Thoughts on Dansby, Rolle, FO & Whiz and Mocks

[Mitch]

1. I fully expect the Cardinals to make Dansby an attractive offer...but, I aslo fully expect Dansby to sign elsewhere anyway, even if it's for a comparable offer.

2. Antrel Rolle has stated that "I will not take a paycut." What that essentially means is that he expects the Cardinals to pay him a contract that exceeds $5.83M per year.

What will happen here is that the Cardinals, as with Dansby, will make an offer...Rolle will refuse it, thus will get released, and in his case will be lucky to sign a contract that makes him more than $4M a year. To him, if that means playing in Florida, he'll take it.

Teams that prepare to play the Cardinals know the holes in Rolle's game and skills...which is why the jury is still out as to whether he can play FS...and/or whether he is hard-nosed enough to play SS?

In conclusion, don't be surprised if both Dansby and Rolle are gone, and both are playing at different positions next year: Dansby at OLB and Rolle at SS.

3. With the perceptions that the Cardinals could very well regress into being the "same old Cardinals" now that Warner is a radio man auditioning to be a TV man...the pressure rests squarely on the Cardinals' FO and Coach Whisenhunt to find ways to combat this perception.

What makes me nervous about this is...the Cardinals knew going into this past year that if they could improve their defense, they could take another good run at the Lombardi. But, the efforts the Cardinals' FO and Whiz made to do that were weak at best. They basically went with the same personnel, minus starters Antonio Smith and Rod Hood and plus Calais Campbell and Bryant McFadden. Smith and Hood were not missed...Campbell was excellent, BMF was a disappointment...but more meaningful additions on defense were needed. Obviously.

To make matters worse, instead of changing the morale and chemistry of the defense by hiring a new DC from a program that thrives on defense, they essentially hired the JV Coach. I don't mean that as a knock on Bill Davis (because it's not his fault he was already an assistant under Pendergast), just stating this as the reality of the situation. Promoting a coach from within did not put pressure on the players to endear themselves to the new coach, nor did it instill a new sense of confidence that, hey, this time we are going to shut down teams at the beginning, middle and especially at the end of games.

Apparently, Whiz is going to stick with Davis. Whiz was right to point out that the defense did improve on some key stats during the regular season, like 3rd down conversion percentage...but, as is Whiz's custom lately, he offered excuses for the defense's atrocious post-season performance...

The truth remains that the defense gave up more points in two playoff games than they did in four last year (and that includes the 7 points the Steelers scored on Harrison's TD).

I admire Whiz's patience...but the excuse thing is getting weak...like covering for Rackers saying it was Fitz's fault for calling the TO, and then his own fault for not getting Rackers more quickly onto the field. Puh--leaze.

The thing is, with some of the ways Whiz handles himself and with some of the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder just how committed to winning he is. Yes, I sense a burning desire in him to achieve...but no one will ever be able to convince me that appointing Bill Davis as the new DC and adding just one defensive free agent in Bryant Mcfadden, were the most comeptitive and aggressive moves the Cardinals could have made.

Whiz and the FO HAD to know they may have had ONE more chance with Warner. If this was their last ditch effort to win a Super Bowl, it was pretty weak.

And, quite frankly, if Whiz's team falls flat this year and is indeed the "same old Cardinals," his stock as a head coach will plummet...because the perception is, for right or for wrong, that the ONE huge decision Whiz made was tabbing Warner as the QB (which if you recall, to spite ESPN, he dragged it on to the last conceivable minute), that from there...it was Warner who led and taught this team how to win.

Adam Schefter of ESPN said it tersely the other day, "The only winning the Cardinals have ever done is with Warner."

I also find it curious that Whiz was boasting at the end of the year at how the team overcame the scrutiny of him hosting a "soft camp." But the reality is the Cardinals started the season soft and ended the season soft.

Thus we will find out this year just how much the Cardinals' recent success was because of the FO and Whiz or whether it was because of Warner.

