What do you think re: fitz retire?

[BigRedRage]

So I do not think Larry has lost a big step. I think the offense just doesn't work. That by the time his routes complete, his progression has passed (design?) Or the pressure is causing a different throw. In a different system or different team this year I'd imagine he'd be doing much better. Rosen admirably looks at and trusts a litany of guys but it's to a fault when hitting Fitz can ignite the entire team and crowd. Also, when Rosen is pressured to make plays, he seems much looser, throws better balls and would likely light Fitz up so maybe an uptempo or aggressive plan would fix it.

Anyway, rant over...the question:

Based on the now, how the season is, the future unknown of if it can improve, the severe lack of targets, etc. Do you think fitz comes back for the possibility of breaking more records, having more weapons to get him open and chasing the potential of the future? To come back and retire after a big year instead of a bad year?

Or do you think this season is so bad and the future is so unknown that he will pack it up?

I think he is plenty young enough and athletic enough still to keep going. I know he doesn't want to be tossed aside and wants to retire on his terms, I just don't think he's anywhere near toss aside status yet.

But...it's really bad right now and I wouldn't blame him if he thinks next year will be anywhere close to this.

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[speedy]

I don’t think we have seen the last of him.

I think many of the posters claiming Rosen sucks aren’t acknowledging the fact fitz is playing very hard for him.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

I predict he'll come back, but only after he says he needs to take some time before making his decision...yada yada yada.

 

[GatorAZ]

Idk what he has left to play for records wise. He done.

 

[Southpaw]

At this point his performance is not affecting the out come of games. That is not a knock on him. The team just blows chunks. Playing for personal records might sell some tickets, but that is one helluva salary.

 

[cardpa]

If he's smart, he hangs the cleats up and goes on enjoying life.

 

[Buckybird]

No way he comes back to this dumpster fire no way

 

[kerouac9]

Idk what he has left to play for records wise. He done.

He's 39 receptions away from #2 all-time. He's 2 receiving TDs away from #6 all-time, and like 14 away from #5. Those are all within reach in another season, even one that's only a small improvement from this one.

At this point his performance is not affecting the out come of games. That is not a knock on him. The team just blows chunks. Playing for personal records might sell some tickets, but that is one helluva salary.

I think that Keim will put a $10M hold on a chunk of the 2019 cap just in case he wants to go back. Wouldn't be surprised if he waits until March. I think the Cards could be challenged attracting good talent this offseason; they could go the Browns route of making some smart trades (although they don't have the draft capital right now). I don't think it's going to hurt the Cards long-term. It's basically just a cap rollover.

It's almost criminal that we're not jerry-rigging the offense to get Fitz catches. Leftwich has seen this happen the last two seasons. It should be easy to force-feed him and get him open for mid-range catches. Although he apparently had 9 targets yesterday, so maybe that's what's happening.

No way he comes back to this dumpster fire no way

It's hilarious that people still believe that Larry cares primarily about winning.

 

[azsouthendzone]

I think he comes back playing for a different team. He owes this organization nothing and deserves a chance to chase the ring.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Depends on the makeup of this team next season? But if I were him id retire with my health and relatively injury free.

 

[oaken1]

I think he will be back.

some may think it silly but I think yesterdays record is important to him.....most catches with a single team...... it was the one record he could be certain to take from jerry rice the last couple seasons....and I think he will want to stretch that a little bit just to protect it.
being known as the most loyal WR of all time aint the worst legacy to have

 

[wagonmound464]

If he's smart, he hangs the cleats up and goes on enjoying life.

Totally agree..... He should just enjoy the $$ made,,maybe do some tv game reporting,,and start the clock for Hall of Fame induction day..

 

[az jam]

I think he will retire. He has made his money. Has set lots of records, won't catch Rice. Still in good health. Nothing to prove and why come back to such a crappy team.

 

[DeAnna]

It's hilarious that people still believe that Larry cares primarily about winning.

I agree; Otherwise, he would've demanded a trade long ago. He's always been about $$$ and his stats - he just hides it very well.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

It's almost criminal that we're not jerry-rigging the offense to get Fitz catches. Leftwich has seen this happen the last two seasons. It should be easy to force-feed him and get him open for mid-range catches. Although he apparently had 9 targets yesterday, so maybe that's what's happening.

Agreed.

 

[wa52lz]

He's 39 receptions away from #2 all-time. He's 2 receiving TDs away from #6 all-time, and like 14 away from #5. Those are all within reach in another season, even one that's only a small improvement from this one.




I think that Keim will put a $10M hold on a chunk of the 2019 cap just in case he wants to go back. Wouldn't be surprised if he waits until March. I think the Cards could be challenged attracting good talent this offseason; they could go the Browns route of making some smart trades (although they don't have the draft capital right now). I don't think it's going to hurt the Cards long-term. It's basically just a cap rollover.

It's almost criminal that we're not jerry-rigging the offense to get Fitz catches. Leftwich has seen this happen the last two seasons. It should be easy to force-feed him and get him open for mid-range catches. Although he apparently had 9 targets yesterday, so maybe that's what's happening.



