The Cardinals Greatest
We're a little under two months till some football action and the closer it gets, the less there is to talk about... other then rookie signings. So on another note, let us discuss which current Arizona Cardinal will end up as one of the greatest red bird ever. Over the years there hasn't been many bright spots from the Cardinals gloomy franchise. In all actuality, it's pretty sad that there are only a couple worthy candidates of being the franchise's greatest all-time. The most obvious that comes to mind would be Aeneas Williams. But recently, the tide has turned. Coming off of a Super Bowl run, there are plenty of players that could end up as franchise greats. Here's the list so far:
Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald cemented himself in playoff history last year, let alone Cardinal history. He was always a top-ten receiver but in '09, he's the top dog. He's also one of the nicest/genuine players on the team. He's tweaked certain aspects of his game, and the scariest part is that he's still making improvements. He always seems to find a way to beat the defensive back to ball and make a play. He has crisp route running and superb hands. His current contact runs till he's 28, which is certainly too young to retire, so we can only hope he gets resigned for the remainder of his career. He's already said he wants to go down as one of the Cardinals greatest players and he's not far. It's inevitable that he will hold all of the Cardinals receiving records in the next couple years. He's currently 7th in receptions, 7th in yards, and 3rd in touchdowns.
Adrian Wilson
In wake of his recent contract extension, it's assumed that Adrian Wilson will finish his career as a Cardinal. A-dub's always been a force on the defense, and as we all know, the D just isn't the same if he's not on the field. Whether it be a pick or a big sack, he's generally around the ball carrier making big plays. His recent 5 year deal will keep him as a Cardinal till he's 35, which is generally the age of retirement. He's currently in the prime of his career and coming off another pro bowl year. He's currently 13th overall for career sacks, but 1st for a defensive back. He's also a member of the 18/18 club with 18 sacks and interceptions. Wilson has said he wants to reach the 30/30 club before he retires which is certainly possible. One things for sure, Wilson is currently the longest tenured Cardinal and it seems he will finish his entire career as one.
Kurt Warner
This option may seem a little out of whack as Warner's career may be finished after the 2009 season. But Warner proved age was nothing but a number when he led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl and also started in the pro bowl himself. He may not break any franchise career numbers, but he holds nearly every record for a single season Cardinal quarterback. He one of the classiest, nicest guys in the NFL, and strives to make everyone around him better, both spiritually and athletic-wise. Warner also proved many doubters wrong when he played all 20 games last year. And in case you're curious, he's currently 5th in yards and touchdowns all time. Warner already was voted as the Cardinals all-time quarterback by the ROTB community, and may certainly go down as one of the Cardinals all time greats.
Anquan Boldin
The future's cloudy with this one, but there's still no denying that Boldin is already one of the top wide receivers to ever wear a Cardinals jersey. If a long term deal does happen, Boldin will be sure to compete with Fitzgerald for the Cardinals receiving record books. Boldin is a very unique receiver with bruising strength, and hands that rarely drop a pass. Over the years we have became used to Q catching balls over the middle, running over defenders, and playing through the thick and thin. Although Q has had his current contract disputes, he plays with nothing but heart and lays it all out on the field. If he does stay with the Cardinals for the coarse of his career, he will very well be remembered for his style of play and contributions to the team. Boldin currently stands at 3rd in receptions, 6th in yards, and 5th in touchdowns.
So that's the list and and very impressive one at that. If all four manage to finish there careers as Cardinals, there will certainly be talk as to who is the greatest. But now's the time for us to discuss. Who do you think will finish as one of the Cardinals all time greats? Is there any young players now that may end up in the record books?
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Fitz or A-Dub
My vote would be for Fitz or A-Dub. Fitz because of just how awesome he is and that he has not done anything to disrespect the team. Same goes for Wilson along with the fact that he STUCK WITH THE TEAM when he had the chance to leave and has really poured his heart and soul into it.
If Warner had been here for more of his career I would give him a vote but he still seems like a transplant. Dont get me wrong I love Warner and respect the type of man he is.
Boldin doesnt get a vote in my book because of the way he has treated the team, organization, and coaches. Even if he stays a Cardinal after next year (which I doubt will happen) he still doesnt get my vote.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Jun 21, 2009 10:49 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Yea, it was pretty hard to choose between those two but I have to go with the Fitz. He has taken things to a whole new level.
A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.
by Sir Whirly on Jun 21, 2009 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of the above
You left too much of opening on this by asking which of them will be “one of the all time greats,” because as you pointed out, in our less than impressive history all of them already meet that criteria. If you’re asking if any will be considered “the all time great” I’d have to cast my ballot for Fitzgerald. I never thought I’d see it or say it, but the last time I saw a receiver play as well as he played last year it was Jerry Rice in his prime with the 49’ers and Montana as his QB.
