Why the Cardinals must sign Emmitt Smith

[Ed B]

Jeff Blake is a competent QB. I think we're unanimously glad to have him. He's certainly better than our other alternatives on the roster.

But he's not a QB to pass for 4500 yards and carry the team. He's a caretaker. He runs the offense and limits the mistakes. And let us not forget the state of our WR corps right now. The current "veterans" are all a bunch of kids (mostly former street FAs) and any help that arrives via the draft will be wet behind the ears. Even if we re-sign Sanders and/or Jenkins, are they #1 guys? Heck no.

So our passing game figures to be adequate at best. "Passable" (pun intended) but not good enough to win games on its own.

Where does that leave us on offense? It leaves us with an offensive line the size of Texas which we have sunk tens of millions of dollars into. We have a 220 pound RB whose running style is like Chuck Foreman. We have a 270 pound FB nicknamed "Hammer" and three TEs in the 270+ pound range.

Love Marcel Shipp however much you want, the guy missed a couple games with injury last year and just about any back is gonna need some support or he'll wear down over the course of 300 carries.

Thomas Jones is gone. Scobey and Anderson are just kiddies. Emmitt Smith is 33 and his best days are behind him. But for 10-15 carries per game, maybe more if he gets hot, I can't think of the downside of having the greatest running back of my lifetime on the team, even at his age. Will he come in here and run for 1500 yards? Doubt it. But will he come in and catch the ball, continue to be the best pass blocking RB in NFL history, and split the carry load with Shipp so both end up fresh by week 17? Sure.

One last thing to remember, Shipp was successful last year while splitting time with Jones. It's hard to say who would "start" with Emmitt here, but all that matters is that they'd shoulder each other's burden and keep each other fresh. Our offense is gonna need a dominant running game if it's going to succeed, and you need 2 backs to do that.

 

[Dan H]

Great post! It should be noted as well that Emmitt is a winner, and maybe he can instill a sense of how to win in some of the younger guys.

 

[Red Air Force]

Good post, I couldn't agree more.

Open competetion, let the best back win.

 

[Ed B]

Originally posted by CaliforniaCard
Good post, I couldn't agree more.

Open competetion, let the best back win.

Let them all share. No one wins with 1 back anymore.

Oakland used 5.

 

[CardAvenger]

Good post Ed. I'm still on the fence about signing Emmitt. The only problem that I have, is that I can see the Cardinals giving him way too much $$$ to be here. Does anyone have any idea what kind of money he is asking for, or what the Cards might offer him (if the do, of course)?

 

[Northern Card]

Originally posted by CardAvenger
Good post Ed. I'm still on the fence about signing Emmitt. The only problem that I have, is that I can see the Cardinals giving him way too much $$$ to be here. Does anyone have any idea what kind of money he is asking for, or what the Cards might offer him (if the do, of course)?

I take your point, as it is $$$$ against the CAP - but, this is one contract that management knows pays for itself with more bums on seats...

 

[MadCardDisease]

The one thing that Shipp struggles at is Pass Blocking. Smith Might help Shipp develope those skills.

 

[Red Air Force]

Originally posted by CardAvenger
Good post Ed. I'm still on the fence about signing Emmitt. The only problem that I have, is that I can see the Cardinals giving him way too much $$$ to be here. Does anyone have any idea what kind of money he is asking for, or what the Cards might offer him (if the do, of course)?

It's not like we don't have enough, and he'll probably retire by the time we need it back anyway.

Hmmm...it would be interesting to see a cardinal retire, I don't know that I've ever seen it happen before.

 

[AZCB34]

Anderson and Scobey are kiddies? Shipp was in his second season last year when he came on...Anderson and Scobey are entering their second seasons...although I admit Scobey was on IR last year so that negates it. Anderson, in many ways is a mirror image of Shipp. Both rushed for 2000 yards their junior years in college, tailed off their senior years due to circumstances (Shipp was sharing more time at RB and Northwestern bottomed out after Wheelers death and Anderson was dinged up behind a poor Oline). Both Shipp and Anderson had very very quiet rookie years. Shipp broke out last year, I think Anderson will do the same this year if given the right chance.

I would just rather spend my money on real gaping holes before trying to sign Emmitt. If those holes somehow get filled adequately, then I might be less against Emmitt.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Originally posted by CardAvenger
Good post Ed. I'm still on the fence about signing Emmitt. The only problem that I have, is that I can see the Cardinals giving him way too much $$$ to be here. Does anyone have any idea what kind of money he is asking for, or what the Cards might offer him (if the do, of course)?

I doubt that he will get any more than $2 million a year.

 

[Dan H]

Here's another thought - if Emmitt signs with the Arizona, does that automatically give the Cardinals some credibility? Especially, say, if they don't give him some incredibly lucrative contract that might seem like a bribe?

 

[AZ1766]

Good post Ed,
I said before , if it is reasnoable, no prblem......... Paying him for what he CAN do for the Cardinals is one thing, paying him for what he DID for the Cowboys and the league is another!