It's hilarious that people still believe that Larry cares primarily about winning.

This! It is actually criminal. It is mind blowing that it took until there were 5 mins left in the 3rd for Fitz to get his first target. Last couple years we could count on a screen to Fitz to keep the streak alive in the first or second drive of each game. If the organization really wants him back you'd think at this point they would ensure that the offense is geared to get him targets. At the very least that would appease the fans. That was the only reason our group of 15 was at the game yesterday, to see what could be Fitz's 2nd to last home game, and we saw him out targeted by Nelson and Sherfield until the last 2 drives in garbage time.

 

[JeffGollin]

Whether or not Fitz stays, retires or goes has to be a concern, but we've got far bigger problems.

Like who's gonna be our HC or GM? How should we rebuild? What will it take to stop our slide into the abyss?

And dare I ask: How's our fan base dealing with a somewhat boring product?

 

[phillycard]

I agree; Otherwise, he would've demanded a trade long ago. He's always been about $$$ and his stats - he just hides it very well.

DeAnna, every player is about money and stats, but you make it sound as if he's being fake about it. I only know Larry from what I've seen of him since the first day he suited up against the Rams. He has never complained about the trash he's been handed at QB, has nurtured and developed young WR's, been supportive of his teammates on both offense and defense and has been the greatest Cardinal to ever lace them up. The man looks defeated out there. It shows on his face, yet despite that he plays on. Surely there is more depth to him than you give him credit for.

 

[BigRedRage]

Idk what he has left to play for records wise. He done.

hes #3 in receptions all time

 

[DeAnna]

DeAnna, every player is about money and stats, but you make it sound as if he's being fake about it. I only know Larry from what I've seen of him since the first day he suited up against the Rams. He has never complained about the trash he's been handed at QB, has nurtured and developed young WR's, been supportive of his teammates on both offense and defense and has been the greatest Cardinal to ever lace them up. The man looks defeated out there. It shows on his face, yet despite that he plays on. Surely there is more depth to him than you give him credit for.

I wouldn't call it 'fake' but he is very image conscious - especially after that incident with his baby mama back in 2008.

I always remember Fitz being criticized early in his career about how he 'sprinted' to the locker rooms right after the game ended so he could be the 1st one out before media got there. Always found it odd.

And it wasn't until Kurt Warner got in his face about caring too much about stats that his attitude changed and they went on that superbowl run.

 

[82CardsGrad]

It's almost criminal that we're not jerry-rigging the offense to get Fitz catches. Leftwich has seen this happen the last two seasons. It should be easy to force-feed him and get him open for mid-range catches. Although he apparently had 9 targets yesterday, so maybe that's what's happening.

It's hilarious that people still believe that Larry cares primarily about winning.

I could be wrong, but I believe 7 of those 9 targets all came starting late in the 3rd quarter and into the 4th. Incredible... But, not entirely shocking when you realize just how much of a FUBAR this offense is. Defenses can literally scheme Fitz right out of the game, and we can't offer anything to force them out of that scheme. DJ has completely disappeared and is no longer a legit offensive threat. And in order for Fitz to have a shot, it requires not only the o-line to give Rosen more than a millisecond of time, but also, the other WR's and TE's need to run proper routes to create the needed windows. None of that is happening now...

And, Fitz does care about winning... but, at this stage, he's no dummy. He knows winning is not happening anytime soon. So if he does come back to play next year, it's all about hitting certain career numbers. Which, I'm 100% cool with!!

 

[speedy]

I wouldn't call it 'fake' but he is very image conscious - especially after that ALLEGED incident with his baby mama back in 2008.
.

And I would be too...

Larry has made some $$$, but he has shown a great deal of integrity in doing this the right way.

I get what you're saying DeAnna, but I do think you're being a little to harsh in speculating what his motives are.

I would be just fine seeing him suit up for a team that is truly a professional franchise. The Cardinals fall short of my definition of such.

 

[DeAnna]

While he wasn't charged, there are court documents showing she took an order of protection out against him. They obviously worked out their differences since his son is very much a part of his life. After he had a paternity test done, of course -- Fitz is no dummy.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/ejm...ic-violence-jonathan-dwyer-ray-rice/15904287/

Bleh ... maybe I just don't have the blind homerism many in Arizona have - being a natural skeptic and all

 

[Southpaw]

While he wasn't charged, there are court documents showing she took an order of protection out against him. They obviously worked out their differences since his son is very much a part of his life. After he had a paternity test done, of course -- Fitz is no dummy.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/ejm...ic-violence-jonathan-dwyer-ray-rice/15904287/

Bleh ... maybe I just don't have the blind homerism many in Arizona have - being a natural skeptic and all

Maybe most folks aren't skeptical enough.

 

[phillycard]

I wouldn't call it 'fake' but he is very image conscious - especially after that incident with his baby mama back in 2008.

I always remember Fitz being criticized early in his career about how he 'sprinted' to the locker rooms right after the game ended so he could be the 1st one out before media got there. Always found it odd.

And it wasn't until Kurt Warner got in his face about caring too much about stats that his attitude changed and they went on that superbowl run.

fair enuff!