Updated 53 Post HOF Game

[Mitch]

QB (3): Palmer, Gabbert, Stanton

BA says Gabbert can win the #2 QB spot, but has a long way to go to beat out Stanton, because Stanton "knows the offense so well." The question remains that if Stanton knows the offense so well why does he struggle so much running it? Let's see if Stanton moves the ball the way Gabbert did in Game 1. Has Stanton, at any point in his Cardinals' career, looked as sharp and precise as Gabbert, especially in hitting 2nd and 3rd reads?

RB (4): Johnson, K. Williams, C. Johnson, Penny

Some automatically assume that Chris Johnson will be the #2 RB, but BA's faith in Kerwynn Williams is strong right now and Williams looked very good versus the Cowboys. Elijaah Penny is a key blocker on punts and field goals and his pounding running style is impressive. Andre Ellington bounced off a hit and scored. But after that he looked tentative running the ball and the subsequent drives fizzled. T.J. Logan ran with speed and impressive toughness. Hopefully he can recover from his wrist injury and make a splash upon his return in Week 8 or 9.

WR (6): Fitzgerald, John Brown, Nelson, Jaron Brown, C. Williams, Golden

Wonder when Chad Williams will become more of a focal point in the offense. Maybe this week? Golden and Ross are battling it out for the #6 WR punt returner job. This could go down to the wire. Krishawn Hogan has to keep impressing in order to put pressure on Jaron Brown's roster spot.

TE (3): Gresham, Momah, Niklas

Solid outings for Momah and Niklas.

OL (9): Humphries, Iupati, Shipley, Boehm, Veldheer, Wetzel, Toner, D. Johnson, Holden

With the depth the Cardinals have on the o-line, the thought occurs that Jared Veldheer could be a trade chip to acquire a bona fide starting RCB. However, with Veldheer taking a day to contemplate retirement, that potential trade chip would now be moot, especially at Veldheer's salary. G's Kaleb Johnson and Tony Bergstrom, plus T Ulrich John are coming off good games. The depth on the OL is at an all-time high.

DL (7): Rucker, Peters, Mauro, Nkemdiche, Gunter, Pierre, X. Williams

Good reviews for the defensive linemen in Game 1. Another player who graded high was UCFA Parini Tasini, which makes things a little more interesting. Tasini has very good penetration skills in short yardage situations, which is something you always covet.

ILB (4): Bucannon, Dansby, Wright, Reddick

Xavier Gooden was solid but hasn't made a strong enough mark on STs as of yet. Newly signed Josh Bynes could fit the bill with his versatility and STs ability.

OLB (4): C. Jones, M. Golden, Martin, Capi

Went back and saw why Capi earned such a strong rating. He was very active and physical on the edge. Martin was solid, but again, not very explosive on the edge as a pass rusher. Suddenly Jarvis Jones does not have a quad injury as first reported, he has a back injury (disc). This is trending in the wrong direction for the Cardinals and Jarvis Jones. Steve Keim needs to sign some depth here. Dwight Freeney and Mario Williams are still available. Might be worth an incentives package deal.

CB (4): Peterson, Bethel, T. Williams, B. Williams

Brandon Williams still has a fan in BA and he did make contributions on STs and a nice interception. But, when he misses on his bump in press coverage, he lacks the giddy-up foot speed to recover. There's a difference between straight-line speed and short area recovery speed and Williams needs much better hand placements, stronger leverage and quicker feet. New signee, Jarel Carter showed good recovery skills in his first taste of action, so that was a plus, as he now is in the mix.

S (6): Mathieu, Baker, Bethea, Branch, Ford, Gallon

Budda Baker didn't look like a rookie who had missed OTAs. Very good start for him. Rudy Ford showed good range and speed at FS, a real need. He has to show he can run the alley and make tackles. Ironhead Gallon is a physical player who can tackle and he was close in coverage, jow he has to finish off his plays. But he could be a very good tackler and blocker on STs so he gets the nod right now.

ST (3): Dawson, Wile, Brewer

The punting battle between Matt Wile and Richie Leone could go down to the wire and actually could be decided by which player is the better placekick holder for Phil Dawson.

 

[DVontel]

No way in hell we only run with 4 CBs, especially with the likes of atrocious Brandon Williams & a washed Tramon Williams.

 

[Southpaw]

Stanton has the pictures of incrimination.

 

[oaken1]

No way in hell we only run with 4 CBs, especially with the likes of atrocious Brandon Williams & a washed Tramon Williams.

don't forget the six safeties!

