getting on the field and producing, not being on the inactive list for the first six games of the season and then ending your season in the first game.

Sorry Cheese I dont buy the what did you expect the coach to say about one of his players argument.

If Sully wasnt impressed he wouldnt have to come out and publicly state anything! He could just keep his lips shut. Or just say something like hes doing fine and nothing more!

Plus there were many of us who watched this guy and you could tell he was just at a different level then the year before!

 

[Harpo]

How could you not be impressed by Gilmore. His one and only 14 yard catch he made in his 3 seasons with the team was a thing of beauty!!!!!!!!