Right now as I worry about another off-season of passive-aggressiveness from the FO and the coach, I am feeling like we are all going to cringe at the results next year. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

I cannot help but think this in a normal year...but now in an un-capped year with all the furniture changed, please tell me I am wrong, but I am feeling that the Cardinals' FO will be all the more deliberate, tentative and indecisive.

It's interesting to hear the disparity of Whiz's and Warner's tone when talking about Matt Leinart. Whiz is almost effusive in his "I believe in Matty" and Warner is cautiously hopeful. Big difference.

Yet, it was Whiz who convinced Brian St. Pierre he had a chance last year to unseat ML as the #2. Something is amiss. And, let's face it, we saw Leinart's performances...did they leave you feeling confident?

It is my fervent hope that Whiz takes a "transcendental" approach to his coaching this off-season...in other words, if he would just simply trust his intuition in ALL aspects of getting his team re-stocked and motivated to maintain the recent level of success, then I like the Cardinals' chances. If Whiz cops out, I don't.

Hey, look at it this way, good quarterbacking makes a coach look like a genius, bad quarterbacking makes a coach look like an idiot. It's the way it is. Same for the defense. I am still shocked that Whiz allowed for the soft zones the Cardinals threw repeatedly at the Packers and Saints. As the head coach, it is all on him. After all, Davis was his choice.

4. Mock City...here's a sampling of some of the mocks out there right now:

Walter'sFootball.com

1. Jerry Hughes, OLB/DE, TCU
2. Kyle Calloway, T, Iowa
3. J.D. Walton, C, Baylor
4. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

My Grade: D

The first two picks are solid...but the ILB need is too important not to address.

Patriots:

1. Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas
2. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
3. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

My Grade: B. I love the first two picks, but Pike looks too fragile to me. BTW, Demaryius Thomas is an awesome talent...averaged like 25 ypc. And I love Kindle's quickness and nose for the football.

Jay's The New NFL Draft:

1. Bruce Campbell, T Maryland
2. Brandon Lang, OLB, Troy
3. Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass
4. Cameron Sheffield, OLB, Troy
5. Ryan D'Imperio, ILB, Rutgers
6. John Fletcher, DE, Wyoming

My Grade: B+. I am very intruiged by these picks. In fact, if they changed the 2nd rounder to ILB Daryl Washington, I'd bump this up to an A-. Campbell is gifted. Just ask MD. Not sure if MD sees him as a 1st rounder, but ome pundits do. Lang, I'm not sold on, at least not that high. Ducasse, I love....and dream of kicking Levi down to LG where he could maul people.

NFL DraftDog.com

1. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho.

My Grade: D. I like Iupati, but we need a pure tackle like Campbell a lot better.

DraftSite.com

1. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma.
2. Rennie Curran, OLB, Georgia.
3. Selvish Capers, T, West Virginia.
4. O'Brien Schofield, OLB, Wisconsin
5. Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
6. Daryl Sharpton, ILB, Miami
7. Ryan Perrilloux, QB, Jacksonville St.

My Grade: C. Beyond Gresham and taking Roberts in the 5th and Sharpton in the 6th, all the other picks are reaches. However, Schofield (coming off the ACL) and Perrilloux are intriguing choices.

Joel Wesir

1. Sean Weatherspoon, ILB, Missouri.
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona.

My Grade: A, if Gronkowski's back is fine. Weatherspoon is, IMO, the perfect fit, and Gronkowski is tremendous when healthy.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Good read Mitch.

I am still puzzled as to what Davis did this year. I was very unhappy with his defense and to be embarrassed like we were in the playoffs with no adjustments there is no excuse. And to allow the team to tackle so poorly is also on him. This needs to be addressed as much as the QB situation or we will not be very good this year.

 

[Dan H]

Why release Rolle for nothing in an uncapped year? Makes no sense to me. Yeah his number jumps but you don't lose a young talent for nothing if he doesn't want to redo his deal. If nothing else you trade him to a team he's willing to work out an extension with.

