Who impressed you the most tonight and why?

[cardsfanmd]

And unless Anderson learns to take some of the Tobasco off his balls, his interception-rate isn't about to go down soon.

Well I think that goes without saying. I had no idea he was even in that situation. Now I'm impressed by his toughness. How many of us do you think could even throw a football with hot sauce on our undercarriage?

 

[PJ1]

The Good...
1) Washington
2) Iwebema
3) Lenon
4) Togafau

The OK..
1) Wells - did well but could have done more N & S instead of getting fancy at times
2) Skelton - great poise and drives for the come back... but against the 3's-5's, might push Anderson if he keeps having a good PreSeason
3) Toler - was in the right spots which is good to see

The Bad
1) The OLINE - Way to much pressure on Matt & the run game looks like they took three steps back from the past few years crew


Supprising Poor but get a pass on the 1st preseaon
1) Leinart - Sorry he doesn't get a pass this game his reads were slow and the balls where not trown to the correct spots not just on the Fitz pass he was missing the correct spots on almost every throw. These are some of the same issues we say last year when he came in.

2) Feely - Wow sure do miss Rackers already if nothing else at least I knew he was a true Cardinal

3) 1st Team DLine - would have been nice to see some more pressure from this "Great DLine" they didn't even come close to the type of pressure the Texans got.

Skelton just ok? What could he have done better? He has no control over who he is playing against. Remember too he is playing with 3-5's.

 

[PJ1]

Well I think that goes without saying. I had no idea he was even in that situation. Now I'm impressed by his toughness. How many of us do you think could even throw a football with hot sauce on our undercarriage?

Hysterical..

 

[cardsfan93]

The Good...
1) Washington
2) Iwebema
3) Lenon
4) Togafau

The OK..
1) Wells - did well but could have done more N & S instead of getting fancy at times
2) Skelton - great poise and drives for the come back... but against the 3's-5's, might push Anderson if he keeps having a good PreSeason
3) Toler - was in the right spots which is good to see

The Bad
1) The OLINE - Way to much pressure on Matt & the run game looks like they took three steps back from the past few years crew


Supprising Poor but get a pass on the 1st preseaon
1) Leinart - Sorry he doesn't get a pass this game his reads were slow and the balls where not trown to the correct spots not just on the Fitz pass he was missing the correct spots on almost every throw. These are some of the same issues we say last year when he came in.

2) Feely - Wow sure do miss Rackers already if nothing else at least I knew he was a true Cardinal

3) 1st Team DLine - would have been nice to see some more pressure from this "Great DLine" they didn't even come close to the type of pressure the Texans got.

Two things on that note: a) our 1st teamers were only in one series; and b) go back and watch some of the penetration our boys were getting. Would have like to see some more from 9-0, but CC was all over the place (making tackles, pushing inside, and hitting Schaub on the turnover, A-Dub lateral to DRC play).

As for the rest of the team, A-Dub just is a consummate profesisonal, Darryl Washington looked sick, Dan Williams will be a starter by mid-season (after he gets his conditioning up) and DRC was laying wood as always. I am already counting the days until our game next week and I cannot wait for the real schedule ot begin - this year is going to be a special one, and I am optimistic about lucky #7. Give him a few more snaps to really get a feel for the game, move Beanie Wells to his rightful place amongst the starters and let's get ready for another NFC West Championship banner!

 

[TJ]

I agree on the credibility of the posters. Just pointing out that I was not alone.

I will agree to disagree with you TJ.

I would like to add ..

The guy backed a player that was a master at preparing for games and reading defenses and it looks like he wasn't paying attention at all. 4 years we have been waiting for ML to show something more than just basic skills. When will we see it?

I expect more from him because of the opportunities he has had to work with KW.

I want him to succeed because he is the starting QB for my team. But I am not going to blindly heap praise on him.

Show me something Matt so I can start to believe.

OK I dig it.

All love, Bullhead. How long have you and I gone at it over the years??

 

[Duckjake]

you lost credibility quoting hardhat. dude is a complete nincompoop.

No kidding. Threw the ball late? That's hilarious.

 

[Duckjake]

Two things on that note: a) our 1st teamers were only in one series; and b) go back and watch some of the penetration our boys were getting. Would have like to see some more from 9-0, but CC was all over the place (making tackles, pushing inside, and hitting Schaub on the turnover, A-Dub lateral to DRC play).

