Despite the poor tackling and overall play by the defensive line last Sunday, the offensive line is still the team’s biggest weakness. Whether it’s pass rushers treating the tackles like the pylon drill or Sendlein or Lutui collecting their usual set of penalties, this line doesn’t work. The Cards rarely have the time to throw deep. Pass rushes often result in Warner fumbles or errant throws. Yes, the line has continuity – it just doesn’t have enough talent. As for run blocking, they rarely provide a decent hole. They can drive block a little, but the talent ends there. When’s the last time you saw someone pull and lead a play? The line’s flaws have been magnified as wear and tear has taken a toll on Gandy. Brown just never had the feet. As an aside, Mr. Grimm has done little to improve this situation. If he can’t get these players to perform better (I think talent is an issue), he should be demanding better material with which to work. Graves should get most of the heat for not addressing this earlier in last year’s deep draft pool or free agency. The latter had several short-term options.
As for the running game, the coaching staff doesn’t get it. Tim Hightower is not an NFL starting running back. He’s fine on third down as an outlet option and in short yardage – think Larry Centers. Running him on first down typically results in second and eight. Yes, there is the risk of Wells turning over the ball. He won’t learn how not to by sitting on the bench. He is the only running back who makes play action credible. Why draft him if you’re not going to play him? Wells has to play if this team is going any further than a possible 8-8 playoff berth and that’s no certainty. Smith is playing remarkably well for the Niners and Crabtree has added a viable threat.
By the way, I haven’t seen much from another former Pittsburgh coach, Kevin Spencer, Special Teams. Yes, he has the best kickers in the league with whom to work, but the field position his return units have provided is marginal in too many games. As far as the return units, you haven’t seen anyone kicking away from the Cards’ return men. Much of this certainly again falls on Rod Graves who seemingly has missed the importance of the position in today’s NFL. With the possible exception of Breaston, the Cards have failed to take one of the many potent collegiate returners in the last several drafts and again ignored all free agent options. One good punt return is often worth a half dozen decent offensive plays. Better field position opens up the play book more. Nothing swings momentum like a big return.
The Cards’ problems on defense are fairly simple. Graves has allowed the outside linebacking unit to get old (yes I recall the injury – that’s why one young player isn’t enough). This group figures to slow or get more injured as the season wears toward the latter stages. The absence of a one-on-one pass rusher has forced the Cards to frequently blitz to get pressure on the passer. When the old guys don’t get there the secondary is wide open. It’s a great deal to ask of a second year corner, like DRC, to constantly be on an island. Finally, another Pittsburgh connection haunts the defense. McFadden has been weak at best. If the scouting staff rated this guy better than Hood and at a much higher rate of pay, a new scouting staff is needed. Sunday on a relatively short 3rd down he set up nearly three yards behind the first down marker. He offers more cushion than a Lazy Boy salesman.
He’s not that fast. He also seems to have poor ball skills. Even when he’s in position he often doesn’t get a hand on the ball.
I freely admit that not everything from the Steelers is bad; Graham is quite good. However, Whisenhunt needs to be asking himself if he’s truly objective enough when making these choices.
For those still counting the Giants win as a sign of greatness, I refer you to the Giant’s games on both sides of that Cardinal victory. A really good team would have likely given the Giants a worse beating.
In the end the Cards have more stars than the Niners, but fewer solid fundamental players and developing players. Leinart, Wells, Brown and others are drawing big paychecks for little return. This won’t be fixed during this season. The Cards may limp into this year’s playoffs, but don’t expect a repeat of last season’s miracle. If a skilled executive doesn’t fix this situation, the Cards will be watching the Niners blow by them next season.
As for the running game, the coaching staff doesn’t get it. Tim Hightower is not an NFL starting running back. He’s fine on third down as an outlet option and in short yardage – think Larry Centers. Running him on first down typically results in second and eight. Yes, there is the risk of Wells turning over the ball. He won’t learn how not to by sitting on the bench. He is the only running back who makes play action credible. Why draft him if you’re not going to play him? Wells has to play if this team is going any further than a possible 8-8 playoff berth and that’s no certainty. Smith is playing remarkably well for the Niners and Crabtree has added a viable threat.
By the way, I haven’t seen much from another former Pittsburgh coach, Kevin Spencer, Special Teams. Yes, he has the best kickers in the league with whom to work, but the field position his return units have provided is marginal in too many games. As far as the return units, you haven’t seen anyone kicking away from the Cards’ return men. Much of this certainly again falls on Rod Graves who seemingly has missed the importance of the position in today’s NFL. With the possible exception of Breaston, the Cards have failed to take one of the many potent collegiate returners in the last several drafts and again ignored all free agent options. One good punt return is often worth a half dozen decent offensive plays. Better field position opens up the play book more. Nothing swings momentum like a big return.
The Cards’ problems on defense are fairly simple. Graves has allowed the outside linebacking unit to get old (yes I recall the injury – that’s why one young player isn’t enough). This group figures to slow or get more injured as the season wears toward the latter stages. The absence of a one-on-one pass rusher has forced the Cards to frequently blitz to get pressure on the passer. When the old guys don’t get there the secondary is wide open. It’s a great deal to ask of a second year corner, like DRC, to constantly be on an island. Finally, another Pittsburgh connection haunts the defense. McFadden has been weak at best. If the scouting staff rated this guy better than Hood and at a much higher rate of pay, a new scouting staff is needed. Sunday on a relatively short 3rd down he set up nearly three yards behind the first down marker. He offers more cushion than a Lazy Boy salesman.
He’s not that fast. He also seems to have poor ball skills. Even when he’s in position he often doesn’t get a hand on the ball.
I freely admit that not everything from the Steelers is bad; Graham is quite good. However, Whisenhunt needs to be asking himself if he’s truly objective enough when making these choices.
For those still counting the Giants win as a sign of greatness, I refer you to the Giant’s games on both sides of that Cardinal victory. A really good team would have likely given the Giants a worse beating.
In the end the Cards have more stars than the Niners, but fewer solid fundamental players and developing players. Leinart, Wells, Brown and others are drawing big paychecks for little return. This won’t be fixed during this season. The Cards may limp into this year’s playoffs, but don’t expect a repeat of last season’s miracle. If a skilled executive doesn’t fix this situation, the Cards will be watching the Niners blow by them next season.