 

[WildBB]

Joel Wesir

1. Sean Weatherspoon, ILB, Missouri.
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona.

My Grade: A, if Gronkowski's back is fine. Weatherspoon is, IMO, the perfect fit, and Gronkowski is tremendous when healthy.

I likey. Who do you take though if both don't fall where we pick?

The OL class where we pick will be very solid this year mtl.

 

[WildBB]

I admire Whiz's patience...but the excuse thing is getting weak...like covering for Rackers saying it was Fitz's fault for calling the TO, and then his own fault for not getting Rackers more quickly onto the field. Puh--leaze.

He's trying to support his guys when things don't go perfect. That's when they need support.

The thing is, with some of the ways Whiz handles himself and with some of the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder just how committed to winning he is. Yes, I sense a burning desire in him to achieve...but no one will ever be able to convince me that appointing Bill Davis as the new DC and adding just one defensive free agent in Bryant Mcfadden, were the most comeptitive and aggressive moves the Cardinals could have made.

No doubt whatsoever in my mind his commitment to winning. Just look at his enthusiasm last and this post season. Circling around the stadiums thanking the fans....and one is Whis (hiring Davis and the other is the FO (FA signings).

Whiz and the FO HAD to know they may have had ONE more chance with Warner. If this was their last ditch effort to win a Super Bowl, it was pretty weak.

And, quite frankly, if Whiz's team falls flat this year and is indeed the "same old Cardinals," his stock as a head coach will plummet...because the perception is, for right or for wrong, that the ONE huge decision Whiz made was tabbing Warner as the QB (which if you recall, to spite ESPN, he dragged it on to the last conceivable minute), that from there...it was Warner who led and taught this team how to win.

One more chance, but they needed to shell out in excess of 19M to him to have that chance....they did and that's about all they could do.
And I think Warner will be the first to admit, it wasn't all him. He certainly helped and we don't win that Packers game w/o that HOF performance.

Adam Schefter of ESPN said it tersely the other day, "The only winning the Cardinals have ever done is with Warner."

Another pundit w/o a clue.....precious

I also find it curious that Whiz was boasting at the end of the year at how the team overcame the scrutiny of him hosting a "soft camp." But the reality is the Cardinals started the season soft and ended the season soft.

They ended it banged up coming off a short week, playing a team with basically 5 weeks of rest (scrimages) to prepare for that game.

Thus we will find out this year just how much the Cardinals' recent success was because of the FO and Whiz or whether it was because of Warner.

There will be some bumps in the road....there were with Warner too.

Right now as I worry about another off-season of passive-aggressiveness from the FO and the coach, I am feeling like we are all going to cringe at the results next year. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

Me too....I want to win the division again and go from there. That would certainly make it a great year. 9-7 should be adaquate. It is attainable, IMO. The players and coaching staff have something to prove...that it wasn't just Warner carrying them. He was a huge part....they need to pick it up.

I cannot help but think this in a normal year...but now in an un-capped year with all the furniture changed, please tell me I am wrong, but I am feeling that the Cardinals' FO will be all the more deliberate, tentative and indecisive.

There are some pieces that will change for sure and allready have. We will get younger and more athletic...and the coaches will have to earn their keep more than ever. In transition I hope to stay at least competitive in a relatively weak division....but getting better.....and preferably still have another winning season. The pieces are not irreplaceable with the right decisions made by the FO.....but yes they need to be active. How active they can be because of the rule changes will hamper some progress, so we'll have to be somewhat patient here.

 

[ReddBird]

Yep, we're about to lose Dansby and Rolle. The Cardinals are reluctant to pay fair market value and, let's face it, Dansby and Rolle think they're worth much more than they're worth. Be interesting (for Rolle, especially) to see what the rest of the world thinks.

I love that Matt Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. I also hate that Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. Where's his fire? Part of me thinks he plays football for the money and the fame, not for any love of the game. I worry that he lacks heart and ambition and can't wait to become a television analyst.

Mock drafts? Sound and fury signifying nothing. Fun, sure, but they mean nothing this time of year.

 

[joeshmo]

The thing is, with some of the ways Whiz handles himself and with some of the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder just how committed to winning he is.

 

[joeshmo]

I love that Matt Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. I also hate that Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. Where's his fire? Part of me thinks he plays football for the money and the fame, not for any love of the game. I worry that he lacks heart and ambition and can't wait to become a television analyst.

So what you are saying, damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. Either he lacks fire for not talking or he is a malcontent/not a team player/crybaby who wants it handed to him. Just cant win no matter what I guess.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I'm not sold either way on Davis. I throw out the NO game because of all the injuries.The GB game, sometimes games just turn into shootouts. There was alot of bad tackling in that game as well.On the other hand, he didn't show me anything that makes me think he'll be a good DC. I'm a firm believer that a coach is only as good as his talent.A bad coach can ruin good talent but a good coach can only marginally succeed with bad talent. The only excpetion i have really seen to that is in college bball with Bo Ryan at Wisconsin. How that guy continues to produce winning teams with that talent is beyond me.

I think Rolle comes back but you never know. The cards can't/shouldn't pay him 12 mill. Dansby will be let go without too much of a fight,i think. I was talking about it to a friend of mine last night and he pointed out, about Dansby, tha's what NE would do,let him go.Thanks for your time, see ya.I don't agree but that's probably the case.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Adam Schefter of ESPN said it tersely the other day, "The only winning the Cardinals have ever done is with Warner."

That is a half truth.

The only winning the Cardinals have done is with Warner AND Whiz. Cause Warner wasn't winning jack until Whiz came into the picture.

The thing is, with some of the ways Whiz handles himself and with some of the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder just how committed to winning he is.

I can see where you are coming from by saying this. In Whiz's defense he has done some pretty unorthodox things in an attempt to win football games now. Yet, there are moves that are head scratchers at the time, and there are time where it seems we are taking steps backwards. I think th situation is that not only does Whiz want to win, but he wants to win consistantly. He wants consistancy out of his players, and coaches, and by being consistant with his plans, his demeanor, and his way of going about things he is showing he practices what he preaches.

I have said it once and I will say it again. The Cardinals have not had a losing season under Coach Whiz, so he must be pretty intent on winning. Thus a lot of the moves that are made may not be for the here and now, but for the future as well. You can't build Rome in a day, but the ground work has been laid. Brandon Keith, Herman Johnson, Greg Toler, Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, Early Doucet, Lyle Sendlien, Calias Campbell, Gabe Watson, Alan Branch, Cody Brown, Will Davis, Rashad Johnson, and the list goes on. These are all EXTREMELY young players with a lot of up side. Most are in there second or third year in the league. They haven't even been given the standard three years to see what you have in a player time limit, and to be fair to add the "Adrian Wilson rule" some may explode in their fourth season. I wouldn't discount the fact that Whiz keeps a balance of "the now" and "the future" as not having a drive to win. I think he is one upping the average Cardinal fan and not only wants to win now, but wants to win consistantly.


I do agree that Rolle is overpricing himself. He is far from an elite FS in this league, IMO. Plus the guy has been a bit of a pain in the butt since he got here. He sucked at CB, complained about being moved to FS, struggled, and still stuggles at the position, then turns around and says that he is not being paid enough ?

To tell you the truth I am tired of the Cardinals converting players like Antrell Rolle and Calvin Pace only to see them leave for others teams, and see those teams benefit.

That reason alone I would cut ties with Rolle, and start with a newer and younger FS that the Cardinals can benefit from.

 

[kerouac9]

I think that what Rolle means is that he's not going to take less than $11 million up front on a new contract (or whatever he's due to make this year). That means that on an extension he's going to want that money guaranteed or coming in the form of salary + signing bonus.

I don't think that's an unreasonable expectation. That's what Fitz wanted two years ago, after all.