As for the rest of the team, A-Dub just is a consummate profesisonal, Darryl Washington looked sick, Dan Williams will be a starter by mid-season (after he gets his conditioning up) and DRC was laying wood as always. I am already counting the days until our game next week and I cannot wait for the real schedule ot begin - this year is going to be a special one, and I am optimistic about lucky #7. Give him a few more snaps to really get a feel for the game, move Beanie Wells to his rightful place amongst the starters and let's get ready for another NFC West Championship banner!

So that explains why the Texans only managed to gain 37 yards on their first three plays of the game.

But you can't judge our defense by preseason games. For one thing I think coaches, especially ours, call a lot of plays and sets just so they can get a look at a particular player or group of players in a particular situation. Without regard to moving the ball or stopping the other team.

 

[Buckybird]

Thank you. A guy behind me last night was mad that the crowd was booing Rackers. Didn't understand why. Dude has become a choke artist and demanded more money than he was worth. Of course we are gonna boo him.

and yet Feely isn't the greatest clutch K in the world also

go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYR4vAE3eFc&NR=11 min into the vid.

 

[Chopper0080]

TOP 5

1-Darryl Washington: Most of it has been said already, but he was leading the defense while also displaying the ability to harness his athleticism and make plays. I will say it here, he attacks holes from the inside linebacker position better than Dansby ever did. Dansby played sideline to sideline, but Washington played downhill in a way that great linebackers do.

2-John Skelton: He was almost more impressive than Washington because the transition from a college QB to a pro QB is so difficult. It would have been easy for Skelton to come in, show the butterflys, and make either dumb plays or settle for check downs. Instead he came in with confidence, showed poise, good mobility in the pocket, and made plays. His only incompletion was because of Andre Robert's skillet hands. It is early, but Derek Anderson better watch out and not get too complacent in the number 2 spot.

3-Greg Toler: One missed tackle kept his night from being even more impressive. You can say that if you are calling a corner backs name it is a bad sign, and Toler's name was silent except for when he came up and provided edge run support. He had a brilliant pass break up on a play where 60% of the league would have been called for pass interference. I think this play exemplifies the confidence that Toler is playing with. Where as most DB's risk a pass interference call and wrap their back arm around the wide receiver in case they miss swatting the ball, Toler didn't because he was confident that he was going to knock the ball down.

4-Kenny Iwebema: He was the 3rd best DE on the field yesterday and showed the signs of being a real contributor this year. He got good upfield push, and made it difficult for the Texans offense to establish the line of scrimmage.

5-Stephen Williams: If he gets with John Lott and sticks to Fitzgerald like glue, we might have a huge find on our hands. He is tall and quick , which allowed him to draw a pass interference call on the long throw by Skelton. They showed the DB after the play and he just smiled and shook his head. There is only so much you can do in this league against these tall, fast wide receivers and Stephen Williams showed me a little Brandon Marshall last night. Good physicality in the running game for a skinny guy, and just needs to keep developing. I can't see a way that he doesn't make the roster.

Other quick notes:
-Leinart wasn't impressive, but he seemed efficient. If he can show consistency in this efficient play throughout the preseason I believe that he will be able to develop into an impressive player.

-I like that the coaches left Wells in the game throughout the entire 3rd quarter to work on his pass blocking and receiving game. It is the perfect time for the coaching staff to use so that Wells can develop into a complete running back. Remember Hightower won't remain an inexpensive player forever.

-A difference between Hightower and Wells that stood out for me last night was how much quicker Wells is at changing directions. His quick cuts don't seem to slow down his momentum as much as Hightower's do.

-Andre Roberts was terrible. Call it jitters or what ever, but as much a Skelton rose to the occasion, Roberts failed to. Really disappointing.

-Togafau and Cody Brown made some plays last night. Toga might actually push himself into the SILB spot if he keeps making plays and Hayes remains out. Cody looks like he might be a contributor this year. Less hesitation than in the past, and brought some physicality that I wanted to see.

-Marshay Green might find a way onto the roster. He is very fast, and very physical, throwing his body around last night. Again, with CB's, when a QB throws away from him it is a good sign, and the Texans only tested Green once I believe. I believe he also made a play on special teams which will help.

-Nice hands catch by Dray over the middle. Similar ball to the one that Roberts dropped. Hmmm.

 

[Chopper0080]

- Daryl Washington had a Patrick Willis type evening with 13 tackles.

- A whole slew of young corners (including Toler, Calvin, Jefferson, Ford and M Green) all showed a willingness and ability to tackle securely (a far cry from the previous 2 or 3 years)

- What I'm wondering is how fast any or all of our young but raw DB's can improve from where they were at last night to a point where they can be trusted to play full-time.

