Arizona Cardinals Question of the Week

by cgolden on Aug 22, 2008 2:29 PM MDT

News is creeping out that the Cardinals will have some new guys running with the first team on Saturday against the Raiders. Whisenhunt confirmed that several guys including Elton Brown, Travis LaBoy, Alan Branch, and as we all know Kurt Warner will see snaps with first team. Matt Ware and Aaron Francisco will also split the starting time at free safety in Rolle absence due to his ankle injury. While that doesn't mean that any of them are necessarily in the mix for a starting job, which Whiz is quick to point out, it has mean something right? It has to be either a lack of quality play by the current starters or better than expected play by this group. The next logical step, at least in my illogical mind is to wonder who's the most likely to unseat the incumbent starter.

Elton Brown: Brown will finally see snaps at RG with the first group after Whiz talked about it for several weeks. He's made no secret about his dissatisfaction with Deuce Lutui and his inability to become a consistent player. For a guy like Brown, entering the final year of his deal, this could be the difference between a middle-of-the-road contract and solid starter-type contract.

Travis LaBoy: LaBoy was the standout from last week when he finished with the team lead in tackles and two sacks and even more importantly he looked better than expected against the run. He was expected to back up Bertrand Berry and provide a consistent pass rush when on the field but his performance last week could have vaulted him into a dead heat with the 33 year old Berry.

Alan Branch: No player have been ragged on by fans and coaches alike the past month than Alan Branch, but Whiz said that he looked better against the Chiefs. While Whiz still described him as a flickering light, he said that his light is staying on more often these days. The Cardinals traded up to pick Branch early in the second round just 16 months ago and they need him to become at least a consistent backup to Gabe Watson.

Kurt Warner: We all know the details of Warner's situation so for the sake of not beating this dead horse anymore, we'll leave it at that.

So the question I pose to you is simple: Who is most likely to become a starter for the first game against the Niners? If you think that multiple guys have a chance, who's your second choice? Who's the least likely?

Poll

Who is most likely to win a starting job?

Elton Brown

6 votes

Travis LaBoy

21 votes

Alan Branch

1 votes

Kurt Warner

24 votes

52 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Starters

Travis LaBoy looks like a real hustler when he’s out on the field. Bertrand Berry was great in Denver but has been a flop after his pect injury. One more solid game by LaBoy and he’ll lock up a starting job. Great depth either way. What’s the deal with Duece? What were his knuckle head moves that Whiz was alluding to? Jury is still out on the Warner Lienart deal. Lienart looked good last game but only when he was playing the 2nd or 3rd string defense of the Chiefs, and they’re horrible. I am still salty about the crappy move by the Cardinals in how they acquired Branch, but I would still welcome with open arms that “Light flickering” to turn into a consistent thing. Watson should be healthy by the first game though so I don’t see him starting.

by boogatt66 on Aug 22, 2008 3:26 PM MDT reply actions

LaBoy

I really like the kid, he’s my choice to end up the starter. I was surprised at how well he played against the run after going back and rewatching the Chiefs game.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 22, 2008 9:21 PM MDT up reply actions

agree

Although I think Laboy deserves to start, I doubt if he will. His run support was better than expected last game, but it is still a little supsect. Burt has been hurt, but this is his second year in this defense. As a vet he has higher expectations on getting it right. Plus this is his last shot (hince the pay cut). If not, he will be gone. Deuce, however, has got to get it right or he will be riding the pine sooner rather than later. Elton was a high roud pick as well and has seemingly outplayed Deuce. By the end of camp, I think Elton will have done enough to be the starting right guard. Sorry Deuce, I like you. Especially with your funny videos during the season. But with all those bone head plays, you just don’t deserve it anymore.

by hevchv on Aug 23, 2008 6:42 AM MDT up reply actions

Adrian Wilson

Hey all, I’m a Bills fan from the blog over there that wanted to drop by to get some helpful info from you Cards fans. I got Adrian Wilson as a backup in my IDP fantasy football league because when he’s healthy he’s the best safety in the league in my opinion. Do you all think he’s going to come back this year 100% and start? Or should I just drop him because his injury is going to keep him off the field again? It’s off topic I know, but I really don’t know what his deal is and would appreciate any insight.

McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year

by poz on Aug 23, 2008 12:32 PM MDT reply actions

fantasy football?

I know nothing about fantasy football, YET, but I think Wilson will be pretty healthy this year and you’re right, he is the best safety in the league.

by hevchv on Aug 23, 2008 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions

A-dub

He’s a good fantasy option. He gets more sacks and picks than most safeties and yes he’s 100% and ready to have great year (he’s playing for a new contract).

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 23, 2008 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions

thanks

thank you to both of you I appreciate it. Playing for his contract and coming back from injury, I think I sense an all-pro who’s ready to shut up some critics.

McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year

by poz on Aug 23, 2008 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions

tonight's game

will you do another live stream for the game. although it was just you and I, it was fun to talk live to another fan. Hopefully this week we get more support.

by hevchv on Aug 23, 2008 12:56 PM MDT reply actions