Arizona Cardinals Question of the Week

by cgolden on Aug 1, 2008 1:20 PM MDT Comment 3 comments

This just in: Edge isn't a young cat anymore. Today is the day that most people agree running backs start to wear down and deteriorate, his 30th birthday. Don't tell Edge that though, he'll be quick to tell you that he won't fall into that 'cliche:'

"That’s like a cliché," James said, laughing. "I don’t think that applies to me. After all I’ve done, the way I take care of my body, I’m not even concerned with it. Some guys, they haven’t even played as long as I have and they are missing practices, not able to play every game.

While no one can outrun father time, Edge has been incredibly durable the past five seasons (averaged 333 carries) and he keeps himself in amazingly good shape. Another aspect that won't effect him as much as it does other aging backs, is that his game is based on excellent vision and quick, decisive cuts instead of flat out foot speed. There's also optimism that the Cardinals new zone blocking scheme (much more to come on that next week) will fit Edge's running style better than the man/power scheme that has been a Cardinal staple since he came to the desert. In addition to this, Edge has a higher motivation, he wants to be remembered as one of the best running backs to play the game. With a season similar to his 2007 campaign he'd move into 7th on the all-time rushing list and would be within 1,000 yards of top 5 all-time.

While it's possible to point to certain aspects that could lead to Edge having his best season in the desert, there's also some concern that a promising rookie and an offense designed around passing could cut into his carries. While everyone is probably getting carried away with Tim Hightower talk, it's clear that the coaching staff likes the way that he runs and if he can maintain the intensity once the hitting starts, he could be in line for his fair share of carries.

So here's the question to the Cardinal fandom: How many more productive years does Edge have left? Also, is Edge a top 5 back of all time in your mind, if not where does he rank? Is he the Cardinal back since the team came to Arizona?

Poll

How many productive years on left on Edge's legs?

He's already a shell of his former self

7 votes

He's got 2008 then he'll have to share carries with someone else

15 votes

At least a couple of years

9 votes

He's got plenty of miles left and the Cardinals should extend him now

2 votes

33 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 3 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I haven't been...

Able to upload all my pics from training camp yet, but I did attend Tuesdays practice in Flag. I have to say a few players really stood out in my mind, and Hightower was one of them. That being said, I think this year is going to be the year "Edge" looses a bit of his edge although he will still put up around 1000 yards. Hopefully this will be a blessing in disguise and the Cards will let Hightower grind out some of the tougher yards. One thing I saw with Hightower is he moves incredibly well for such a big dude and he also catches very well out of the backfield. I think a tandem backfield wouldn’t be such a bad idea at this point either. We’ve got a guy winding down his stellar career, and an up and comer who will gain leaps and bounds from the experience sharing carries behind one of the all-time greats. Win-win situation if Hightower can live up to the hype, although after what I saw I don’t think it will be so much hype.

by boogatt66 on Aug 1, 2008 3:15 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good to hear...

...that Hightower is looking, er, good. I am of the opinion that it is always better to have a platoon type backfield. It reduces wear and increases playing time for the back-up so if an injury occurs it doesn’t hurt as much.

by Red Reign on Aug 1, 2008 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs