Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
1. According the NY media the Jets considered G Alan Faneca as the weakest link in their highly productive offensive line. This year in the playoffs, because I am such an Alan Faneca fan, I watched him almost excusively, and I was, as always, extremely impressed with the level of his play. Faneca is still, at 33, a classic mauler at LG. You don't run the way the Jets did last year with a weak link at LG. He's still one of the top run blocking guards in the NFL.
The issue is his pass blocking. He gave up 4 sacks last year and struggled some the year before.
The Jets still will have to pay Faneca in excess of $5M this year in guaranteed money.
Faneca wanted to sign in Arizona in 2008, and would have, had the Cardinals resolved Larry Fitzgerald's contract situation prior to the start of free agency.
This year is actually a better year for him to come to Arizona. The Cardinals plan to run the ball much more this year than in recent years and they have a two-horse tandem at RB in Beanie Wels and Tim Hightower.
Signing Faneca to aid and abet the cause for a dynamic running attack would not only be a talent boost, but a real psychological boost as well. Imagine what youngsters Levi Brown, Lyle Sendlein, Deuce Lutui, Brandon Keith and Herman Johnson would feel about having a 7 time All Pro lining up with them.
Imagine the confidence Beanie and Tim would have running behind Faneca.
The Cardinals gave the lowest grade of all their lineman last year to LG Reggie Wells. But, this was not for Wells' pass protection grade, for Wells did not give up a sack.
So here's the catch: play Faneca at LG and, on obvious passing downs (3rd and longs), play Reggie Wells.
This might be a moot point if Russ Grimm can help Faneca refocus on his pass blocking technique.
2. The Cardinals were one of the oldest teams in the NFL last year...but we are now seeing quite an extraordinary youth movement emerge. Think about this:
QB Matt Leinart---only 1 start in the last two years. This might be the first time in his short career that he will start every game.
QB Derek Anderson---what is he 26?
QB John Skelton---rookie as #3 QB
RBs Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling: 4 years NFL experience combined.
LT Levi Brown---1st year at LT, 4th year in the NFL.
C Lyle Sendlein---4th year in NFL
RG Deuce Lutui---5th year in NFL
RTs Brandon Keith and Herman Johnson---3 years combined experience, 0 starts.
WR Steve Breaston---4th year
WR Early Doucet---3rd year
WR Andre Roberts---rookie
TE Ben Patrick---4th year
TE Stephen Spach---3rd year
NT Gabe Watson---4th year
NT Dan Williams---rookie
DE Calais Campbell---3rd year
DE Kenny Iwebema---3rd year
DE Alan Branch---4th year
LB Reggie Walker---2nd year
LB Daryl Washington---rookie
LBs Cody Brown, Will Davis---2nd year (1st really for Brown)
LB O'Brien Schofield---rookie
CBs DRC, Greg Toler---3rd/2nd year
CB Michael Adams---3rd year
CB Jorrick Calvin---rookie
S Rashad Johnson---2nd year
As my cousin Vinny would say, "Judge, these two utes..."
But, I guess the point of all this is...the Cardinals are going to rely very heavily on their youth this year. And because the team has won the division the past two years there is still the expectation that this team expects to win and keep winning. If the Cardinals can continue to win with this type of youth and they can hold onto the key parts for years to come, wow. As long as the division lacks a dominant QB, the Cardinals will have a chance. And hopefully as the Cardinals had with Kurt Warner, the next dominant QB in the NFC West will be Leinart, Anderson or Skelton.
3. Once again I think the Cardinals have done a splendid job in the UCFA market. Here are some of my notes on these propects:
David Moosman, G, 6-5, 292, Michigan. Good technician, but needs to add bulk. A classic Grimm and Lott project. Could stick on the PS. Played center too, but struggled with some of his snaps.
Max Hall, QB, 6-1, 201, BYU. The Cardinals added the strongest armed QB in the draft yesterday in John Skelton. In Hall, they added perhaps the most accurate. Here are his stats:
2007 60.1%, 3,848 yds., 26-12 TD/int, 137.7 rating
2008 69.0%, 3,957 yds., 35-14 TD/int, 156.9 rating
2009 67.2%, 3,560 yds., 33-14 TD/int, 160.3 rating.
Notice the consistency of these numbers and notice how his rating went up each year. Those are excellent signs.
This year in the MAACO Bowl versus Oregon St. Hall led BYU to a 44-20 rout, going 19/30, 192 yards, 3 TDs, 0 ints.
Alphonso Smith, RB, 6-1, 208, Kentucky. Only had 712 career rushing yards at 4.1 ypc at Kentucky...so he wasn't used all that much. However, he wowed scouts at his Pro Day by running a 4.38 40. Has very good return ability.
