To Be or Not to Be, That is the Question...

[Mitch]

It would appear...that there is a two year window for the Cardinals to make football history.

The HOF QB is in place for this year and next.

So are Fitz, Boldin and Breaston.

In case you are counting, that's 3,400+ yards of real estate we are talking about right there.

The question is...should the Cardinals make some unprecedented moves to address their areas of weakness in order to go for the gusto?

What would this mean?

How about trade considerations?

The Cardinals need pass rushers...and they need another linebacker...and they most likely need a backup LT who can push Mike Gandy for the job and be ready if he falters or gets hurt.

At this point...the Cardinals are considerably weaker on defense than they are on offense.

Can the Cardinals just go ahead and simply outscore opponents all the way to the Lombardi Trophy?

While that's indeed possible...it's, at this point, being realistic..........................

Highly improbable.

You just don't win the Lomardi these days without a pass rush.

You just don't.

Check the last three winners: PIT, NYG, PIT.

What does that say to you?

Now...can the Cardinals right now add a stud pass rusher?

Probably not.

Can they upgrade their pass rush?

Possibly.

But they would have to give up some players to get players of need.

Any thoughts?

Or are we stuck with what we've got?

If the Cardinals follow in the line of past Super Bowl runner-ups, they may not even make the playoffs this year.

Then, it's all on next year.

But, next year is a funky year, isn't it?

No cap.

There's no telling what will happen then.

Plus...the reality is that the Cardinals have this one year left with Karlos Dansby.

Does this year have to be THE year?

It may have to be.

The question to all of you, my thirsty friends...

Do the Cardinals make some trades to improve their pass rush?

Or not?

All scenarios welcome.

Your dear friend,

Hamlet Mitch

 

[DieHardCardFan]

I dont see this team making trades this year. I dont see the team looking at this as "this is the year it has to happen" either. Whis is building a winner, and laying down a foundation.

As for the pass rush, we really dont know if we have one yet or not. Campbell looks like he might be a force this year. Dockett looks better than he ever has and seems to have more confidence and commitment to the game than ever as well. B-Train is still around and has been know to put a little heat on a QB. I see more rotation on the D-line happening and a pass rush emerging. That is my thought on that.

IF and I think it is a big IF, Wells gets healthy and stays healthy, I expect Hightower and Wells to be a pretty good combo. We should have a running game this year. And I have said it a million times and will say it again. If we produce a semblance of a running game, this Offense has real potential to be unstoppable. So with that said, yes we can very well hang our hat on out scoring the other team to win. Kurt did it in St. Louis and basically did it here last year.

Not to mention if you take back 1/4 of the TD's our DB's gave up last year, there are a whole lot of different stories written about this team. 9-7 would have been 12-4 or better. Well guess what, I think this year or DB's will be MUCH better. Rolle is coming into his own at Saftey! A-Dub, well he is A-Dub, he is gonna hurt some people. DRC, well the question with him is will he have more INT's than opposing team QB's have TD's against us. And McFadden looks to be just the guy we need across from DRC to make guys have to work for each and every ball thrown thier way.

I see no reason for trades. I think this team has the talent and will to make another run. Thats just my 2 cents!

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Any thoughts?

My only thought after reading that post is you really like hearing yourself talk.

 

[LVG]

No, I don't think there will be any trade, unless you can find a team that desperately needs a receiver and has several pass rushers to spare. Even then, you'd have to do it now - before the end of the day Sunday, me thinks.

Otherwise, it's just too late to have even an experienced veteran to come in and learn a new system in time for the regular season.

There's too many other things that have to happen as well - the cap numbers have to work, salaries for both players would have to be acceptable, and the players themselves would probably have to accept it. And finally, the other team would have to not play the Cards, so you're probably talking about an AFC team.

I just can't think of where all these stars would align this quickly.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I'm certain about much these days, however, I am certain that these Cards will not be making a trades for a pass rusher anytime soon...

Mitch, "this year" is not "the year"... Yes, Dansby might be gone next season. But from Michael, to Rod to Whiz, they have all consistently talked about the longterm. Building a foundation that will create the potential for sustain winning.

Regarding the pass rush - I agree with virtually all of your comments there but would add that it is restricted to our front 3 or 4. We are very effective at bringing pressure from other places... Yes, it would be ideal if one of our big heavies could consistently get to the QB, and who knows, perhaps Calais will surprise there... Perhaps Okeafor/Berry can find the form from years past and have one more solid year...
The reality is however that we should all prepare to see a pass rush very much like what we had last season... Dockett having some good/great games - but not nearly enough. A-Dub & Karlos wreaking havoc in the backfield when they're let free. But nothing that would get anyone excited.
And, if memory serves me right, 6 of the last 7 Super Bowl losers never even made it to the post season the following year. Those are some tough odds for any team. And even tougher for a franchise like ours...