 

[lobo]

1. I fully expect the Cardinals to make Dansby an attractive offer...but, I aslo fully expect Dansby to sign elsewhere anyway, even if it's for a comparable offer.

a lot of non emotional sensible stuff albeit we both know that it is far too early as the seeds are not even in the ground yet.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I think that what Rolle means is that he's not going to take less than $11 million up front on a new contract (or whatever he's due to make this year). That means that on an extension he's going to want that money guaranteed or coming in the form of salary + signing bonus.

I don't think that's an unreasonable expectation. That's what Fitz wanted two years ago, after all.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Mitch Wiz isn't making excuses or being difficult to read. He is covering for his players and staff. Like any smart coach, he realizes there is no benefit to telling the truth to the fans and media on what he really feels about a player, his defense, etc.

You will realize at some point that Wiz is man of action, not words. You may not always agree with his decision making (Davis) but he is going to do what he believes is best, and its hard to find fault with that as he has been right ALOT more then he has been wrong

I have noticed your last couple posts have been questioning Wiz and his commitment to winning (Really!?). For the life of me I can't figure out why a man as well read and articulate as yourself, can miss the boat so completely on something like this.

He is not beyond reproach but his style works and his demanor, football knowledge and the way he handles the team and media is flawless IMO.

And should probably start the process to getting over Kurt. He was great and we all thank him. But now he's gone. He didn't take us to the Super Bowl by himself and I credit Wiz FAR more for it then KW. Hell if Wiz hadn't beat out Kurt nature to turn over the ball when he first came here, Kurt may have not ever had his renaissance these last 2 1/2 years.

Warner was a cog in the machine. Wiz is the Engineer.

Trust until he gives you a reason to do otherwise.

 

[DieHardCardFan]

1



Adam Schefter of ESPN said it tersely the other day, "The only winning the Cardinals have ever done is with Warner."

Not to take anything away from what Warner did as a Cardinal, but he was not exactly lighting it up before Whis came here. So I would have to argue that the only winning Arizona has ever done has been with Whis at the Helm!

 

[john h]

1. I fully expect the Cardinals to make Dansby an attractive offer...but, I aslo fully expect Dansby to sign elsewhere anyway, even if it's for a comparable offer.

2. Antrel Rolle has stated that "I will not take a paycut." What that essentially means is that he expects the Cardinals to pay him a contract that exceeds $5.83M per year.

What will happen here is that the Cardinals, as with Dansby, will make an offer...Rolle will refuse it, thus will get released, and in his case will be lucky to sign a contract that makes him more than $4M a year. To him, if that means playing in Florida, he'll take it.

Teams that prepare to play the Cardinals know the holes in Rolle's game and skills...which is why the jury is still out as to whether he can play FS...and/or whether he is hard-nosed enough to play SS?

In conclusion, don't be surprised if both Dansby and Rolle are gone, and both are playing at different positions next year: Dansby at OLB and Rolle at SS.

3. With the perceptions that the Cardinals could very well regress into being the "same old Cardinals" now that Warner is a radio man auditioning to be a TV man...the pressure rests squarely on the Cardinals' FO and Coach Whisenhunt to find ways to combat this perception.

What makes me nervous about this is...the Cardinals knew going into this past year that if they could improve their defense, they could take another good run at the Lombardi. But, the efforts the Cardinals' FO and Whiz made to do that were weak at best. They basically went with the same personnel, minus starters Antonio Smith and Rod Hood and plus Calais Campbell and Bryant McFadden. Smith and Hood were not missed...Campbell was excellent, BMF was a disappointment...but more meaningful additions on defense were needed. Obviously.

To make matters worse, instead of changing the morale and chemistry of the defense by hiring a new DC from a program that thrives on defense, they essentially hired the JV Coach. I don't mean that as a knock on Bill Davis (because it's not his fault he was already an assistant under Pendergast), just stating this as the reality of the situation. Promoting a coach from within did not put pressure on the players to endear themselves to the new coach, nor did it instill a new sense of confidence that, hey, this time we are going to shut down teams at the beginning, middle and especially at the end of games.