Max Komar, WR, 5-11, 202, Idaho. Here's your next Lance Long, only this guy, unlike Long, brings some impressive college stats with him. Last year he was 2nd team All-WAC, catching 63 passes for 1,052 yards for a 16.7 yard average and scored 11 TDs. He had 100 yard plus games against Washington, Colorado St., Nevada, Louisiana Tech and Utah St. In the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, Komar caught the last second game winning 16 yard TD...final score 43-42 Idaho. Teammate of Mike Iupati...some trash talking will be flying there...
Stephen Williams, WR, 6-5, 199, Toledo. 1st Team All-MAC, Williams this year became Toledo's all-time leader in receptions (229) and yards (3102). At his size and speed (4.4), he's the big receiver compliment to Breaston, Doucet and Roberts. Notice how consitent his numbers were at Toldeo:
2007 73 catches, 1,116 yards, 16.0, 7
2008 71 catches, 781 yards, 11.0, 8
2009 79 catches, 1,065 yards, 13.5, 5
I read an article wherein the reporter was saying how impressive Williams' numbers were despite the fact that Toledo has struggled at QB the past few years...and there had been several QB changes in the interim.
Casey Knips, T, 6-8, 306, South Dakota St. Runs a 5.02 40. Good athlete especially at his size. Technique is raw, but he held up well in games anyway. Had plenty of practice blocking 6th round draft pick teammate DE Danny Batten. Another classic Grimm and Lott project.
A.J. Jefferson, CB, 6-0, 190, Fresno St. This is a promising signing for the Cardinals. He fits the Henderson mold of bump and run style defense, and is particulary impressive in the red zone. Plus, add him to the ever-growing talent the Cardinals are amassing in the return game. Jefferson is still very raw (needs major work playing the ball, for example and needs to learn the nuances of off-coverage and zone)...but he fits the style because he's a long-armed physical press corner.
Devin Tyler, T, 6-8, 308, Temple. Again, what a prospect at his size, athleticism, 33 3/4 inch arms, and strength (34 reps at 225). One of his best games was against Penn. St. where he earned a 90% grade, so he's got some talent to go with his impressive size.
Juamorris Stewart, WR, 6-3, 205, Southern. Good consistent numbers:
2008 73/1109/15.2/12
2009 80/1022/12.8/11
First team All-Conference in 2009. Played in the Nation versus Texas game, I believe, but haven't seen any stats. Did anyone see him? The one scouting report I read did not rave about him...basically saying that no aspect of his game stands out and that he's reluctant to catch the ball over the middle. But, that's only one scout's view and he may have seen him on a bad day.
Any realistic roster chances for these UCFAs?
What do you think?
I'll chime in later with my thoughts on that. I do think there are a couple of possibilities. And several PS locks here.
Let the Cardinals' Youth ("Ute") Movement rage on. As they say, "if you are going to bring 'em.......Brigham Young!"
The issue is his pass blocking. He gave up 4 sacks last year and struggled some the year before.
The Jets still will have to pay Faneca in excess of $5M this year in guaranteed money.
Faneca wanted to sign in Arizona in 2008, and would have, had the Cardinals resolved Larry Fitzgerald's contract situation prior to the start of free agency.
This year is actually a better year for him to come to Arizona. The Cardinals plan to run the ball much more this year than in recent years and they have a two-horse tandem at RB in Beanie Wels and Tim Hightower.
Signing Faneca to aid and abet the cause for a dynamic running attack would not only be a talent boost, but a real psychological boost as well. Imagine what youngsters Levi Brown, Lyle Sendlein, Deuce Lutui, Brandon Keith and Herman Johnson would feel about having a 7 time All Pro lining up with them.
Imagine the confidence Beanie and Tim would have running behind Faneca.
The Cardinals gave the lowest grade of all their lineman last year to LG Reggie Wells. But, this was not for Wells' pass protection grade, for Wells did not give up a sack.
So here's the catch: play Faneca at LG and, on obvious passing downs (3rd and longs), play Reggie Wells.
This might be a moot point if Russ Grimm can help Faneca refocus on his pass blocking technique.
2. The Cardinals were one of the oldest teams in the NFL last year...but we are now seeing quite an extraordinary youth movement emerge. Think about this:
QB Matt Leinart---only 1 start in the last two years. This might be the first time in his short career that he will start every game.
QB Derek Anderson---what is he 26?
QB John Skelton---rookie as #3 QB
RBs Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling: 4 years NFL experience combined.
LT Levi Brown---1st year at LT, 4th year in the NFL.
C Lyle Sendlein---4th year in NFL
RG Deuce Lutui---5th year in NFL
RTs Brandon Keith and Herman Johnson---3 years combined experience, 0 starts.
WR Steve Breaston---4th year
WR Early Doucet---3rd year
WR Andre Roberts---rookie
TE Ben Patrick---4th year
TE Stephen Spach---3rd year
NT Gabe Watson---4th year
NT Dan Williams---rookie
DE Calais Campbell---3rd year
DE Kenny Iwebema---3rd year
DE Alan Branch---4th year
LB Reggie Walker---2nd year
LB Daryl Washington---rookie
LBs Cody Brown, Will Davis---2nd year (1st really for Brown)
LB O'Brien Schofield---rookie
CBs DRC, Greg Toler---3rd/2nd year
CB Michael Adams---3rd year
CB Jorrick Calvin---rookie
S Rashad Johnson---2nd year
As my cousin Vinny would say, "Judge, these two utes..."