- The thing about Skelton isn't so much that he can be "ready to start from day 1." No doubt he'll have many things to learn/mistakes to overcome and will have to demonstrate he can perform at a high level game after game. But what impressed me was (a) he was calm under fire, (b) showed the arm strength and accuracy to make some really nice throws and (c) when he needed to make the big play, he stepped up and did it! At the very least, he gave us all a vision of "what eventually can be" (Now the question remains - How fast will he be on the learning-curve? This we don't yet know).

- We're kind of deep at wideout. (Komar? Williams? OJ?) I've got to question out loud whether Roberts (& his lack of velcro hands) represents the most expendible of the bunch.

- The guys instrumental in our winning last nights game must all be nicknamed: "Who?" Think about it: A LB from TCU, a rookie from Fordham, a 2nd year guy from St Paul and a walk-in from the street (Fletcher).

- Neither Leinart or Anderson increased my confidence that they can lead us to the promised land. (They didn't decrease my confidence either, but they still didn't prove anything). The Leinart to Fitz near-disaster scares me (Does Matt tend to put the ball in places that can hang our receivers out to dry)? And unless Anderson learns to take some of the Tobasco off his balls, his interception-rate isn't about to go down soon.

- Run blocking by our first unit was subpar.

- Not that I don't love THT, but: If it's realistic to assume our offensive line will continue to struggle in the run game, at least we've got a chance to reach the LOS with someone stronger in there like Beanie (who can get more push all by himself). Just wondering.

- Did Justin Miller's 2 runbacks redeem that awful coverage breakdown that almost cost us the game?

- This time (at last), Pago Togafau deserves to make this team's final roster. That's all I'm gonna say.

I posted before I read your post, but we are in agreement. Pago, Stephen Williams, and Skelton are going to really push the guys above them on the depth chart if they build on last night's performances.

Miller's returns looked different from any that I have seen since I started following football and the Cardinals in 1997.

Chris Wells does just seem to bring a different feel when he comes in the game. It isn't that I don't like Hightower, but when Wells is in it just feels like any play could be a big play.

 

[BigRedArk]

Calvin showed some potential at CB

Skelton seems like he has the ability to rifle it down the field but he may have a good touch on the shorter passes as well.

Washington had a good tackle for a loss when he first came in the game as I remember. What impressed me about it was that he went low and wrapped the dude up (Slaton maybe?) and one of the concerns as I recall while at TCU was that he tackled too high. So anyway if he can keep this up that won't be a concern.

He seems like he may still be weak against a good RB rushing between the tackles forcing him to take him head on. However if so hopefully that will be short lived.

Dray was impressive!

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Lenon- The original long run in the beginning of the game featured Lenon making maybe the worst defensive play I have ever seen at the pro level. It's not gap control when you're headed to open field. He chose to tackle the blocker instead of the runner, wtf?? He may be starting come week one, but I think after tonight it will have to be in Gerald Hayes' spot. Here's hoping Walker can play next week and does well.

I'm glad someone else saw that play. I paused the DVR and re-played it 5 times to try and see what he could possibly be thinking/seeing. I watched the game this morning and even woke my wife up to show her that I may have seen the worst LB play in my life. Then I woke her up about 5 minutes later to see Brandon Keith's shining moment. Considering I was watching the game at 6am, she wasn't too thrilled .

As for a list of who impressed,to me it was a very short list, Toler and Washington are it in my book. I don't put a whole lot of stock in pre-season but the Cards overall looked pretty bad.

 

[Buckybird]

I'm glad someone else saw that play. I paused the DVR and re-played it 5 times to try and see what he could possibly be thinking/seeing. I watched the game this morning and even woke my wife up to show her that I may have seen the worst LB play in my life. Then I woke her up about 5 minutes later to see Brandon Keith's shining moment. Considering I was watching the game at 6am, she wasn't too thrilled .

As for a list of who impressed,to me it was a very short list, Toler and Washington are it in my book. I don't put a whole lot of stock in pre-season but the Cards overall looked pretty bad.

Yeah that was a pretty stupid play by Lenon & I was laughing my ass off too as I watched it. No wonder the Lambs & Lions suck so bad, they teach the wrong tackling skills. Lenon it was he is...average at best.

 

[clif]

i got a curveball for ya. i liked the play of some of the back up dbs. they played tough and we willing tacklers. obviously they need to work on their ball skills, but it was nice to see some physical tackling.

