What To Expect Versus Saints

[Mitch]

1. Hurried throws by Leinart.

2. Shoddy o-line play.

3. Harrassed WRs.

4. No running game with the first unit.

5. Missed tackles galore.

6. Backed off coverages which allow for easy completions.

7. Pathetic special teams play.

Sorry Kool Aiders, this one is going to be ugly.

Hopefully it will be a wake up call...but this camp has been soft and so are the players..set off nicely on the first day by the inexcusable crybabying of Anquan Boldin, and we will see all of it in HD on Thursday night.

The only thing that might save the day is the play of the third stringers and guys like LT Peter Clifford, RT Brandon Keith, RB Tim Hightower, WR Lance Long, DE Kenny Iwebema, LB Matt Stewart and CB Michael Adams.

I expected a lot more from Whizenhunt and now I am beginning to wonder:

1. The decision to start Leinart and not make it a 50/50 competition, for a player in Warner who posted big numbers last year.

2. The soft practices.

3. The remaining lack of discipline.

4. The idiotic decision to go live in practice with the players wearing shorts...especially with the numerous leg injuries already suffered this year.

5. The "toning down" of Adrian Wilson...whose first day hit on JJ. Arrington should have been the bellweather tone, not Q's petulant snit...and yet the coaches wanted to tone it down...well, let me tell you something...J.J. needs to get hit and hit hard, if he is ever going to take his game to the next level...and the Cardinals need leaders like Wilson, not off-season non participant crybabys like Boldin. Interesting that Boldin is now on the sidelines while Wilson is still out there hitting people (when he's allowed to).

6. The insane decision to bring in no one to challenger either Rackers or Johnson for the kicking jobs.

I am ripped and I feel I have a right to be. We were 8-8 last year and this is perhaps the most important year in the franchise history...is it going to be the typical 5-11 folllow-up to a .500 season? Or is it going to be a push over the .500 hump?

I don't sense the urgency from the coaches or the players. Do you?

 

[Assface]

I'm not concerned at all about the practices. Whiz came here from Pittsburgh and brought a lot of the Steelers way with him. He's an offensive guy but he had Clancy change to a 3-4 defense because that's what he was used to in Pitt. He's brought in former Steelers players. The overall mentality of the team now is supposed to mirror what he was doing in Pittsburgh. Stands to reason if he's doing everything else the same he's running practice the way that brought success at his last stop. Taking that in to consideration plus the reputation they had as a tough, intense, physical team I'm not going to critique the way he runs practice.

Another thing to note from the reports we've been getting so far is that practices haven't been very physical but very technical. Our punt teams in particular have a history of blowing assignments and allowing big returns. Hitting isn't going to fix that, guys knowing where they're supposed to be will.

As far as wearing shorts, that doesn't have any bearing on most leg injuries. The padding only protects against contact. It has no bearing on hyperextensions, sprains, twists and pulled muscles.

I do agree that we should have another P and K in there. If anything at least to cut down on the amount of kicking they have to do before the season starts.

 

[Mitch]

These practice are NOT Steeler-esque. Not even close. You are wrong there.

You'll see what I mean in the game.

How about a helmet to the knee without a knee pad?

It's absurd that ten days into TC in a planned live goal-line situation that the players weren't fully protected.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

It's absurd that ten days into TC in a planned live goal-line situation that the players weren't fully protected.

??????????

Yet, you complain the practices are not hard enough.

Make up your mind.

Well, we will see Thursday if you are right about your assumptions.

I personally think a little bit a hitting is good but too much is stupid.

As for Wilson.....if you are going half speed. Then you go HALF SPEED. Nothing gets me angrier at a rugby practice then when we are told half speed and no tackling and someone comes in 100%. It is dangerous, and proves nothing. Whiz did the right thing by taking Wilson aside. Everyone thought it was cool....but what if he did that to Edge and blew his knee out ?

 

[Assface]

These practice are NOT Steeler-esque. Not even close. You are wrong there.

You'll see what I mean in the game.

Here's an article about how much easier Cowher's practices were than Tomlin's. Cutting practices short, movie days. Sounds familiar. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-07-21-2947713748_x.htm

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Pittsburgh has plenty if their own problems. Polamalu hasn't practiced because of a hammy(must want a new contract), their punter is out for the season, and Casey Hampton is so out of shape that they put him on the PUP list. I haven't read anyhwere that the Cards camp is a country club enviorment. Besides, these players, except for Hmapton, are pretty much in shape year round and don't need 4 weeks of intense training to get into shape. What would be said if they wer hitting and being run into the ground from day 1 and a couple starters got injured ? Anymore, the most important part of pre-season is coming out of it healthy.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I don't sense the urgency from the coaches or the players. Do you?

There is a long way to go before the first game.

And I take your comments with a grain of salt. For some reason not starting Warner, and Boldin complaining abou his contract has you riled.

I am going to enjoy the first preseason game but I not going to take too much away from it.

 

[Mitch]

There is a long way to go before the first game.

