Tuesday Tidings

[Harry]

Has Graves fooled around with re-signing Dansby so long that after the Detroit game Graves won’t be able to re-sign Dansby? At the very least Graves has cost the Cards millions of dollars of cap space. I thought player re-signing was supposed to be one of Graves’ strong points. BTW, that was the most dominant game I've seen from a linebacker in maybe 20 years.

I could see Rolle being looked at in Holt’s slot. Rolle had a dumb penalty, but he might be the best open field tackler on the team and he showed ball-hawking skills in college. He’s not fluid enough for tight coverage, but he has good closing speed. If not for Wilson’s outstanding play-making abilities, Rolle might be thought of for that slot as well.

Speaking of Wilson, did you notice the closing speed of Wilson on that play near the sideline? Another Cardinal player was boxing in the runner. Wilson came up, accelerated and was on the ball carrier before he could turn up-field. Few players in the game have that type of burst.

Can you imagine how much better this running attack would have looked with Davis at left guard? We all know who let him leave. Watch them pay more this off-season for a similar skilled, but older player.

What is it the Cards see in Urban? I think better receivers are on the street.

Another nice game by Pace, but a voice in the back of my head keeps saying, “contract year.” The new defense clearly works in his favor, but I worry when that he never looked anywhere near this good before.

If only the Cards had a shutdown corner! What is Greene’s vertical leap, about 3 inches?

Will Pope at best always be one of those plus/minus guys?

The Cards need Boldin to return to form if they are going to make the playoffs.

Watson is anchoring much better this year, but has yet to show the ability to more forward and collapse the pocket, as Rogers did Sunday on several occasions.

Fitzgerald might well be the most dominating possession receiver in the league.

Imagine Rolle at safety for Holt, Dansby signed and a first line corner acquired this off-season. With an impact player at all levels of this defense, they could be even more dominating than they looked Sunday.

Grimm can really coach and Whisenhunt is the best head coach the Cards have had since moving to Arizona. The best part is that he will get better, even though he will likely lose Grimm shortly.

 

[az1965]

Has Graves fooled around with re-signing Dansby so long that after the Detroit game Graves won’t be able to re-sign Dansby? At the very least Graves has cost the Cards millions of dollars of cap space. I thought player re-signing was supposed to be one of Graves’ strong points. BTW, that was the most dominant game I've seen from a linebacker in maybe 20 years.

And being defensive player of the week further increased his stock value...

I could see Rolle being looked at in Holt’s slot. Rolle had a dumb penalty, but he might be the best open field tackler on the team and he showed ball-hawking skills in college. He’s not fluid enough for tight coverage, but he has good closing speed. If not for Wilson’s outstanding play-making abilities, Rolle might be thought of for that slot as well.

Agree. Holt is completely useless. It won't hurt to try Rolle.

Can you imagine how much better this running attack would have looked with Davis at left guard? We all know who let him leave. Watch them pay more this off-season for a similar skilled, but older player.

I have a feeling we are going to stay put. Perhaps draft a guard in the mid rounds.

What is it the Cards see in Urban? I think better receivers are on the street.

Wouldn't Spurlock be better than Urban???

Another nice game by Pace, but a voice in the back of my head keeps saying, “contract year.” The new defense clearly works in his favor, but I worry when that he never looked anywhere near this good before.

I doubt it. If a player does not have it, he does not have it. I think this coaching staff is really helping some players develop unlike the previous regime.

If only the Cards had a shutdown corner! What is Greene’s vertical leap, about 3 inches?

Desperately. Both Green and Hood are average at best.

Will Pope at best always be one of those plus/minus guys?

See Pace comments. I think this coaching staff will eventually develop him if we stay patient with him.

The Cards need Boldin to return to form if they are going to make the playoffs.

No kidding...

Imagine Rolle at safety for Holt, Dansby signed and a first line corner acquired this off-season. With an impact player at all levels of this defense, they could be even more dominating than they looked Sunday.

The only thing is we don't know how Rolle will do as a FS so I will be reluctant to say that he will be an "impact" player at FS because he has not played FS before. Also, I would like to add an OLB to eventually replace Berry.

Grimm can really coach and Whisenhunt is the best head coach the Cards have had since moving to Arizona. The best part is that he will get better, even though he will likely lose Grimm shortly.

Agree!

Good points!!