 

[Mainstreet]

I just watched the highlights of that Komar catch and it was actually insanely good. Skelton had overthrown him by a yard and he dove out and snatched it in mid air.

Komar definitely deserves to be on the impressed list.

Looking over the video replay, the pass had to be as good as the catch because of the defender's position on the play although Komar deserves credit for an exceptional catch.

 

[JeffGollin]

i got a curveball for ya. i liked the play of some of the back up dbs. they played tough and we willing tacklers. obviously they need to work on their ball skills, but it was nice to see some physical tackling.

No curve ball, Clif. Toler, Calvin, Jefferson, Green etc. all demonstrated that they were very athletic and had the willingness and ability to hit. (Some of our corners have had tackling issues in the past).

But raw talent and physicality is only part of the story. The key mission of any corner is to cover his man and/or his zone. If he fails to do that, You get Justin Miller getting toasted by Andre Johnson.

So, for me, a key issue will be: Which young DB's (if any) will develop a consistent abiity to cover? And how long will it be before they're reliable enough to be trusted? (Hopefully, at least a couple of them will develop fast enough to give us excellent talent and depth at both corners). Hopefully.

 

[Shane]

Which young DB's (if any) will develop a consistent abiity to cover? And how long will it be before they're reliable enough to be trusted? (Hopefully, at least a couple of them will develop fast enough to give us excellent talent and depth at both corners). Hopefully.

Toler is already there. Mark it down.

 

[jw7]

Toler is already there. Mark it down.

Yes. DRC and Wilson are already pro-bowlers. Rhodes is close, and Toler looks solid.

I have zero worries about the secondary.

 

[Shane]

Yes. DRC and Wilson are already pro-bowlers. Rhodes is close, and Toler looks solid.

I have zero worries about the secondary.

Rhodes is a PBer as well BTW.

 

[bg7brd]

Yes. DRC and Wilson are already pro-bowlers. Rhodes is close, and Toler looks solid.

I have zero worries about the secondary.

As long as we don't have any injuries. We need some veteran depth and I hope we can grab one on final cut down day. Unfortunately, the Ravens and others will be looking too.

 

[Dayman]

I didn't really realize it until I looked at the box score, but Ben Graham had another fantastic performance. He might be the most consistent player on the team.

 

[jw7]

I didn't really realize it until I looked at the box score, but Ben Graham had another fantastic performance. He might be the most consistent player on the team.

I've said it many times, Ben Graham is the best punter in the NFL.

 

[Cheesebeef]

1. Washington - yeah, he was playing against scrubs, but he looked like a guy who eventually could dominate the field.

2. Skelton - a QB who dare I say... looks like a QB. Poised, throw a nice ball, has pocket awareness... again, against complete scrubs, but some guys just look like QBs and some don't. He did for a quarter.

3. Williams - showed his speed against scrubs, but he took a punishing hit and held on to the ball. Even if it was a scrub who hit, it was still a hell of a shot and to hold on to the ball there is really impressive. That size and speed and toughness is a rare.

4. The Fans who stayed through 3 putrid quarters and were there to cheer on the win at the end.

 

[Shane]

1. Washington - yeah, he was playing against scrubs, but he looked like a guy who eventually could dominate the field.

2. Skelton - a QB who dare I say... looks like a QB. Poised, throw a nice ball, has pocket awareness... again, against complete scrubs, but some guys just look like QBs and some don't. He did for a quarter.

3. Williams - showed his speed against scrubs, but he took a punishing hit and held on to the ball. Even if it was a scrub who hit, it was still a hell of a shot and to hold on to the ball there is really impressive. That size and speed and toughness is a rare.

4. The Fans who stayed through 3 putrid quarters and were there to cheer on the win at the end.

How were you not impressed by Toler? Or are you still in paranoia mode with the other CB spot?

 

[JeffGollin]

Additional Thoughts re Skelton

I get that Skelton was playing against Houston's backups, but the lions share of young QB's put into a similar situation wouldn't have played as well.

He may be raw, needs to be looked at more closely and probably needs more time. But, there are certain attributes a QB must have (i.e. pocket-presence & calmness, cannon-arm, accuracy and production) that were flat-out present (regardless of how good or bad the opposing players would have been).

Based on what I see, I figure there's a 5% chance the kid could pull a Johnny Unitas and play right now. I'd give him a 15% chance of being ready midway through the season, 65% he'd be ready by the beginning of next season and close to 100% he'll be ready to start in 2 years.

It will be interesting and exciting to observe how the Cardinals bring him along.