And I take your comments with a grain of salt. For some reason not starting Warner, and Boldin complaining abou his contract has you riled.

I am going to enjoy the first preseason game but I not going to take too much away from it.

I would agree with you, Rugby, except football is a game that you can't turn on and off...the great teams never do. Right now the Cardinals are turned off, and you'll see Thursday night...and you may not take too much stock in it, but it does not bode well for the team's chances this season versus a much more difficult schedule.

 

[Buckybird]

Game 3 of the preseason will be the game I'm most interested in, dress rehearsal. Other than than, stay healthy Cards!!!

 

[football karma]

These practice are NOT Steeler-esque. Not even close. You are wrong there.

You'll see what I mean in the game.

How about a helmet to the knee without a knee pad?

It's absurd that ten days into TC in a planned live goal-line situation that the players weren't fully protected.

Mitch -

these days, most players play without pads in their football pants anyway

the only protection they now offer is against grass stains on the skin

 

[Buckybird]

I would agree with you, Rugby, except football is a game that you can't turn on and off...the great teams never do. Right now the Cardinals are turned off, and you'll see Thursday night...and you may not take too much stock in it, but it does not bode well for the team's chances this season versus a much more difficult schedule.

So Mitch, if they play lights out and click in all phases of the game, will you say it's just preseason or are they ready to when the Super Bowl? Preseason is preseason.

 

[Goober Man]

So Mitch, if they play lights out and click in all phases of the game, will you say it's just preseason or are they ready to when the Super Bowl? Preseason is preseason.

My thoughts exactly. We were 0-4 last year in preseason and looked how our season turned out.

 

[CardLogic]

1. The decision to start Leinart and not make it a 50/50 competition, for a player in Warner who posted big numbers last year.

Naming Leinart the starter, but the competition open was a good decision by Whisenhunt.

Why? It ensures that both Leinart and Warner will compete intensely for the starter's role. We know Warner's character; being told he's second but the competition is open will make him work as hard as he can to push Leinart and possibly win the job. Kurt wants to be the starter.

Although, Warner would almost assuredly give his best effort no matter what the scenario, the same cannot be said of Leinart. His focus, desire and intensity have all been called into question. If Whisenhunt declared Warner the starter at the beginning of this year it would very likely have signaled the beginning of the end for Leinart as a Cardinal. I certainly think that it would have diminished Leinart's work ethic and development.

As it is, with Leinart named the starter it has continued his progression, due in large to the competition from Warner, who will never relent. Leinart has been pushed to work harder and sharpen his game.

The only fault I see in the plan is regardless, of which QB performs better in camp and preseason, Leinart will get a chance at the season's beginning to prove on the field that he can handle the job. But he will be on a short leash with Warner nearby ready to take over in a moment's notice.

Additionally, I don't have a problem with the two headed monster that we saw glimpses of early last season.

2. The soft practices.

Everyone knows that the preseason is too long. Everyone but the owners that is. Secondly, read the article re: Pittsburgh's training camps under Cowher...

Also, football should be enjoyed by the players, not endured. And as stated often, the players are already in shape and conditioned.

3. The remaining lack of discipline.

If anything this camp is about repetition. And that is what eliminates mistakes.

5. The "toning down" of Adrian Wilson...

Did I miss something? I am not sure where you even got this idea. If anything is causing the "toning down" of Wilson it is the referee's and the rules committee.

6. The insane decision to bring in no one to challenger either Rackers or Johnson for the kicking jobs.

This is one part of your post I agree with. It completely befuddles me. Almost makes me wonder if this decision didn't come from above Whisenhunt...

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I would agree with you, Rugby, except football is a game that you can't turn on and off...the great teams never do. Right now the Cardinals are turned off, and you'll see Thursday night...and you may not take too much stock in it, but it does not bode well for the team's chances this season versus a much more difficult schedule.

It is also a game where you can't expect to be hitting 100% everyday. It is hard enough on your body to do it once a week.

Turning it on is not so much physical as it is mental. You got to be dialed in. If you are dialed in and thinking about the game. The physical part of the game comes with it.

But you are right you can't be half arsing it in practice and expect to get it done on the field. You don't have to be cracking heads, but you have to be focused and concentrating on what your doing.

The worse thing you can do in practice is go through the motions, and have that "good enough" attitude. Practice doesn't always make perfect...sometime it makes perminant.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

1. Hurried throws by Leinart.

2. Shoddy o-line play.

3. Harrassed WRs.

4. No running game with the first unit.

5. Missed tackles galore.

6. Backed off coverages which allow for easy completions.

7. Pathetic special teams play.

Sorry Kool Aiders, this one is going to be ugly.

Hopefully it will be a wake up call...but this camp has been soft and so are the players..set off nicely on the first day by the inexcusable crybabying of Anquan Boldin, and we will see all of it in HD on Thursday night.

The only thing that might save the day is the play of the third stringers and guys like LT Peter Clifford, RT Brandon Keith, RB Tim Hightower, WR Lance Long, DE Kenny Iwebema, LB Matt Stewart and CB Michael Adams.

