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Arizona Cardinals Training Camp: Stock Up, Stock Down (Version II)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed (14) attempts a catch as Arizona Cardinals' Bryant McFadden (25) and linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) defend during the first quarter of a pre-season game. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

More photos » by Don Wright - AP

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed (14) attempts a catch as Arizona Cardinals' Bryant McFadden (25) and linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) defend during the first quarter of a pre-season game. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

With training camp in the rear view mirror and the Arizona Cardinals focusing on preseason contest #2 against the Chargers, it's about time to update our 'stock up' and 'stock down' lists. Most of the movement will be based on the performances from the previous game against the Steelers, but the past week of practice will carry some weight as well.

Last week we focused only on the guys that we termed 'bubble' players but this week we'll open it up to the entire roster in order to get a better idea of how some players are impressing or disappointing.

Stock_up_medium
LaRod Stephens-Howling: The little man from Pitt continues to impress and word out of camp is that he may have leapfrogged Jason Wright and moved into the third spot on the depth chart. LSH looked minuscule at times trying to pick up opposing blitzers but he's working to improve and he's certainly got some wiggle with the ball in his hands. He'll get an even bigger role on Saturday considering that he'll get a shot as a kick returner so we'll get to see how he operates in space. Another solid showing could move secure him a roster spot.

Stock_up_mediumMichael Adams: It's crazy to think that two 5-7 players stole the show in the Cards preseason opener but that's exactly what LSH and Adams did on Thursday. Adams played quite bit once the backups came in and despite his obvious lack of size his heart and desire are on display every time he steps on the field. He got burned deep once on a jump ball against a receiver who had half a foot on him but Adams has the fearless type of attitude that coaches crave on special teams and as long as he continues to perform like that, he'll make this team.

Stock_up_mediumCalais Campbell: Moving from the little people to the giants, Campbell was a beast against the Steelers starting left tackle. He was stout against the run and got into Ben's face on more than one occasion. One solid preseason performance won't replace Antonio Smith but his first game action went a long way to easing some people's concerns.

Stock_up_mediumHerman Johnson: Speaking of another giant, Johnson performed about as well as you could expect from a rookie drafted in the fifth round. He struggled a couple of times with speed rushers and had some miscommunication on one play, but overall he flashed the potential that the Cardinals saw when they drafted him. Of course we have to mention that he also made a highly athletic play tackling a corner back in the open field.

Stock_up_mediumGreg Toler: The amazing athletic but very raw corner from St. Paul's College, played pretty well for his first exposure to the NFL. It's pretty clear that he still relies more on his athleticism than a sound understanding of opposing offenses and instincts but he made some plays against the second and third string that offer some hope that he possesses the ability to become a future starter. Consistency is most important, and hardest, aspect for a young player to master so we'll see if he can continue his impressive play.

Stock_up_mediumTyler Palko: It's almost hard to believe that an 8 for 15 performance with a touchdown and an interception against the 3rd and 4th string defense could make a guy so popular but Palko was awful impressive against the Steelers. His escapability and unwillingness to give up on a play were admirable and his arm looked better than advertised. Palko is still a long shot, at best, to make the roster but he's showcasing himself for 31 other NFL teams and if he continues to play like he did against the Steelers, he'll end up on someone's roster.

Stock_up_mediumOrea Jones and Lance Long: Both Jones and Long are buried on the depth chart on a team stacked with the league's best wide receivers but that didn't stop them from playing an impressive game. Both made some decent receptions and showed some ability to pick up yards after the catch. They will have to continue to impress throughout the preseason but if they can duplicate their performance against the Steelers, I wouldn't be surprised if one or both found their way onto someone's roster this season.

Star-divide

Stock_down_medium
Leonard Pope: After impressing some people early in camp Pope did anything but that in the preseason opener and he's returned to his inconsistent ways this week of camp. Many thought that he short-armed a ball against the Steelers to avoid a hit and he's dropped a couple of easy passes this week in practice. With so much competition at tight end, Pope must improve or he could find himself on the outside looking in when the final cut comes down.

Stock_down_mediumCody Brown: Brown played at least two full quarters and part of a third but had very little impact on the game, even though he was facing the second string and third string of the Steelers offensive line. He was noticeable a couple of times in coverage but considering that his pass ability is his strength right now, there are was hope that he'd be able to pressure the QB. He'll certainly get plenty of playing time again Saturday and he's not in danger or being cut, but at least for one night he was outperformed by his fellow sixth round draftee, OLB Will Davis.

Stock_down_mediumBrian St. Pierre: We all know that BSP looked terrible on Thursday but Whiz acknowledged that he didn't have much help. BSP will be the second QB to take the field and if he's put in the same situation as Leinart, that means he'll take some snaps with the first string. Of course that also means that he won't be able to hide behind any more excuses. If he wants a legit shot at the backup QB job, it's a "now or never" scenario.

