Tidbits from Mike Jurecki

[BullheadCardFan]

No, a great D-line makes your secondary look better than it is.

I think that was a lot our problem .. we had no pass rush at all and the opposing QB had all the time in the world to find an open receiver .. any time you can pressure a QB and cause him to rush his throws it will help the entire secondary ...

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Just a few Card items from MJ:


7. Want to make the Fullback position a much higher profile position in their offense and are looking for an excellent blocking FB. Brian Leonard of Rutgers could be drafted by the Cards in a fairly early round.

I'd do cartwheels if we grab him in the second. He's like a mini-Alstott and quicker, or a bigger Larry Centers and slower. Put up good numbers in Rutgers despite sharing the load with Rice the last two years.

I have a feeling that Brian Leonard will tear it up at the combine and gets drafted late in the first round.

 

[kerouac9]

Both viewpoints are correct, but given the choice of great DL and average corners, or average DL and great corners, I'll take the latter. Like you said, it is cheaper and easier to get pass rushers, so great corners have a far more tangible impact on the game...especially against quick release QBs.

Look at the two teams in the Super Bowl. Heck, look at the four teams in the Conference Championship games. Great DL, very pedestrian cornerbacks. Include the Chargers and Jags in that, too. And the Cowboys. And the Giants.

Success follows success. We'd all like to have a starting secondary of Champ Bailey, DeAngelo Hall, Adrian Wilson, and Ken Hamlin, but that's not going to happen.

Great cornerbacks are undone by crappy pass rushers all the time. Ask Clements, Hall or Champ Bailey two years ago.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Look at the two teams in the Super Bowl. Heck, look at the four teams in the Conference Championship games. Great DL, very pedestrian cornerbacks. Include the Chargers and Jags in that, too. And the Cowboys. And the Giants.

Success follows success. We'd all like to have a starting secondary of Champ Bailey, DeAngelo Hall, Adrian Wilson, and Ken Hamlin, but that's not going to happen.

Great cornerbacks are undone by crappy pass rushers all the time. Ask Clements, Hall or Champ Bailey two years ago.

Very true K-9... And, there simply aren't a plethora of "great corners" to be had. "Great corners" are a rare breed in the NFL. And even the great ones get burned more than anyone would care to admit. Not their fault necessarily as it is by far the toughest position in the game given the ridiculous rules they are forced to live by...

 

[seesred]

If MJ thinks this or knows this are two different things. If he is right it sounds like the team is going to look for players who can push and maybe start like at TE or CB. I like the idea of getting a top kid for the D line or DE at number 5. I'm a big Francisco fan and I would love for him to take Griffiths spot.

I truly hope that they make the decision on Davis soon. That topic needs to have a plan. Wiz I'm sure has his own ideas how the draft board should look. He will take everything he learned in the war room with one of the best at bringing in talent. It will be IMO very different than DG. We might take best player at a high need position this year or trade up or down. We really don't know the new staff and how they are planning the FA or picks. For that matter who will we resign from the 16 or so players that are able to move on?

GBR
40

 

[BigRedArk]

Look at the two teams in the Super Bowl. Heck, look at the four teams in the Conference Championship games. Great DL, very pedestrian cornerbacks. Include the Chargers and Jags in that, too. And the Cowboys. And the Giants.

Success follows success. We'd all like to have a starting secondary of Champ Bailey, DeAngelo Hall, Adrian Wilson, and Ken Hamlin, but that's not going to happen.

Great cornerbacks are undone by crappy pass rushers all the time. Ask Clements, Hall or Champ Bailey two years ago.

Now I'm a tad cornfused. Are you saying in this post that our CB's will be much improved with a better and more consistent pass rush? IIRC you have dogged Antrell all season because you are convinced he simply doesn't have what it takes to be a decent CB in the NFL. Now are you saying he will be as long as our pass rush is adequate enough to keep him from being at least a not-so-obvious weak link in the D backfield?

 

[kerouac9]

Now I'm a tad cornfused. Are you saying in this post that our CB's will be much improved with a better and more consistent pass rush? IIRC you have dogged Antrell all season because you are convinced he simply doesn't have what it takes to be a decent CB in the NFL. Now are you saying he will be as long as our pass rush is adequate enough to keep him from being at least a not-so-obvious weak link in the D backfield?

That's a totally fair question. I think that Antrel was slowed by his lingering injury last season and somewhat hampered by his lack of playing time. I still think that he's not going to be able to play to his draft position, and that he has immensely bad ball skills. That said, I think he's still capable of being a cornerback at the NFL level, especially when he's in a scheme suited to his abilities. As I said earlier in the thread, if we bolster the defensive line and pass rush, I'm willing to let the cornerback position stand with Green and Rolle as the starters to see if they can make it for at least this season with better coaching and Pendergast having more control over his schemes.