 

[WindCardinal]

Jarvis Jones is making the roster. Period.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

BA says Gabbert can win the #2 QB spot, but has a long way to go to beat out Stanton, because Stanton "knows the offense so well." The question remains that if Stanton knows the offense so well why does he struggle so much running it?

Great question. These next 4 games should show us who really earns the #2 position. Of course BA favors Stanton.

Let's see if Stanton moves the ball the way Gabbert did in Game 1. Has Stanton, at any point in his Cardinals' career, looked as sharp and precise as Gabbert, especially in hitting 2nd and 3rd reads?

No and that was my point when I made the I'm ready to cut Stanton thread. Is BG the answer to our QBOF? No way to tell so far and I'm not on that right now. My input is that he looks like a solid backup that could make the passes needed to win a game. Not just manage it like DS. We still need to search for the QBOTF. Hard to pay DS 1.6 mill to be 3rd string.

With the depth the Cardinals have on the o-line, the thought occurs that Jared Veldheer could be a trade chip to acquire a bona fide starting RCB. However, with Veldheer taking a day to contemplate retirement, that potential trade chip would now be moot, especially at Veldheer's salary. G's Kaleb Johnson and Tony Bergstrom, plus T Ulrich John are coming off good games. The depth on the OL is at an all-time high.

It's amazing that you are able to even type this. Our Oline in the past has been so bad and lacked any kind of depth. Now we have guys to step in as we saw last year and hold down the fort. Credit to the FO.

 

[Lagerfilled]

Puzzling we brought in more LBs, but a name / number I kept seeing screaming off the edge in the red & white scrimmage was Philip Wheeler. Granted it was against 2s & 3s, but he's likely in the mix.

Then it could be C Jones, M Golden, J Jones, and either K Martin or Wheeler at OLB and Dansby, Reddick, Buc, Wright, and Bynes at ILB. Reddick can slide outside and Wheeler inside as needed.

 

[DVontel]

Jarvis Jones is making the roster. Period.

Sadly.

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, we might keep D. Johnson and Holden because they were draft picks, but, imo, after one PS game neither is one of the top nine offensive linemen. But since they are draft picks they might be kept. And as for ILB, I think Gooden is ahead of Wright, but if this were a horse race, we are only entering the back stretch. And it's still anybody's race.

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, we might keep D. Johnson and Holden because they were draft picks, but, imo, after one PS game neither is one of the top nine offensive linemen. But since they are draft picks they might be kept. And as for ILB, I think Gooden is ahead of Wright, but if this were a horse race, we are only entering the back stretch. And it's still anybody's race.

Garth, Dorian Johnson and Will Holden have more upside than Kaleb Johnson and Tony Bergstrom. Johnson and Holden are future starters. BA and HC put Dorian and Will on the 3rd team because they are rookies. With 4 more PS games, Johnson and Holden will very likely be worked into the 2nd unit. BTW---Holden scored one of the highest game grades of all the offensive players.

 

[Mitch]

Puzzling we brought in more LBs, but a name / number I kept seeing screaming off the edge in the red & white scrimmage was Philip Wheeler. Granted it was against 2s & 3s, but he's likely in the mix.

Then it could be C Jones, M Golden, J Jones, and either K Martin or Wheeler at OLB and Dansby, Reddick, Buc, Wright, and Bynes at ILB. Reddick can slide outside and Wheeler inside as needed.

Jarvis Jones is making the roster. Period.

BA just said he expects Jarvis Jones to play on Saturday. Let's see if he does and if he holds up. Right now it felt like he can't help the club from the tub. Hopefully he's going to be a good fit and 100% ready to contribute.

 

[WildBB]

Jarvis Jones is making the roster. Period.

Not a given. Especially if he doesn't figure into ST's coverage units.

 

[football karma]

Harlan Miller over Gallon

 

[football karma]

Also: Stanton vs Gabbert

IIRC: Stanton is 6-3 filling in for Palmer. I think that earns a great deal of trust with BA

I think Gabbert would have to have four more games like the last with Stanton really struggling for that to change

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, I'm sure you're right about D.Johnson and Holden having more upside, but Holden is playing OG and Ulrick John played OT and looked good. If one of our OT's goes down I would think that we'd go with Wetzel to start and keep John as a backup. Holden, I'm guessing would probably get through waivers (fingers crossed) and is PS eligible. Johnson, as a fourth round pick, probably wouldn't get through waivers.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Williams will not be ahead of Chris Johnson. The Cardinals did not sign him to a one year deal to be the third option and I doubt he signed to be the third option, makes no sense and the reason Chris Johnson did not play in the opener is along the same lines of other primary backups like Stanton if you think that was some kind of indication

 

[daves]

Great comprehensive review, as usual Mitch.