 

[Stout]

Good post, Ed, but I have to disagree with one point-Sanders and Payton, IMO, were better than Emmit Smith.

 

[Ed B]

Originally posted by AZCB34
Anderson and Scobey are kiddies? Shipp was in his second season last year when he came on...Anderson and Scobey are entering their second seasons...although I admit Scobey was on IR last year so that negates it. Anderson, in many ways is a mirror image of Shipp. Both rushed for 2000 yards their junior years in college, tailed off their senior years due to circumstances (Shipp was sharing more time at RB and Northwestern bottomed out after Wheelers death and Anderson was dinged up behind a poor Oline). Both Shipp and Anderson had very very quiet rookie years. Shipp broke out last year, I think Anderson will do the same this year if given the right chance.

I would just rather spend my money on real gaping holes before trying to sign Emmitt. If those holes somehow get filled adequately, then I might be less against Emmitt.

Damien Anderson lacks Shipp's size and power, and he's a long-strider who doesn't come off the blocks real quickly. I sincerely doubt he will be anything but a role player in his career. Nice hands though.

Scobey couldn't even make the team last year, to count on him as a contributor would be pretty foolish. He might be ready, but there's certainly no proof he is.

 

[Mike Olbinski]

Emmitt Smith is still good, and I for one would love to see him in our backfield.

And yeah, good post by someone, he might instill some of that "winner's" attitude with this team.

Mike

 

[Tangodnzr]

Ed, the one glaring bone I would have to pick with you about your comments is that you, like so many others now, seem to completely ignore the fact that Travis Prentiss is on the team.

Now granted he may not be the next Emmitt Smith (dripping with sarcasm there) but I think it's a big mistake to completely overlook any contribution he may make to this team.

Personally I like the mix of Shipp, Anderson, and Prentiss. They would appear to be great complimentary talents. Actually TJ is a great change of pace and compliment to Shipp, but who knows what evil lurks there, as only the shadow may know right now.

I can see checking Emmitt out, and the first time I read about his coming here I said WHOA !!! WTF???
But I do think it is worth at least checking out, if nothing else to put the Cards on the proper end of the chain jerking scenario for a change.

And I must admit, I would be such poetic justice and do my heart so much good to be watching the first time the Cards played in Dallas and Emmitt came running out in Cardinal red.

But again, my main point here.....why do you and so many others seem to be so completly overlooking what Prentiss might mean to this club??

 

[AZCB34]

Originally posted by Ed B
Damien Anderson lacks Shipp's size and power, and he's a long-strider who doesn't come off the blocks real quickly. I sincerely doubt he will be anything but a role player in his career. Nice hands though.

Scobey couldn't even make the team last year, to count on him as a contributor would be pretty foolish. He might be ready, but there's certainly no proof he is.

Yes he may not be a power runner like Shipp but Anderson, IMO, is much better and more decisive than TJ. I just think a 2000 yard rusher in college (Big 10 no less) has potential and that potential shouldn't be stifled. Anderson's one shot last year...against a pretty good Carolina D...was what many considered a success given the circumstances that found him in the lineup.

I admitted that Scobey was an unknown due to him being on IR last year so I base my feelings on him solely on his college career. I think there is something there but whether it translates to the NFl is another story.

 

[Red Air Force]

Originally posted by Tangodnzr
Ed, the one glaring bone I would have to pick with you about your comments is that you, like so many others now, seem to completely ignore the fact that Travis Prentiss is on the team.

Now granted he may not be the next Emmitt Smith (dripping with sarcasm there) but I think it's a big mistake to completely overlook any contribution he may make to this team.

Personally I like the mix of Shipp, Anderson, and Prentiss. They would appear to be great complimentary talents. Actually TJ is a great change of pace and compliment to Shipp, but who knows what evil lurks there, as only the shadow may know right now.

I can see checking Emmitt out, and the first time I read about his coming here I said WHOA !!! WTF???
But I do think it is worth at least checking out, if nothing else to put the Cards on the proper end of the chain jerking scenario for a change.

And I must admit, I would be such poetic justice and do my heart so much good to be watching the first time the Cards played in Dallas and Emmitt came running out in Cardinal red.

But again, my main point here.....why do you and so many others seem to be so completly overlooking what Prentiss might mean to this club??

Why do you seem so confident in him?

He's been cut by TWO different teams and has a whopping 2.8 ypc. I'm willing to let him compete, but I will NOT count on him for anything.

 

[AzKarl]

Eric Hill

Originally posted by CaliforniaCard
It's not like we don't have enough, and he'll probably retire by the time we need it back anyway.

Hmmm...it would be interesting to see a cardinal retire, I don't know that I've ever seen it happen before.

Can you say Eric Hilll? I also harbor hope for Aeneas retiring with a ceremonial contract as Eric did.

