Urban - Branch Make Or Break Year

[joeshmo]

Good article about Branch from Urban, his past struggles, and what he needs to do this offseason.

Hopefully Branch talking about him changing his eating habits, workout habits, and attitude isn’t just lip service because him bringing his A-game would be huge for are front 7. So far he has a good start by being one of the regular attendee’s at Lotts voluntary workout program, only missing 1 day out of 7, coming in lighter then he was last year, and even lost another 5 pounds in just one week of the program. So far he has started the journey to becoming a functional part of the team finally; let’s hope he stays on that path, keeping fingers crossed. Anyways its something to talk about.

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=2962

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Good article about Branch from Urban, his past struggles, and what he needs to do this offseason.

Hopefully Branch talking about him changing his eating habits, workout habits, and attitude isn’t just lip service because him bringing his A-game would be huge for are front 7. So far he has a good start by being one of the regular attendee’s at Lotts voluntary workout program, only missing 1 day out of 7, coming in lighter then he was last year, and even lost another 5 pounds in just one week of the program. So far he has started the journey to becoming a functional part of the team finally; let’s hope he stays on that path, keeping fingers crossed. Anyways its something to talk about.

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=2962

The talent is there. I took particular note of him during the Miami, and the Seattle game at end of year. He was getting a good push and moving well down the line.

 

[Shzm13]

Sweet read

Lets hope he turns it around like Gabe did

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I have no faith in the guy. I was supporting him 100% last offseason and he did nothing.

He is officially in my doghouse. Until I see it on the field with Branch, I don't believe in him. He is a wasted roster spot in my eyes, until he proves other wise.

 

[Shogun]

I have no faith in the guy. I was supporting him 100% last offseason and he did nothing.

He is officially in my doghouse. Until I see it on the field with Branch, I don't believe in him. He is a wasted roster spot in my eyes, until he proves other wise.

Co-sign. I'm from Missouri - 'Show Me'

 

[lobo]

I have no faith in the guy. I was supporting him 100% last offseason and he did nothing.

He is officially in my doghouse. Until I see it on the field with Branch, I don't believe in him. He is a wasted roster spot in my eyes, until he proves other wise.

I surely understand your dissatisfaction...I share your disappointment...a big if....should he come in shape and his head remains screwed on right he could be terrific....but it is a big if. I hope he does it for his own good.

 

[Skkorpion]

I know a druggie (son of a friend) who has been jailed 6 times in three years, has been through 3 court ordered rehabs and was just caught violating his probation. He still managed to say all the right things to the judge at his hearing and got off again.

Yup, he's changed. Count me with the "show me" crowd.

 

[CardinalChris]

But I think the two best thing this coaching regime has done is 1) stress and actually GET higher turnout for offseason programs and 2) displayed that if you perform, you will play, regardless of contract, draft slot, history, etc. I think it builds a pipeline of hungry players and allows role players to improve to the point that when veterans become too expensive, we have replacements in the wings waiting to get their chance.

I know we bag on "steeler-west", but that is how they maintain a constant level of play.

 

[Mitch]

But I think the two best thing this coaching regime has done is 1) stress and actually GET higher turnout for offseason programs and 2) displayed that if you perform, you will play, regardless of contract, draft slot, history, etc. I think it builds a pipeline of hungry players and allows role players to improve to the point that when veterans become too expensive, we have replacements in the wings waiting to get their chance.

I know we bag on "steeler-west", but that is how they maintain a constant level of play.

Right on, CardinalChris!

There's been a "light bulb on" sighting in Glendale!

With John Lott in his corner that light bulb could turn into a strobe light!

In Lott We Trust!

 

[lauraw]

They could write in to their contracts about participating in off-season "voluntary" workouts, enough to make it worthwhile for everyone to want to participate. We may never get the James or Boldin's to join in, but what about the others who do not normally show up?

 

[Buckybird]

I have no faith in the guy. I was supporting him 100% last offseason and he did nothing.

He is officially in my doghouse. Until I see it on the field with Branch, I don't believe in him. He is a wasted roster spot in my eyes, until he proves other wise.

agree Rugby. If he showed up at camp weighing 30 lbs less and in shape, he might catch my eye. Get off the biscuits and burgers Alan!!! But I highly doubt it. To me the guy just isn't nasty enough. Branch reminds me of an oversized teddy bear.

 

[Duckjake]

But I think the two best thing this coaching regime has done is 1) stress and actually GET higher turnout for offseason programs and 2) displayed that if you perform, you will play, regardless of contract, draft slot, history, etc. I think it builds a pipeline of hungry players and allows role players to improve to the point that when veterans become too expensive, we have replacements in the wings waiting to get their chance.

I know we bag on "steeler-west", but that is how they maintain a constant level of play.

Good point. To take it a little farther the Cards are now a winning franchise. One where guys want to play. The success of last season will change a lot of things not just fan interest. I don't think many players think of Arizona as the armpit of the NFL where only the unluckiest of draftees have to go play or where a FA can go for an extremely high dollar vacation.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I surely understand your dissatisfaction...I share your disappointment...a big if....should he come in shape and his head remains screwed on right he could be terrific....but it is a big if. I hope he does it for his own good.

Yeah, yeah, I remember some idiot saying the same thing before last season. I mean that moron is wrong about most things but he debated, and fought his point that guys Branch's size dont come along every day. yada, yada, yada

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/current-defensive-line-113925.html?highlight=Branch

Branch came into that season with the door WIDE open and screwed up what might have been the best oppourtunity of his life.

The guy is a season late, and he will be a dollar short because of it.