Elijaah Penny is a key blocker on punts and field goals and his pounding running style is impressive.

You may be right, but I don't understand all the Penny love. I've seen dozens of running backs who really stood out in the preseason and flashed star potential, then we're never heard from again. In all of Penny's 49 rushes for 209 yards (4.2 y/a) i never saw one play that made me think he was anything special. Nor do I remember any "key" plays on special teams. I know the "deep" O-line didn't make much room for him on Thursday and maybe that's a valid excuse for his 8-14 performance - but I sure didn't see anything "impressive" from him.

But Ellington is a goner for sure, so I guess with Loan hurt, Penny will stick & hopefully prove you right.

...dave

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, I'm sure you're right about D.Johnson and Holden having more upside, but Holden is playing OG and Ulrick John played OT and looked good. If one of our OT's goes down I would think that we'd go with Wetzel to start and keep John as a backup. Holden, I'm guessing would probably get through waivers (fingers crossed) and is PS eligible. Johnson, as a fourth round pick, probably wouldn't get through waivers.

Garth, I would be very surprised if they exposed Will Holden to waivers, especially with Veldheer's future up in the air. They are playing him at guard so he can be a game day swing G/T. But I see your point, because they do like Wetzel and John very much.

 

[Mitch]

You may be right, but I don't understand all the Penny love. I've seen dozens of running backs who really stood out in the preseason and flashed star potential, then we're never heard from again. In all of Penny's 49 rushes for 209 yards (4.2 y/a) i never saw one play that made me think he was anything special. Nor do I remember any "key" plays on special teams.

But Ellington is a goner for sure, so I guess with Loan hurt, Penny will stick & hopefully prove you right.

...dave

daves, Penny brings ST value and is assuming Stepfan Taylor's role of ST blocker and short yardage RB/FB. While he's never going to be a make you miss RB, he has value in that he's a north south runner who likes to lower his shoulder and advance the ball forward.

 

[WindCardinal]

Garth, I would be very surprised if they exposed Will Holden to waivers, especially with Veldheer's future up in the air. They are playing him at guard so he can be a game day swing G/T. But I see your point, because they do like Wetzel and John very much.

I agree they won't subject him to waivers. His future is at OT though. I believe he's a little too tall to play Guard full time, but the ability to play it in a pinch is always nice

Could the future of this line be Humphries-D.Johnson-Toner-Boehm-Holden?

 

[JeffGollin]

Humphries has what BA terms a "minor injury."

Likely so, but it does point up the value of retaining depth on the OL - especially LT.

Net Net: Don't mess with the OL unless it's to improve it.

& I don't think the issue of #2 CB is close to being resolved. Several variables are in-play for each corner; most notably the mix of current talent, future upside & how fast each player is improving toward his full potential.

Lots can happen between now and Sept.

Mitch - I pretty much agree with your assessment of the other positions, with the caveat that several other players may have the necessary "it" factor to launch themselves into key roles or at least roster spots. (Injuries seem to have a way of forcing some of those issues).

 

[MartinD]

Ellington should be gone except that BA is a fan. I was a fan, too, once upon a time, but I feel that AE's time has passed. He lost his zip, and a bit of his courage. BA, though, appears to be cut from a different cloth. Once he falls in love, he wants to continue the relationship even when his friends and neighbors know it's time to move on.

For that same reason, I think Stanton stays at #2. Yes, his winning percentage is great for a back-up but his really solid, capable games are old history. Last year, he didn't do enough to keep that #2 spot.

 

[TheCardFan]

Also: Stanton vs Gabbert

IIRC: Stanton is 6-3 filling in for Palmer. I think that earns a great deal of trust with BA

I think Gabbert would have to have four more games like the last with Stanton really struggling for that to change

With all due respect, saying that about Stanton is like saying CJ2K has 7 out of 10 season with more than 1,000 yards rushing. You simply can't ignore the recent past. Stanton over the last two years has been putrid. His completion % is less than/= 50% and defenses don't respect him at all. Its run, run, screen and punt. Stanton is a joke.

 

[Shaggy]

Stanton will not lose his #2 spot. If Gabbert continues to play like he did the first preseason game he will stay on as number #3. Next year, if CP retires, BG will be the starter.

 

[DVontel]

Stanton will not lose his #2 spot. If Gabbert continues to play like he did the first preseason game he will stay on as number #3. Next year, if CP retires, BG will be the starter.