Apparently, Whiz is going to stick with Davis. Whiz was right to point out that the defense did improve on some key stats during the regular season, like 3rd down conversion percentage...but, as is Whiz's custom lately, he offered excuses for the defense's atrocious post-season performance...

The truth remains that the defense gave up more points in two playoff games than they did in four last year (and that includes the 7 points the Steelers scored on Harrison's TD).

I admire Whiz's patience...but the excuse thing is getting weak...like covering for Rackers saying it was Fitz's fault for calling the TO, and then his own fault for not getting Rackers more quickly onto the field. Puh--leaze.

The thing is, with some of the ways Whiz handles himself and with some of the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder just how committed to winning he is. Yes, I sense a burning desire in him to achieve...but no one will ever be able to convince me that appointing Bill Davis as the new DC and adding just one defensive free agent in Bryant Mcfadden, were the most comeptitive and aggressive moves the Cardinals could have made.

Whiz and the FO HAD to know they may have had ONE more chance with Warner. If this was their last ditch effort to win a Super Bowl, it was pretty weak.

And, quite frankly, if Whiz's team falls flat this year and is indeed the "same old Cardinals," his stock as a head coach will plummet...because the perception is, for right or for wrong, that the ONE huge decision Whiz made was tabbing Warner as the QB (which if you recall, to spite ESPN, he dragged it on to the last conceivable minute), that from there...it was Warner who led and taught this team how to win.

Adam Schefter of ESPN said it tersely the other day, "The only winning the Cardinals have ever done is with Warner."

I also find it curious that Whiz was boasting at the end of the year at how the team overcame the scrutiny of him hosting a "soft camp." But the reality is the Cardinals started the season soft and ended the season soft.

Thus we will find out this year just how much the Cardinals' recent success was because of the FO and Whiz or whether it was because of Warner.

Right now as I worry about another off-season of passive-aggressiveness from the FO and the coach, I am feeling like we are all going to cringe at the results next year. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

I cannot help but think this in a normal year...but now in an un-capped year with all the furniture changed, please tell me I am wrong, but I am feeling that the Cardinals' FO will be all the more deliberate, tentative and indecisive.

It's interesting to hear the disparity of Whiz's and Warner's tone when talking about Matt Leinart. Whiz is almost effusive in his "I believe in Matty" and Warner is cautiously hopeful. Big difference.

Yet, it was Whiz who convinced Brian St. Pierre he had a chance last year to unseat ML as the #2. Something is amiss. And, let's face it, we saw Leinart's performances...did they leave you feeling confident?

It is my fervent hope that Whiz takes a "transcendental" approach to his coaching this off-season...in other words, if he would just simply trust his intuition in ALL aspects of getting his team re-stocked and motivated to maintain the recent level of success, then I like the Cardinals' chances. If Whiz cops out, I don't.

Hey, look at it this way, good quarterbacking makes a coach look like a genius, bad quarterbacking makes a coach look like an idiot. It's the way it is. Same for the defense. I am still shocked that Whiz allowed for the soft zones the Cardinals threw repeatedly at the Packers and Saints. As the head coach, it is all on him. After all, Davis was his choice.

4. Mock City...here's a sampling of some of the mocks out there right now:

Walter'sFootball.com

1. Jerry Hughes, OLB/DE, TCU
2. Kyle Calloway, T, Iowa
3. J.D. Walton, C, Baylor
4. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

My Grade: D

The first two picks are solid...but the ILB need is too important not to address.

Patriots:

1. Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas
2. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
3. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

My Grade: B. I love the first two picks, but Pike looks too fragile to me. BTW, Demaryius Thomas is an awesome talent...averaged like 25 ypc. And I love Kindle's quickness and nose for the football.

