The Impact of 15 pounds to the Cardinals

by mbn on Apr 8, 2009 6:18 PM MDT

I was thinking about some of the holes the Cards are facing and how it is challenging to find enough quality in the free agency. As I pondered some possible solutions I reallized that 15 pounds could have a drastic impact on the Cards' future. Branch has habitually come into the season over weight. If he could shed 15 pounds or more and put his natural skills to work then the Cards would have a solid tandem at NT, instantly removing depth issues on the DL. And if John Lott could perform some miracle and add 15 pounds to Highsmith we also then have a solution to Dansby and the ILB. If Highsmith's knee heals and if Branch's attitude improves then a shifting of around 15 pounds would turn two athletes into solid additions to the Cards' future. And it only takes a change of 15 pounds. Any thoughts?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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Branch

Should be motivated because if he doesn’t produce this season he will most likely be released before the 2010 season would start. Highsmith was very good on special teams before he got injured. I was surprised that he wasn’t draft and was glad to see the Cards pick him up and I could see him filling in nicely as a number 2 ILB with Gerald Hayes replacing Dansby if it comes to letting him go. Here’s to hoping that Dansby and Cards can come to a reasonable agreement and Branch finally living up to expectations.

by Pyromnc on Apr 8, 2009 7:34 PM MDT reply actions

I def agree...

that adding about 15 lbs to Ali will be good for the org. I am ready for him to step it up and be ready to be the 1st replacement of the bench for the ILBs.

by hevchv on Apr 8, 2009 8:12 PM MDT up reply actions

that's a good thought

If Branch turns into a player, we could be very solid up the middle. Branch and Watson could rotate in and out keeping each other fresh and they could both play in a ‘big’ package. Talking clogging up the middle.

I’m still high on Ali and that injury might have actually helped his future, as long as he can come back healthy. Hopefully it allowed him to workout like crazy and focus on bulking up instead of staying lean so he could fly down the field on special teams. He could help out some depth on the outside too.

by Bezekira on Apr 9, 2009 9:19 AM MDT reply actions

i just took a moment

i just leaned back in my chair and thought the following:
If Branch could just become who he was drafted to become. If Watson could go back to his 2007 form. If Calais can become 3/4 of what A. Smith was think about this front form in a 4-3 defense. Dockett – Branch – Watson – Campbell…. That would get nasty real fast.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Apr 9, 2009 1:21 PM MDT reply actions

Then throw in Hayes, Berry, Okeafer, Laboy, Wilson, Rolle, DRC, Mcfadden, and Haggens.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Apr 9, 2009 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

Branch is to Tree

…as donuts are to tires. Makes no sense, I know. Neither does Branch’s performance the last coupl’a seasons. Not sure exactly what’s keeping him from exploding, but I’d certainly enjoy seeing some of the dominance he was a part of at Michigan. Potential would seem to be the word most used in speaking of the DL heading into next season.

by SCCards on Apr 14, 2009 8:18 PM MDT reply actions

His problem has been

his work ethic. He got to fat and was not athletic enough to be good. He has lost 15 pounds and the coaches are saying he looks much, much better now.

by Pyromnc on Apr 15, 2009 7:42 AM MDT up reply actions