 

[Buckybird]

I said it once and will say it again. I will be suprised if both Pace and Karlos are sign to long term contracts. Rod Graves structuring of last seasons free-agent class is going to back fire!!! Why hasn't a deal been worked for a least one? Because the genius in charge didn't have a plan. You think Rod even thought he would have to resign Calvin? No way!!! And we have this clown running our franchise for several more seasons. Stay tuned...

 

[Skkorpion]

Good gawd, this preemptive bashing gets tiring. Sign them both, Rod Graves paid too much. Sign one or none, Rod screwed up.

If we win Sunday, imagine where we might have been if Rod Graves hadn't screwed us up so much.

Listen, Harry, Mitch and others, we get it. Rod Graves sucks. If we happen to win a few more this year and stay in the playoff race, we will still focus on Rod Graves' sucking. He's the suckingest sucker to ever suck.

So stipulated. It is now the official ASFN position: Rod Graves sucks. That is all.

I'm willing to add a forum for just Rod Graves issues. Will that help focus things properly on what really matters right now?

 

[Cheesebeef]

Good gawd, this preemptive bashing gets tiring. Sign them both, Rod Graves paid too much. Sign one or none, Rod screwed up.

If we win Sunday, imagine where we might have been if Rod Graves hadn't screwed us up so much.

Listen, Harry, Mitch and others, we get it. Rod Graves sucks. If we happen to win a few more this year and stay in the playoff race, we will still focus on Rod Graves' sucking. He's the suckingest sucker to ever suck.

So stipulated. It is now the official ASFN position: Rod Graves sucks. That is all.

I'm willing to add a forum for just Rod Graves issues. Will that help focus things properly on what really matters right now?

lol.

Skkorp - why do you think that focussing on keeping arguably our best defensive player not something that really matters right now?

 

[General Chaos]

Yes Dansby will cost more. However, he has been hurt so much, I don't disagree with the wait and see approach. Hopefully we can get him signed soon though.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Yes Dansby will cost more. However, he has been hurt so much, I don't disagree with the wait and see approach. Hopefully we can get him signed soon though.

How healthy had Hayes been before he got his contract extension? How much of an impact did he have before he was rewarded with his contract? I'm pretty sure Dansby's been a) more healthy and b) had a MUCH bigger impact.

I'm still scratching my head on why this wasn't done before training camp... or even at some point last year when he was still our best playmaker, even coming off of injuries. Can't wait for the day that we see he's re-signed. It'll be a load off.

 

[Redheart]

LOL! A few days ago there were "Dansby is alway hurt" theads.

We need a stud rushing DE and cover CB more than we need a new GM.

 

[Duckjake]

We need a stud rushing DE and cover CB more than we need a new GM.

That sounds like a chicken or the egg kind of statement.

 

[Cheesebeef]

We need a stud rushing DE and cover CB more than we need a new GM.

I think the fact that we keep saying the first part of your sentence during the past three seasons speaks volumes about the second part of your sentence.

 

[jefftheshark]

How healthy had Hayes been before he got his contract extension? How much of an impact did he have before he was rewarded with his contract? I'm pretty sure Dansby's been a) more healthy and b) had a MUCH bigger impact.

I'm still scratching my head on why this wasn't done before training camp... or even at some point last year when he was still our best playmaker, even coming off of injuries. Can't wait for the day that we see he's re-signed. It'll be a load off.

Perhaps Dansby's agent told Graves that he wouldn't sign a contract extension because he wants to test the waters. Or because he thought his client would have a pro bowl year and he knows that it will drive up his value. When it comes to contract negotiations, there's too much that goes on behind closed doors to get too worked up about it.

I am not a huge RG fan, and would probably post a lot on the mythical "Rod Graves Sucks" Forum, but this wouldn't be one of the issues that would get my goat.

Now paying out all of our cap in signing bonuses, that's another matter.

JTS

 

[Buckybird]

How healthy had Hayes been before he got his contract extension? How much of an impact did he have before he was rewarded with his contract? I'm pretty sure Dansby's been a) more healthy and b) had a MUCH bigger impact.

I'm still scratching my head on why this wasn't done before training camp... or even at some point last year when he was still our best playmaker, even coming off of injuries. Can't wait for the day that we see he's re-signed. It'll be a load off.