I'm interested to see if Rolle is what so many scouts and fans thought he was.

 

[Tony W]

Why? did you not like Franciscos play when he was in?

I agree with most of the things they said (especially about not pursuing any number one corners), but I'm worried about Francisco at FS.

 

[JeffGollin]

Brian Leonard

Being from NJ (and having followed Rutgers closely for the past few years, here's my take on Leonard:

He was orginally recruited as a big, smashmouth tailback who proved he could catch out of the backfield.

When Rice came to Rutgers (a somewhat smaller RB but with greater speed and explosion), Leonard agreed to play Up Back or FB in split backfield. He won the "Academic Heisman" trophy this year.

He showed this past year that he's a big, smart smashmouth runner who can catch out of the backfield, pick up blitzes and do a better than decent job of blocking for Rice.

But he's not the second coming of Mack Strong as a lead-blocker/nor is he the second coming of Brandon Jacobs as a smashmouth runner. Think of him more as a bigger, somewhat more athletic version of Femi.

Mayock feels he'll be drafted in Round 2. Other scouts feel that his combine numbers coupled with the somewhat diminished role of the FB by many teams may cause him to drop into the 3rd round.

As Charles Davis pointed out on NFL Net - "Forget about whether he's a fullback or tailback - he's a football player. I agree - Leonard is the type of player that a Bill Belicheck brings in and then figures out how to use him afterwards.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

here's the guy i want to be our FB:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=17429

 

[Mulli]

Hope he is better than Greg Amsler the last Card FB from TN.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

as for the other Jurecki stuff, i'm surprised he mentioned OT by position instead of just the OL in general. Everybody has been asking about LD.I would like to hear what they think of Wells. I'm not sure Francisco is a starter you can count on. I don't know for sure because he'll probably improve his play but last year he was out of postion a few times that led to big plays. I would much rather see Hamlin in there and Francisco as his backup. I've stated many times that i think Rolle can be a player but this is his put up or shut up year. The DL does need to be more stout up front. The only guy with size is Watson and the jury is still out on him.He did look good though in limited time. Whiz' offense always struggled against Jax and they have probably the best DT tandem in the league. A rotation of Branch, Watson, Dockett, and Clancy is pretty formidable. Nobody really knows what Lewis going to bring to the table. He looked capable in the few glimpses i remember but i don't think he's starting material and a guy who automatically is assumed a roster spot. Dansby as a WLB is probably the best spot to utilize his talents. I don't know who we get for SLB.Maybe Pozlusny slides into round 2 and he's put in there.

 

[Matt L]

If we draft the Poz, I will be sporting his Jersey at every game.

 

[Russ Smith]

That's a totally fair question. I think that Antrel was slowed by his lingering injury last season and somewhat hampered by his lack of playing time. I still think that he's not going to be able to play to his draft position, and that he has immensely bad ball skills. That said, I think he's still capable of being a cornerback at the NFL level, especially when he's in a scheme suited to his abilities. As I said earlier in the thread, if we bolster the defensive line and pass rush, I'm willing to let the cornerback position stand with Green and Rolle as the starters to see if they can make it for at least this season with better coaching and Pendergast having more control over his schemes.

I'm interested to see if Rolle is what so many scouts and fans thought he was.

The single biggest problem we have with Rolle is that he was only effective in college playing one way, bump and run, very physical. NFL rules don't allow CB's to play that way, beyond 5 yards. It's no surprise he was awful in a system that had him off the WR, but the question still remains can he effectively play CB within NFL rules?

Go back to his rookie year, every camp report posted here on this board said the same thing, if Rolle plays that way during the season he'll set an NFL record for penalties by a CB. And despite the soft coverages this year, Rolle racked up PI's at an alarming rate.

That's how he plays, the NFL rules don't allow it. So he's going to have to learn and that sure wasn't happening under Solomon, hopefully it will now.

 

[Duckjake]

The only guy with size is Watson and the jury is still out on him

Hard to imagine a guy 6'1" and over 300lbs not being large enough. Humans are getting really, really big.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Hard to imagine a guy 6'1" and over 300lbs not being large enough. Humans are getting really, really big.

I remember seeing Grady Jackson last year and thinking he looked like a cartoon charcter he was so big.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Everyone must have missed the big news. Fransisco is starting!

 

[vinnymac]

i love the idea of bringing in eric johnson of the 49ers. johnson always finds a way to kill the cardinals. i will have to check the free agent list to see if there is a blocking full back for the cardinals. i like the idea of drafting micheal bush out of louisville. he size and speed is what the cardinals need. he is a down hill runner with moves to make he defender miss. i can't really see him getting out of the first round, but if he is there when the cardinals pick in the 2nd round then i am all for picking micheal bush. gaines adams in the first.