 

[RedStorm]

I agree. I think we have two good backups behind Shipp with Scooby doobie do and Anderson. They need some time because they are young. I think TJ is out of the mix. I think he get's traded (for just about anything) or plain out cut after 6-1. I don' t know about Prentice.

Emmitt is only a very short term solution. The Cards might be eyeing him for the same reasons they were Blake. Get some vets in here for the short term to help develop the nucleus of team. Make the team competative today (maybe not win the SB or go to playoffs but play better than 5-11).

Emmitt does bring PR and leadership and credibility. However, it is for the short term only IMO.

A con is Emmitt will take away some snaps that can be used for the young guys.

However, if he signs here then he will be a Cardinal and I will be a fan of his. (BTW I would buy a Card jersey with his name just to tick of the Cowboy fans I know...)

 

[Ed B]

Originally posted by CaliforniaCard
Why do you seem so confident in him?

He's been cut by TWO different teams and has a whopping 2.8 ypc. I'm willing to let him compete, but I will NOT count on him for anything.

Tango, the dude has been cut by the Browns, Texans (the TEXANS!) and the Vikings. He's done absolutely nothing in his career. He's a body. He'll average 2 yards a carry like he always does.

Sorry, i think the difference between an impact player like Smith on his way to the Hall is a lot different than a career backup who can't get it done like Prentice.

Gomez is right on this morning........we can't keep selling hope in all these "kids" and castaways. We need some real NFL players in here at some point.

 

[Tangodnzr]

Yeah, just like a year ago most kept saying, Shipp hasn't proven squat, he's a bum that ain't hardly played but a few downs. The Cards are crazy to go into camp with him as their backup.

And if Pedro Gomez said it.....hrummmphh.... then the opposite is most likely true. I can't believe you use him as a means of support for your arguements....that's pretty desperate. LOL.

I'm not saying Prentiss is any great savior, but..like Shipp last year, I think maybe he can indeed be a decent contributer. Some of you don't seem to acknowledge that he is even on the team.

 

[Ed B]

Originally posted by Tangodnzr
Yeah, just like a year ago most kept saying, Shipp hasn't proven squat, he's a bum that ain't hardly played but a few downs. The Cards are crazy to go into camp with him as their backup.

And if Pedro Gomez said it.....hrummmphh.... then the opposite is most likely true. I can't believe you use him as a means of support for your arguements....that's pretty desperate. LOL.

I'm not saying Prentiss is any great savior, but..like Shipp last year, I think maybe he can indeed be a decent contributer. Some of you don't seem to acknowledge that he is even on the team.

Was shipp waived by 3 teams? Had shipp already proven in numerous starting opportunities that he can't get it done?

 

[JeffGollin]

I don't see Emmitt as a "must sign" - but I'd like to sign him.

I want him for depth.

I want him because he might just have a year or two of premium gasoline left in the tank.

I want him because he can show Marcel, Damian and Scooby (and who knows - maybe McGahey) how it's done

I want him because half the battle in the running attack is the relationship/timing between the RB and the O-Line. It's been kind of hit or miss with our RB's - and that includes Tuggy. Emmitt's been there and done it all. He can be invaluable - as a coach on the field - to making our running attack more dependible.

 

[Shane]

Sorry Ed but we arent the Raiders. We are the Cardinals and I know very few teams that I can think of that actually split carries like you are suggesting. Most RBs need to get 20+ carries a game just to get into the flow and into a rhythm. Of course they need to be spelled to the tune of about 6 to 10 carries a game but that is it and the formula most teams use. Especially when they feel they have found there #1 back!

This team has clearly found that in Shipp!

RB by committee is not all your making it out to be and in most cases will end up making one if not both of the RBs bitter. Say what you will about 15 carries a game for each of them but WE all know that Emmitt WILL NOT be happy with that. He was bitching and moaning about it last year in Dallas and if you think he wouldnt do the same here you are only fooling yourself!

We have promising young talent in Scobey and Anderson. What the heck are you talking about that Scobey couldnt even make the team??? The kidd was highly impressive in Training camp last year before his injury. He is Big strong and very smooth. He was not on the roster because he had a hand injury that was gonna take like 8 weeks to heal post surgery. So they put him on the IR list so no other team couls scoop him up. So why you are saying that he couldnt make the team is beyond me the guy was no bumb. Ask anyone that actually watched this kid in TC he looked VERY good the only one that looked better IMO was Shipp!

I agree with you that Anderson is a little on the small side but we have young talent here that can spell Shipp when needed. The bottom line is Emmitt is the furthest thing from a position of need on this team! It would be a waste of our time and money to sign this guy when all he is going to end up being is a distraction?

Have you even watched Emmitt play the last two years??? I mean more than against the Cards? The guy plain and simply at this point in his career is at best an average RB! I dont care what records he holds or what # on the list you have him as far as all time greats. The bottom line is right now he is old, slower, and someone we just dont need!

Im sorry I wont be ****** out to the idea that we need to do this to sell tickets that is an idiotic reason!