I expected a lot more from Whizenhunt and now I am beginning to wonder:

1. The decision to start Leinart and not make it a 50/50 competition, for a player in Warner who posted big numbers last year.

2. The soft practices.

3. The remaining lack of discipline.

4. The idiotic decision to go live in practice with the players wearing shorts...especially with the numerous leg injuries already suffered this year.

5. The "toning down" of Adrian Wilson...whose first day hit on JJ. Arrington should have been the bellweather tone, not Q's petulant snit...and yet the coaches wanted to tone it down...well, let me tell you something...J.J. needs to get hit and hit hard, if he is ever going to take his game to the next level...and the Cardinals need leaders like Wilson, not off-season non participant crybabys like Boldin. Interesting that Boldin is now on the sidelines while Wilson is still out there hitting people (when he's allowed to).

6. The insane decision to bring in no one to challenger either Rackers or Johnson for the kicking jobs.

I am ripped and I feel I have a right to be. We were 8-8 last year and this is perhaps the most important year in the franchise history...is it going to be the typical 5-11 folllow-up to a .500 season? Or is it going to be a push over the .500 hump?

I don't sense the urgency from the coaches or the players. Do you?

Geez Mitch - this is the most legitimate our team has been in a decade.

When did you transform into Debbie Downer? Put down the Warner Kool Aid bud - thats spiked.

 

[CardLogic]

Geez Mitch - this is the most legitimate our team has been in a decade.

When did you transform into Debbie Downer? Put down the Warner Kool Aid bud - thats spiked.

LOL!

Good point, I can remember years when the Cardinals were just plain bad and Mitch, whom then was going by Walter, was one of the most optimistic posters on the entire board.

Hey Walter, how about following a couple of pre-season games you do a write-up about the Cardinals next great QB, Anthony Morelli!

 

[CardEd]

...well, let me tell you something...J.J. needs to get hit and hit hard, if he is ever going to take his game to the next level...

That's what got JJ there in the first place. Remember his rookie pre-season hit in the Dallas game from R.Williams. Never been the same since.......

 

[Mitch]

Thanks guys for keeping things real. Good perspectives.

That said, I hope we play strong in every game, pre-season or not.

 

[Stronso]

I have to say that after 20 years of being a Cardinal fan I have reached my limit.

I have given far more - emotionally, financially, etc - than I have received in return. The expectations are so low that an 8-8 record is cheered. As much as I hate the Dallas Cowboys they have managed to come from the depths of the NFL to reinvent themselves as a premier organization and legitimate championship contender a few times during the time the Cards have been in Arizona. Meanwhile the Cards have sucked year in and year out.

This is the last year

My demands are playoffs - and nothing less. I would prefer a deep run but I will settle for the first round.

No playoffs? I am done with the Cards. Finished and never looking back.

Enough with the excuses and enough of the failures.

Time's up

 

[RonF]

I have to say that after 20 years of being a Cardinal fan I have reached my limit.

I have given far more - emotionally, financially, etc - than I have received in return. The expectations are so low that an 8-8 record is cheered. As much as I hate the Dallas Cowboys they have managed to come from the depths of the NFL to reinvent themselves as a premier organization and legitimate championship contender a few times during the time the Cards have been in Arizona. Meanwhile the Cards have sucked year in and year out.

This is the last year

My demands are playoffs - and nothing less. I would prefer a deep run but I will settle for the first round.

No playoffs? I am done with the Cards. Finished and never looking back.

Enough with the excuses and enough of the failures.

Time's up

I've said the same thing many times over the decades Stronso, it's like trying to quit smoking. But some how, when there is a chill in the air and leaves are starting to turn (fall to those of you born in Phoenix), you just give up and say, Go Cards!

 

[Stronso]

I've said the same thing many times over the decades Stronso, it's like trying to quit smoking. But some how, when there is a chill in the air and leaves are starting to turn (fall to those of you born in Phoenix), you just give up and say, Go Cards!

I am stopping the insanity

 

[ajcardfan]

Geez Mitch - this is the most legitimate our team has been in a decade.

When did you transform into Debbie Downer? Put down the Warner Kool Aid bud - thats spiked.

Yeah, Mitch. What about the preseason posts raving about our 3rd string QB and the random rookie free agent? You'll never make head cheerleader if you keep this up.

 

[ajcardfan]

I am stopping the insanity

If you can stop it, you were never that bad off in the first place.

 

[Stronso]

If you can stop it, you were never that bad off in the first place.

Hmmm.

So you're saying that you are powerless over your life and you have lost your ability to choose?

Sad it is

 

[DaisyCutter]

Um... why would our WRs be "harassed"? Jason David was worse than nothing in FootballOutsider's cornerback tracking. Their other starter wasn't even a nickle cornerback for the Pats last year (and when was the last time a CB excelled after leaving New England?).

Rookie defensive tackles take a while to get up to speed. If Levi Brown can't handle Will Smith or Charles Grant in his second season, we should be worried. But I think he will.