But, I guess the point of all this is...the Cardinals are going to rely very heavily on their youth this year. And because the team has won the division the past two years there is still the expectation that this team expects to win and keep winning. If the Cardinals can continue to win with this type of youth and they can hold onto the key parts for years to come, wow. As long as the division lacks a dominant QB, the Cardinals will have a chance. And hopefully as the Cardinals had with Kurt Warner, the next dominant QB in the NFC West will be Leinart, Anderson or Skelton.
3. Once again I think the Cardinals have done a splendid job in the UCFA market. Here are some of my notes on these propects:
David Moosman, G, 6-5, 292, Michigan. Good technician, but needs to add bulk. A classic Grimm and Lott project. Could stick on the PS. Played center too, but struggled with some of his snaps.
Max Hall, QB, 6-1, 201, BYU. The Cardinals added the strongest armed QB in the draft yesterday in John Skelton. In Hall, they added perhaps the most accurate. Here are his stats:
2007 60.1%, 3,848 yds., 26-12 TD/int, 137.7 rating
2008 69.0%, 3,957 yds., 35-14 TD/int, 156.9 rating
2009 67.2%, 3,560 yds., 33-14 TD/int, 160.3 rating.
Notice the consistency of these numbers and notice how his rating went up each year. Those are excellent signs.
This year in the MAACO Bowl versus Oregon St. Hall led BYU to a 44-20 rout, going 19/30, 192 yards, 3 TDs, 0 ints.
Alphonso Smith, RB, 6-1, 208, Kentucky. Only had 712 career rushing yards at 4.1 ypc at Kentucky...so he wasn't used all that much. However, he wowed scouts at his Pro Day by running a 4.38 40. Has very good return ability.
Max Komar, WR, 5-11, 202, Idaho. Here's your next Lance Long, only this guy, unlike Long, brings some impressive college stats with him. Last year he was 2nd team All-WAC, catching 63 passes for 1,052 yards for a 16.7 yard average and scored 11 TDs. He had 100 yard plus games against Washington, Colorado St., Nevada, Louisiana Tech and Utah St. In the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, Komar caught the last second game winning 16 yard TD...final score 43-42 Idaho. Teammate of Mike Iupati...some trash talking will be flying there...
Stephen Williams, WR, 6-5, 199, Toledo. 1st Team All-MAC, Williams this year became Toledo's all-time leader in receptions (229) and yards (3102). At his size and speed (4.4), he's the big receiver compliment to Breaston, Doucet and Roberts. Notice how consitent his numbers were at Toldeo:
2007 73 catches, 1,116 yards, 16.0, 7
2008 71 catches, 781 yards, 11.0, 8
2009 79 catches, 1,065 yards, 13.5, 5
I read an article wherein the reporter was saying how impressive Williams' numbers were despite the fact that Toledo has struggled at QB the past few years...and there had been several QB changes in the interim.
Casey Knips, T, 6-8, 306, South Dakota St. Runs a 5.02 40. Good athlete especially at his size. Technique is raw, but he held up well in games anyway. Had plenty of practice blocking 6th round draft pick teammate DE Danny Batten. Another classic Grimm and Lott project.
A.J. Jefferson, CB, 6-0, 190, Fresno St. This is a promising signing for the Cardinals. He fits the Henderson mold of bump and run style defense, and is particulary impressive in the red zone. Plus, add him to the ever-growing talent the Cardinals are amassing in the return game. Jefferson is still very raw (needs major work playing the ball, for example and needs to learn the nuances of off-coverage and zone)...but he fits the style because he's a long-armed physical press corner.
Devin Tyler, T, 6-8, 308, Temple. Again, what a prospect at his size, athleticism, 33 3/4 inch arms, and strength (34 reps at 225). One of his best games was against Penn. St. where he earned a 90% grade, so he's got some talent to go with his impressive size.
Juamorris Stewart, WR, 6-3, 205, Southern. Good consistent numbers:
2008 73/1109/15.2/12
2009 80/1022/12.8/11
First team All-Conference in 2009. Played in the Nation versus Texas game, I believe, but haven't seen any stats. Did anyone see him? The one scouting report I read did not rave about him...basically saying that no aspect of his game stands out and that he's reluctant to catch the ball over the middle. But, that's only one scout's view and he may have seen him on a bad day.
Any realistic roster chances for these UCFAs?
What do you think?
I'll chime in later with my thoughts on that. I do think there are a couple of possibilities. And several PS locks here.
Let the Cardinals' Youth ("Ute") Movement rage on. As they say, "if you are going to bring 'em.......Brigham Young!"
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