Jay's The New NFL Draft:

1. Bruce Campbell, T Maryland
2. Brandon Lang, OLB, Troy
3. Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass
4. Cameron Sheffield, OLB, Troy
5. Ryan D'Imperio, ILB, Rutgers
6. John Fletcher, DE, Wyoming

My Grade: B+. I am very intruiged by these picks. In fact, if they changed the 2nd rounder to ILB Daryl Washington, I'd bump this up to an A-. Campbell is gifted. Just ask MD. Not sure if MD sees him as a 1st rounder, but ome pundits do. Lang, I'm not sold on, at least not that high. Ducasse, I love....and dream of kicking Levi down to LG where he could maul people.

NFL DraftDog.com

1. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho.

My Grade: D. I like Iupati, but we need a pure tackle like Campbell a lot better.

DraftSite.com

1. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma.
2. Rennie Curran, OLB, Georgia.
3. Selvish Capers, T, West Virginia.
4. O'Brien Schofield, OLB, Wisconsin
5. Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
6. Daryl Sharpton, ILB, Miami
7. Ryan Perrilloux, QB, Jacksonville St.

My Grade: C. Beyond Gresham and taking Roberts in the 5th and Sharpton in the 6th, all the other picks are reaches. However, Schofield (coming off the ACL) and Perrilloux are intriguing choices.

Joel Wesir

1. Sean Weatherspoon, ILB, Missouri.
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona.

My Grade: A, if Gronkowski's back is fine. Weatherspoon is, IMO, the perfect fit, and Gronkowski is tremendous when healthy.

Considering the results Whiz has achieved while he has been here I would give him a grade of "A". Back to back division titles and going to the super bowl. For the Cards that is as good as it has ever been.

 

[john h]

Considering the results Whiz has achieved while he has been here I would give him a grade of "A". Back to back division titles and going to the super bowl. For the Cards that is as good as it has ever been.

Just how much input into who we draft that Whiz has is still an unknown. I suspect the Rod Graves has the final word unless Mr. Bidwill interjects himself into the picture. He controls the purse strings so he is very much a part of this process like it or not.

 

[john h]

He's trying to support his guys when things don't go perfect. That's when they need support.
No doubt whatsoever in my mind his commitment to winning. Just look at his enthusiasm last and this post season. Circling around the stadiums thanking the fans....and one is Whis (hiring Davis and the other is the FO (FA signings).



One more chance, but they needed to shell out in excess of 19M to him to have that chance....they did and that's about all they could do.
And I think Warner will be the first to admit, it wasn't all him. He certainly helped and we don't win that Packers game w/o that HOF performance.


Another pundit w/o a clue.....precious



They ended it banged up coming off a short week, playing a team with basically 5 weeks of rest (scrimages) to prepare for that game.



There will be some bumps in the road....there were with Warner too.

Me too....I want to win the division again and go from there. That would certainly make it a great year. 9-7 should be adaquate. It is attainable, IMO. The players and coaching staff have something to prove...that it wasn't just Warner carrying them. He was a huge part....they need to pick it up.

There are some pieces that will change for sure and already have. We will get younger and more athletic...and the coaches will have to earn their keep more than ever. In transition I hope to stay at least competitive in a relatively weak division....but getting better.....and preferably still have another winning season. The pieces are not irreplaceable with the right decisions made by the FO.....but yes they need to be active. How active they can be because of the rule changes will hamper some progress, so we'll have to be somewhat patient here.

Winning the division will be dependant 80% on who we replace Warner with and how this replacement performs. The best coach in the world is not going to overcome a lousy QB. Having a good QB is necessary to have a good team. More so than any other player on the team or any coach. The coach cannot throw the ball, read the defense, or take the hits. He can put a QB in a position to succeed but in the end it is up to the QB to perform.

 

[john h]

Yep, we're about to lose Dansby and Rolle. The Cardinals are reluctant to pay fair market value and, let's face it, Dansby and Rolle think they're worth much more than they're worth. Be interesting (for Rolle, especially) to see what the rest of the world thinks.

I love that Matt Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. I also hate that Leinart held his tongue when he was demoted behind Warner. Where's his fire? Part of me thinks he plays football for the money and the fame, not for any love of the game. I worry that he lacks heart and ambition and can't wait to become a television analyst.