As for the newest Cardinals, it looks like DRC is on the verge of joining the NFL’s elite this coming season so I’m really looking forward to watching him this year. Beanie Wells is the other that I think has unlimited potential. If he has anywhere near the career I think he’s capable of he should shoot to the top of the list pretty quickly as I’m having a very difficult time coming up with too many good Cardinal running backs off the top of my head (Metcalf was very good, a few others had their moment in the sun but nothing exceptional).
One thing seems certain – by the time the names you listed are done playing we’ll be able to look at future lists with a lot more pride than we could in the past.
by Long Beach on Jun 21, 2009 12:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
the big red has had outstanding players
I guess i’m showing my age( been a fan since 72) but i have to chime in the cardinal greats since I’ve been following the team.
to me the best quarterback the team had was neil lomax. he was on the verge of greatness until refrigerator perry body slammed him and caused his hip problems but he was better than warner.
at running back terry metcalf was a force! he was the best all around running back from 74-78. he could do it all, catch, was tremendous getting outside on sweeps and swing passes. a better version of reggie bush if you will. the bidwells didn’t or couldn’t pay him so he jumped ship to canada and ruined a great career . Ottis Anderson is the best running back we’ve had since I’ve been a fan and some argue the best player also. he was a consistent 1000 yard rusher and like metcalf, the bidwells didn’t want to pay him and he jumped to the giants and continued a good career and one day will be in the hall of fame.
as far as receivers go, the big red always had a go to guy! sonny randle and tight end jackie smith in the 60’s, pro bowlers. in the 70’s there was mel gray, and pat tilley. gray went to the pro bow numerous times and was a consistent deep threat. pat tilley was the good possession receiver. in the 80’s there was roy green who i think was just as good as fitzgerald if not better! he was the man until jerry rice came along. check out his numbers. in the 90’s rob moore was very solid and david boston was a beast until we discovered why but his one great season was one of the best any receiver has had in the history of the team. it’s so hard to argue who was better than who! i prefer to judge who was dominant in their era and all the players mentioned in both the article, and my response fit the bill.
by lifelongcardfan on Jun 21, 2009 6:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Respectfully disagree
You’ve got me by 20 years as to how long you’ve been a Cardinals fan, and I admire your passion but I have to respectfully disagree with a lot of your comparisons. Just to show my age, I remember Lomax at Portland State University growing up there as a kid. I was always a fan of his, and think he was a very underrated quarterback but I can’t put him in the same class as Warner, a two time MVP and record holder for most passing yards in Super Bowl history.
Roy Green, another very good player but no Fitzgerald. Fitz has been in the league five years, and already in three of those years he’s topped Green’s best seasons ever, not to mention having the greatest postseason of any WR ever.
I am in agreement that the players you mentioned were very good, and were great representatives of the Cardinal organization, but from what I’ve witnessed over the years we’re in the process of watching a lot of our franchises greatest players right now. They took us to a game we’ve never thought of, and while I’ll defer to you on this, I can’t recall the Cards ever being as heavily represented in a Pro Bowl as we were last season.
by Long Beach on Jun 22, 2009 12:47 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
i respect your opinion but...
roy green was the best wr in the game until rice came along and examine lomax’s best year compared to warners as cardinals. lomax set league records that year! i know warner took the big red to the super bowl, but lomax had a better year. I love fitzgerald and clearly respect his talent but( i know this is gonna tick people off) I would take andre johnson over him if i was starting a team.
by lifelongcardfan on Jun 22, 2009 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a hurricane fan so.
Yes I would take Andre Johnson, but not over Fitz. AJ, to me, is the 2nd best WR in the league. No bias, but Fitz is the best.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Magic, Cards and Rays! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Jun 23, 2009 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hate to rub it in Lifelongcardfan but here are the official stats for both QBS best single season
Comp Att Comp % Yards TDS INTS QB Rating Sacks
KURT WARNER 401* 598* 67.1* 4583 30* 14 96.9* 26
NEIL LOMAX 345 560 61.6 4614* 28 16 92.5 49
I took the liberty of starring the single season records. There’s no way that Lomax had a better season the Warner, especially considering that Warner took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl, Started in the Pro Bowl…oh and won NFL Man of the Year : )
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Jun 23, 2009 1:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow it didnt look screwed up when i previewed it. you get the idea tho
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Jun 23, 2009 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
well done.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Jun 23, 2009 1:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's really hard to compare different era's like that
I never saw Lomax play but you can’t judge it all on stats alone. The game was played differently then. Again I wasn’t around to see that era but from what I’ve read/heard the passing game was much more about getting vertical and stretching the field as opposed to today spread attacks that incorporate many more short passes. The ‘vertical’ part of the game led to higher yards per attempt numbers (as you can tell by Lomax’s yards vs. Warners) but deep passes are also more dangerous/lower percentage passes which lead to a lower completion percentage and higher interception totals.