 

[82CardsGrad]

My only thought after reading that post is you really like hearing yourself talk.

Ouch! Mod-Abuse... that's the worst!!

 

[Buckybird]

Mitch, you and I have had this dicussion many times before. I think the mistake was made on draft day. I love what Quan brings to the team as a player and a person. But I still think the trade should have been made. To have a mid 1st rounder (if possible) we could have had Larry English, and at #31 could have drafted drafted Sintim. Both of those guys would have been instant fire to the Cards pass rush as rookies, they fit the 3-4 to a tee. Those 2 players could have made this defense dominant for years to come. Yea I know most on the board will say, "We were so close to wiining it all last season", so sure we can do it again. Is there a chance? Sure, but like you said Mitch it's going to be difficult. The Cards earned their way to Tampa, but were very fortunate along the way. Having 2 homes and the NFC championship game in the UOP really helped. Thanks, Philly for knocking off the Gmen. This defense is basically the same as last season, except for a switch in coaches and scheme. This was one of the worst defenses in the league, especially thru the air. Regardless of how good that secondary looks, it will only be as good as the pass rush. 3rd down conversions were bad, TD% in the red zone bad. Points given up, ridiculous!!!We lost the Super Bowl on the last drive because we failed to get Big Ben down on the ground. Am I worried about were that pressure comes from? Hell yea!!! Blitzing too much exposes a defense to potential big plays!!! Don't you guys just drool when teams blitz Kurt? Hopefully we don't have to throw the kitchen sink at opposing offenses.

As far a getting help now, I don't see it happening now. If all the speculation about Dansby going elsewhere after the season is true, how bad will our Lb'er situation be next season? Chike and Berry will likely be gone also. Hayes is solid and behind him on the inside are unproven players who lack any size at all. On the outside, we have a aging veteran in Haggans who may have already played his best years and 2 unprovens rookies who have yet to show much in one preseason game. All of this and we are converting to an attacking defense...scary!!!

So, to win it all we will likely have to outscore the opponent once again.

 

[Mitch]

My only thought after reading that post is you really like hearing yourself talk.

Thanks.

 

[Catfish]

Sorry Mitch, but I am with DieHard on this one. Rather than deplete ANY portion of this team right now, I choose to wait and see what Coach Davis is able to produce with what we have.

I believe this team (got it), after the beating in the snow in New England. They have really paid attention to detail since that point, and now are far less prone to give up yards on penalties etc.

They also are VERY much more inclined to show the patience needed to keep their assigned lanes covered instead of going for each fake and juke. Maybe best of all, there is some real speed and a wealth of talent in this new class that, (given the opportunity to mature), may just make us scarry good, deep into the roster. We might just ALREADY have that necessary pass rush, but have just not seen it yet. I prefer to wait and see what develops at this point in time.

 

[imaCafan]

Chris_Sanders is a moderator? Who moderates him????

 

[ajcardfan]

At this point Mitch, i think we have to generate pass rush by scheme. Based on one preseason game, it seems Davis is going to try a lot more blitzes than CP did. Will it work? I'm not sure.

 

[az240zz]

Chris_Sanders is a moderator? Who moderates him????

ditto

 

[IAWarnerFan]

I don't see anything happening. If something would have happened, it would have by now and it may have included a disgruntled player like Boldin. The defense should be better, especially the pass defense. This defense may not be top of the league, but if they can play like they did in the playoffs things should go very well. I'm actually a bit more concerned about the running game right now.

 

[lauraw]

Chris sanders was out of line I believe...

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Chris_Sanders is a moderator? Who moderates him????

It's the George W syndrome- "do what I say, not what I do." The hardest part about being in charge is acting like you deserve to be.

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

At this point Mitch, i think we have to generate pass rush by scheme. Based on one preseason game, it seems Davis is going to try a lot more blitzes than CP did. Will it work? I'm not sure.

I'm more nervous about Davis as the DC as I am the players. I hope Whiz made the right decision.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Chris sanders was out of line I believe...

Treading on thin ice Laura.

Love will make you say some crazy things...

 

[cardfan]

My only thought after reading that post is you really like hearing yourself talk.

The only problem with being a moderator is that people expect better from you.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

The only problem with being a moderator is that people expect better from you.

True enough. An ill thought out attempt at humor to be sure.

 

[lobo]

Thanks.

please do not go...your posts are terrific, well written and thoughtful...you have clarity as agreement is far from important in the toy department...

just remember when you read a response CONSIDER THE SOURCE. If you do the jerky one will roll off your back like water off a duck. A good "learning" point for more important issues.