 

[vinnymac]

all francisco did is make plays last season. he got beat a few times, but everybody does.

 

[Divide Et Impera]

Isn't Mack Strong a FA? Or is it the other SEA RB (Maurice Morris)?

 

[MadCardDisease]

Just a few Card items from MJ
1. As mentioned on another thread the Cards are thinking about moving Dansby to the weak side so they will need a SSLB.......

Good, Dansby at WSLB will send him to the pro-bowl. We should be able to find a good SSLB in FA.

2. The top 2 areas of focus in free agency will be OT and DL. Cards want to get bigger and stronger inside on the DL, especially to focus on run stopping.......

We will definitely need to address the OT position even if we keep Davis. There is a serious depth issue at OT. A lot of people seem to be happy with our DL. However I wasn't very impressed with Clancy. I watched him the entire Denver game and Nalen handled him One on One the entire game. I like Watson but I'm not sure he has the stamina to last the entire game.

3. Looking at Ian Scott of the Bears for DL help......

Ian Scott would be good at occupying space and keeping our LBs free. If we don't land him in FA then I would like to see the Cards go after Alan Branch in the NFL Draft.

4. Looking for depth not starters at CB and Safety. New staff feels that the problem with the corners was not the talent, but the coaching of the Corners by Solomon, who in their opinion did a horrible job. New staff is NOT down on Rolle and feel with the right coaching he will be a very good player and solid starter.......

Solomon was really bad. He is part of the reason I was willing to give Clancy P another chance. We definitely need more quality depth at CB and safety. Preferably adding player who have quality speed.

5. Francisco will start......

I really like Francisco but I'm not sure he will be a good FS. To me he is more of a SS and is at his best playing up in the box.

6. Looking for an experienced TE to push Pope and start. Possibilities are Eric Johnson of SF and David Martin of Green Bay.......

Eric Johnson would be nice if he comes at a good price. However we still don't have a good Blocking TE on this team.

7. Want to make the Fullback position a much higher profile position in their offense and are looking for an excellent blocking FB. Brian Leonard of Rutgers could be drafted by the Cards in a fairly early round.......

Pittsburg's unsung hero on offense is FB Dan Kreider. Kreider had many of the blocks that allowed Parker to break into the open field. It will be interesting to see who the coaching staff targets to start at FB.

8. Looking for a good return man in the draft, not in FA......

We need a speedster at WR who can also make plays as a return man. I agree that this can and should be found in the draft. My pick would be Craig Davis out of LSU if he drops to the 3rd round.

MJ stated in his opinion, Orlando Huff should be let go and that the staff is going to meet with Big, face to face, soon which will play a huge part in determining his future with the team......

Huff has been a disappointment. Just doesn't have the speed to make plays behind the Line of Scrimmage. As for Davis, hopefully they can works something out as that would be one less major hole we have to worry about filling.

 

[OldDirtMcGirt]

Why? did you not like Franciscos play when he was in?

Francisco definitely made some plays, but he got beat alot too (especially against Seattle), which had me a bit worried. That said, hopefully it's just inexperience, and I think that he's earned at least the opportunity to start.

 

[BigRedArk]

That's a totally fair question. I think that Antrel was slowed by his lingering injury last season and somewhat hampered by his lack of playing time. I still think that he's not going to be able to play to his draft position, and that he has immensely bad ball skills. That said, I think he's still capable of being a cornerback at the NFL level, especially when he's in a scheme suited to his abilities. As I said earlier in the thread, if we bolster the defensive line and pass rush, I'm willing to let the cornerback position stand with Green and Rolle as the starters to see if they can make it for at least this season with better coaching and Pendergast having more control over his schemes.

I'm interested to see if Rolle is what so many scouts and fans thought he was.

Yeah hopefully we will find out this year. I still believe it is too soon to give up on him as a CB. Kinda like it is too soon to give up on JJ Arrington as a potentially good #2 RB and maybe a future starter. Sometimes a change in coaching can do wonders for a player. I didn't get to see many games on TV this year but doesn't Rolle give us an added dimension with his rush support also?

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Do you honestly believe that? Not a DG apologist by any stretch of the imagination but I have a hard time believing that a coach who delegated seemingly everything put in his two cents regarding secondary coverage and nothing else.

Mao I gotta ask - how is Pastner ruining UA hoops?

 

[Goldfield]

It would be nice if Rolle could find his mojo and become a good CB. I just dont see it happening. I do think he would make a very good SS/FS He is still very talented & VERY physical.

I also think it is too early to give up on JJ Arrington, he has shown more tuffness then is pitifull rookie year. He is pretty small & has not had a good line to run behind. I would give him another year and more attempts to see what he can do.

I would also like to see Rolle return Punts Maybe if he is good at that it will help with his confidence...