As for Lomax vs. Warner as players, I don’t have any idea who was better in their prime. I know that Warner was in a system that was perfectly tailored to his skill set and the game was called to maximize his potential. As for Lomax, I never saw him play but those look like fantastic numbers for 1984.
by Bezekira on Jun 23, 2009 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Otis Anderson rushed for 1,174 yards AND Lomax threw for 4,614 yards in 1984. Would Warner have had the same kind of numbers if the Cards had an OJ on the team last year? Pretty doubtful. Lomax was certainly a better athlete than Warner until the knees went.
As Bez said, it’s hard to compare eras considering the how much the talent of players has changed. “Let’s call it a draw”.
We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!
by Hawkwind on Jun 23, 2009 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fitz will be a Hall of Famer
Top 10 best WR ever maybe even number 2.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
by maveric_87 on Jun 22, 2009 6:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Fitz!
has the upside right now, super star capability to have a brilliant carreer so ya hes deffinately a solid pick. If you go seniority you gotta go with Adrian Wilson he deserves it as well. But hey shout out to Larry Centers, Eric Swan!!!
by azcardswinez on Jun 23, 2009 5:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
players
Just because a franchise doesn’t win many championships doesn’t mean there haven’t been all-time great players. It helps if you consider players from the Chicago and STL eras as being Cardinals too.
QB — Lomax & Warner are certainly great choices, but don’t forget Charley Johnson and Jim Hart. Also remember that guy Jake Plummer who in most fans’ opinion was “a bonehead” who “sucked?” All he did was break a 40 year playoff jinx, finally beat the **** Cowboys again in a meaningful game after 30 years, and campaign door-to-door to get the new stadium built, a key component in building the present team. Wish we could get some more boneheads who suck.
HB — Tough one. Cardinals have rarely had all-pro guys at HB. Edgerrin James never played up to his potential here, probably not all his fault. Let’s say Night Train Lane or Otis Anderson.
FB — Jim Otis.
WR — I agree that it’s Fitzgerald. He might be the best pure catching receiver in history.
OL — Dierdorf. Dobler. Ken Gray.
TE — Jackie Smith, Jay Novachek. Cardinals have been great at TE actually. I think Pat Fischer dabbled there too.
Defensive line — Probably the biggest weakness over the years as far as marquee talent. Eric Swann was truly great for a few years, and Darnell Dockett could be too. Lines in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were decent at best. Simeon Rice was an underachiever and a traitor. Next!
LB — Pat Fischer’s main position. You might be looking at the best Cardinal LB ever to lace up in Karlos Dansby. Ken Harvey & Ronald McKinnon each had star genes but never put it all together. Nobody stands out from the 50’s – 80’s eras.
CB — Cardinals have shined here. Aeneas W. was a god, the only man who could have reconstructive knee surgery in the third quarter & intercept two passes in the fourth. But DRC might just eventually match him.
Safety — Now we’re really talking. Larry Wilson is an all-time legend for inventing the safety blitz. Tim McDonald was an all-pro safety for years on losing teams in the 80’s and 90’s. Adrian Wilson is an amazing player but he has some tough company here.
Among kickers & punters, Joe Nedney & Neil Rackers are in my opinion the most talented we’ve ever fielded, but Jim Bakken was a great toe-kicker in the 70’s who connected on a lot of big field goals. Paul Camarillo was a great punter but he benefited from playing for some very bad teams (for punters, it’s true). Pat Summerall was too disloyal to the Cardinals as a broadcaster to get any of my votes.
by Kurtgbq on Jun 24, 2009 4:13 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
wow talk about bursting on the scene -- welcome to ROTB
Greatest first comment ever?
Aeneas W. was a god, the only man who could have reconstructive knee surgery in the third quarter & intercept two passes in the fourth.That’s an instant classic.
We’ve had some really great safeties now that I look at the list.
by Bezekira on Jun 25, 2009 2:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
AT LB I was always a big fan of Eric Hill. Nice write up
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Jun 25, 2009 1:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs





