Cheese, I agree totally. Why did Graves tell us two weeks ago he was flying to try and hammer out deals with the 2 players? WTF!!! Tell us something, don't just let it die. Can we sign them or are these agents refusing to deal. Are we cap strapped? For God's sake Rod, tell us something!!!

 

[Assface]

How healthy had Hayes been before he got his contract extension? How much of an impact did he have before he was rewarded with his contract? I'm pretty sure Dansby's been a) more healthy and b) had a MUCH bigger impact.

I'm still scratching my head on why this wasn't done before training camp... or even at some point last year when he was still our best playmaker, even coming off of injuries. Can't wait for the day that we see he's re-signed. It'll be a load off.

Remember everything being said about Karlos around training camp of last year? I think they needed to see how he responded to the new coaching staff. Lately, the Cardinals have been rewarding their better players. Dockett, Boldin and Wilson have all gotten paydays. Davis, Plummer and Boston were all allowed to leave but those were players the team didn't want to keep. There was never talk about contract extensions. Although it doesn't sound like much progress has been made yet, There have been preliminary talks. It might take a while, and I'm sure it will drive us all nuts but I'm sure that Dansby will remain in Arizona.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I can't stand Graves as much as anybody but wasn't it reported that Graves couldn't meet with Dansby's agent because he was involved in some kind of trial and didn't have time? I think both guys will get done but i don't both will be done prior to the off-season. Pace maybe, but Dansby is going to take some time and that is going to end up costing the Cards money.

 

[Sandan]

Cheese, I agree totally. Why did Graves tell us two weeks ago he was flying to try and hammer out deals with the 2 players? WTF!!! Tell us something, don't just let it die. Can we sign them or are these agents refusing to deal. Are we cap strapped? For God's sake Rod, tell us something!!!

They did tell us.

No we aren't cash strapped.

Yes they want to talk but Dansby's agent was in the middle of a court trial [he is lawyer] so he had to postpone the metting

 

[1DS]

LOL! A few days ago there were "Dansby is alway hurt" theads.

We need a stud rushing DE and cover CB more than we need a new GM.

Good point. And I would have agreed more 8 weeks ago. Dockett has emerged as a bona fide pass rusher. What does he have? Like 8 sacks? He's caused a few fumbles too. Another STUD pass rusher would be cake, but we're no longer desperate for one.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Cheese, I agree totally. Why did Graves tell us two weeks ago he was flying to try and hammer out deals with the 2 players? WTF!!! Tell us something, don't just let it die. Can we sign them or are these agents refusing to deal. Are we cap strapped? For God's sake Rod, tell us something!!!

The Cards (Rod Graves) do not, as a rule, negotiate in public.

Personally, I believe, its the best way.

(And they don't owe you or me a word until an agreement is reached and a signature attested)

 

[Pariah]

Seems a legit thing to talk about, this signing/non-signing of arguably our best defensive player. I think I speak for everyone here when I say I hope it gets done--I don't care when, as long as he's in a Cards uni for the next few years.

 

[joeshmo]

The Cards (Rod Graves) do not, as a rule, negotiate in public.

Personally, I believe, its the best way.

Thats just not true anymore. Maybe it was 3-4 years ago but not since Graves took over most of the contract negotiations. He is actually pretty candid and honest, when asked about it and has used the media many a times. He used the media during the Rolle negotiations, Matts negotiations, Browns negotiations. He has also kept us up to date with the Pace and Dansby negotiations. Told us they are really only talking to Pace right now and have gotten a little further then the preliminary stages. Even told us they are trying to figure out with his agent that they will pay him somewhere in between DE and LB salaries. He also told us about the Dansby missed meeting becuase of schedule confilct, and that he was working on sending Dansby's agent a preliminary contract proposal in the near future.

By the way he hasnt sent one yet and they seem to be focused on getting Pace done first then focus solely on Dansby the rest of the time.

They do have until March 1st to get a deal done. Doesnt mean that we dont have a right to get a little more leary as each week passes though. Especially considering the magnitude of the player we are trying to re-sign. It isnt like the Boldin, Dockett(RFA), Wilson scenerio's where each one would still be under contract the next season. This one has more ramifications if we dont get a deal done before March 1st since Dansby wont be under contract next season.