Mock drafts? Sound and fury signifying nothing. Fun, sure, but they mean nothing this time of year.

In the end a player is worth what a willing buyer will pay him. That is economics 101.

 

[john h]

So what you are saying, damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. Either he lacks fire for not talking or he is a malcontent/not a team player/crybaby who wants it handed to him. Just cant win no matter what I guess.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men" The Shadow Knows

 

[john h]

I'm not sold either way on Davis. I throw out the NO game because of all the injuries.The GB game, sometimes games just turn into shootouts. There was alot of bad tackling in that game as well.On the other hand, he didn't show me anything that makes me think he'll be a good DC. I'm a firm believer that a coach is only as good as his talent.A bad coach can ruin good talent but a good coach can only marginally succeed with bad talent. The only excpetion i have really seen to that is in college bball with Bo Ryan at Wisconsin. How that guy continues to produce winning teams with that talent is beyond me.

I think Rolle comes back but you never know. The cards can't/shouldn't pay him 12 mill. Dansby will be let go without too much of a fight,i think. I was talking about it to a friend of mine last night and he pointed out, about Dansby, tha's what NE would do,let him go.Thanks for your time, see ya.I don't agree but that's probably the case.

I hope we are able to keep Dansby. Of course, there are always limits you can afford to pay anyone. If he goes then we need to replace him with someone at least as good which will likely cost as much as Dansby. Replacing Rolle, Dansby, Warner, Boldin, etc all in one year does not bode well for our team. That is almost to much to overcome.

 

[Cards Czar]

"Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men" The Shadow Knows

Now that takes me back a few. One of the best Radio shows ever.

Muhaaaaaa Haaaaaah Haaaah Haaaah Haaaah? My family used to listen to that and it would scare us. We didnt want to go out after dark.

 

[ARZCardinals]

My 2 Cents

Dansby - Gone.....no chance here...

Rolle - NO WAY they lose him. A solid long term deal is going to be done. He may get a little over paid, but who cares...he can play safety well. Not ready for Rashad to step in...as they'd hoped.

Boldin - traded if the offer is good...if not keep him and tag him next year....then trade...ya ya ya I know the tag isn't supposed to work that way, but teams do it and they get away with it.

Cards have needs in a variety of areas. ILB - not sure about the LB picked up in last years draft - injured all of this year. ILB must be taken care of - Porter is an OLB -so he won't do. Good ILB's are a dime a dozen...great ones are few...good will be good enough here...OT - Expect Gandy to be resigned. That'll ease concerns for me. DT - Robinson may be back...but no guarantee there...
CB - Someone to challenge McFadden for a starting job...I'm one to say 'Hood was as good as McFadden.' Another talent here is needed. Plus we have no idea how good DRC is going to be after a torn MCL...yea yea yea...he should be fine...but the reality is knee injuries to CB's mess with not only their bodies, but their heads as well. QB - someone to add depth behind Warner...St. Pierre isn't it.
The team is good, but will need some proper offseason work to improve. The loss of Warner makes the entire offseason that much more important.

 

[CardLogic]

I think that what Rolle means is that he's not going to take less than $11 million up front on a new contract (or whatever he's due to make this year). That means that on an extension he's going to want that money guaranteed or coming in the form of salary + signing bonus.

I don't think that's an unreasonable expectation. That's what Fitz wanted two years ago, after all.

That's how I read Rolle's comments also. It shouldn't be that hard to work out a deal with Rolle.


Regarding Dansby, I said before and I'll say it again here; Jamir Miller deja vu. He will turn down the Cardinals offer and end up signing elsewhere for less than what the Cardinals have offered.

 

[ReddBird]

So what you are saying, damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. Either he lacks fire for not talking or he is a malcontent/not a team player/crybaby who wants it handed to him. Just cant win no matter what I guess.

No, joe, that's not what I said. What I said was, I think Matt is eager to be a great t.v. analyst.

A great quarterback? That's still open to question.