Stock_down_mediumAlan Branch: I hate to keep beating a dead horse so I'll be short. Branch continues to underwhelm and nothing that he showed against the Steelers makes you think that he's turned the corner and is on the verge of dropping the underachiever label. He probably won't be cut but the note that he'll get some snaps at defensive end isn't exactly encouraging news.

Stock_down_mediumLevi Brown: Coming into his third season there was some hope that we'd see a much improved player on the verge of a breakout year but one preseason game into the 2009 season, Brown looked like the same guy. Granted there will be about 16 tackles that struggle with LaMarr Woodley with season but you'd hope that Brown could go two series without giving up a sack.

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Who else was impressive or disappointing and who has the best chance to make this list next week?

0 recs  |  Comment 11 comments  |  Add comment |

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I agree with these

But I would put Leinart in the “stock up” section since he is technically still fighting with St. Pierre for the #2 spot.

by JoeCB1991 on Aug 20, 2009 1:45 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

My 2 cents

I didn’t see every single snap, but I did see 95% of them.

I didn’t see much of anything that made me believe Greg Toler played that well. I saw him quit on a few plays early and didn’t see anything that would give him a positive grade.

Tyler Palko’s int wasn’t his fault…. the reciever bobbled the bal right into the defenders hands.

Levi Brown looked solid, giving up the one sack on a play that Kurt held the ball way too long.

Lance Long and Jeremy Urban were a big reason #7 was able to shine.

interesting fact:
Lyle Sendlein is getting quite a workout this preseason. He will be going up against some very talented nose tackles ( Casey Hampton 6’ 1" 335 lb , Jamal Williams 6’ 3" 348 lb, Ryan Pickett 6’ 2" 330lb/B.J. Raji 6’ 2" 337lb, and Ronald Fields 6’ 2" 315 lb)

by CardsDefense on Aug 20, 2009 1:56 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Toler

For me Toler has flashed more than impressed. Good point about the nose tackles Sendlein is facing.

MBN

by mbn on Aug 20, 2009 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

very good point on Sendlein

I agree with you on Toler. There was a couple plays I really liked but I did see him give up a couple times and when I was up at camp I heard the coaches yelling at him to not give up and to keep at it.

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

by sc464 on Aug 20, 2009 4:18 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alan Branch

I have been pretty critical of Branch, and the last game didn’t help his cause, but I went back and rewatched the last Seattle game where he got some minutes and just focused on him. He wasn’t that bad. Not impressive, but not as bad as the Pitt game. I also watched Leisle this last game and he was disappointing as well. I guess what I am saying is that if I had to pick today I would probably take Branch over Leisle based on what I have seen so far.

MBN

by mbn on Aug 20, 2009 3:36 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully this means no more chants of “LESLIE! LESLIE! LESLIE!”

by tw3kr on Aug 20, 2009 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not so fast my friend. Leslie, Leslie, Leslie.

For the production we’re getting from Branch, Leslie is a much cheaper option.

Life's too short. Be a fan. Magic, Cards,Rays and "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on Aug 21, 2009 12:43 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

lol

A good point >.<

by tw3kr on Aug 21, 2009 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure about Adams

Adams played hard and made some great tackles. Mighty Mike always impresses with his drive and reckless abandonment on special teams. I liked what I saw in the second half at corner and as the gunner.

But he also got exposed in first half. His is a liability at corner that is too big to ignore. (excuse the pun). Toler and R. Brown are locks unless they get injured. So that means he has to fight for the 52 or 53 spot. Would you keep him over Davis, Castille, Wright, Long, Morey, Byrd, LSH, Togafau, Pope, Garvin, Lewis or Francisco? (Just names I think are at the bottom of the pecking order right now.)

With only one or two openings for a special-teamer like Adams it just seems like his chances of making the team are insurmountable. But then again he is Mighty Mike. He has a habit of proving people wrong.

MBN

by mbn on Aug 20, 2009 4:02 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Good point

Adams is definitely the fifth corner and maybe even the sixth, if you count Rolle, but he also might be the best gunner. With other guys like Morey, Francisco, Ware and Castille though who are basically just special teamers, it should be an interesting fight.

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Aug 21, 2009 6:42 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice Writeup

Good points about all of the players mentioned. Wel written and fair assessments, all.
 
I would add TE Dominique Byrd and S Keith Lewis to the list of players who made good cases for roster spots. Byrd looks very smooth as a receiver. He runs good routes, has a good sense of how to get open, flashes solid hands and decent RAC ability. Lewis is an aggressive safety who can create pressure and finish plays. I think the Cardinals may very well keep 5 safeties on the 53 Man Roster: Wilson, Rolle, Francisco, Lewis and Rashad Johnson (who also showed promise in the Steeler game)…the trio of Francisco, Lewis and Johnson should be dynamic on STs…and if Rolle gets the knack of returning punts, the impact of the safeties on STs will be even stronger.

NFC Champs

by Mitch09 on Aug 22, 2009 11:52 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs


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