But I will give them until March 1st since like I said Graves is pretty honest and candid when it comes to this stuff, I may not like some of his execution or strategies but when he says he will try to do something he really will try and do something. Wether he can do it or not is the reason why I will feel a little more leary as each week passes.

 

[joeshmo]

Although it doesn't sound like much progress has been made yet, There have been preliminary talks.

There havent been any talks. Graves was quoted as saying so after he told us about why the meeting was postponed(by no fault of Graves).

Dansbys agent and Graves havent spoke since early training camp. It was in Urban and Sommers blogs about the same time the meeting was to take place, and they havent met or talked since.

Now if you are speaking of the Pace talks then they are actually past the prelim stages.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Thats just not true anymore. Maybe it was 3-4 years ago but not since Graves took over most of the contract negotiations. He is actually pretty candid and honest, when asked about it and has used the media many a times. He used the media during the Rolle negotiations, Matts negotiations, Browns negotiations. He has also kept us up to date with the Pace and Dansby negotiations. Told us they are really only talking to Pace right now and have gotten a little further then the preliminary stages. Even told us they are trying to figure out with his agent that they will pay him somewhere in between DE and LB salaries. He also told us about the Dansby missed meeting becuase of schedule confilct, and that he was working on sending Dansby's agent a preliminary contract proposal in the near future.

By the way he hasnt sent one yet and they seem to be focused on getting Pace done first then focus solely on Dansby the rest of the time.

They do have until March 1st to get a deal done. Doesnt mean that we dont have a right to get a little more leary as each week passes though. Especially considering the magnitude of the player we are trying to re-sign. It isnt like the Boldin, Dockett(RFA), Wilson scenerio's where each one would still be under contract the next season. This one has more ramifications if we dont get a deal done before March 1st since Dansby wont be under contract next season.

But I will give them until March 1st since like I said Graves is pretty honest and candid when it comes to this stuff, I may not like some of his execution or strategies but when he says he will try to do something he really will try and do something. Wether he can do it or not is the reason why I will feel a little more leary as each week passes.

You are quite right. I wasn't paying close attention.

 

[football karma]

Well -- the LB franchise tag figure will be between $7.5 and $8 mm

the leverage for the Cards is that if he signs a long term deal with the team, he will likely get guaranteed money in excess of $8 mm ---

if he doesnt, he faces the prospect of playing for a one year franchise tender.

Adalius Thomas got $35 mm over 5 years, $12 mm of it in a signing bonus. That could well be the starting point of what Dansby is asking for -- and perhaps the ceiling of what the Cards will pay.

 

[Faithful]

Good gawd, this preemptive bashing gets tiring. Sign them both, Rod Graves paid too much. Sign one or none, Rod screwed up.

If we win Sunday, imagine where we might have been if Rod Graves hadn't screwed us up so much.

Listen, Harry, Mitch and others, we get it. Rod Graves sucks. If we happen to win a few more this year and stay in the playoff race, we will still focus on Rod Graves' sucking. He's the suckingest sucker to ever suck.

So stipulated. It is now the official ASFN position: Rod Graves sucks. That is all.

I'm willing to add a forum for just Rod Graves issues. Will that help focus things properly on what really matters right now?

Well put!

 

[Redsz]

Can you imagine how much better this running attack would have looked with Davis at left guard? We all know who let him leave. Watch them pay more this off-season for a similar skilled, but older player.

I can imagine they wouldn't be any better.

Footballoutsiders.com ranks the Cardinals ahead of Dallas in both pass and run blocking.

For comparison sake:

DAL YPC
Mid/Guard: 4.05
Right Tackle: 4.86

ARI YPC
Mid/Guard: 4.18
Right Tackle: 5.37

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php

There is also no way that a guy who is 350-360lbs could move well enough for this blocking scheme.

I think he is a good player. But we have let him go and never looked back. 'You know who' made the right call.

 

[40yearfan]

I can imagine they wouldn't be any better.

Footballoutsiders.com ranks the Cardinals ahead of Dallas in both pass and run blocking.

For comparison sake:

DAL YPC
Mid/Guard: 4.05
Right Tackle: 4.86

ARI YPC
Mid/Guard: 4.18
Right Tackle: 5.37

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php

There is also no way that a guy who is 350-360lbs could move well enough for this blocking scheme.

I think he is a good player. But we have let him go and never looked back. 'You know who' made the right call.

Interesting stats redsz. Thanks.