Game and 53 Man Roster Thoughts
by Mitch09 on Aug 23, 2009 1:02 PM MDT
51 comments
Offense: On a night when the passing game was out of sync, especially in all five trips to the red zone, the Cardinals rushing attack showed solid improvement. Tim Hightower ran well and decisively...as did the fast charging LaRod Stephens-Howling. In LSH's case, he managed to make the best of a few snaps where he was greeted immediately by Charger linemen and linebackers.In the passing game, the player who stood out the most was WR Lance Long, who, IMO, is locking himself up a roster spot.
Defense: The first team did a fabulous job rushing Phillip Rivers to the tune of four sacks. Three of those sacks were the result of Dockett, Campbell and Robinson beating their blockers one-on-one. The other sack was off a beautifully designed and executed curl blitz from Karlos Dansby who circled around inside slants from Dockett and Robinson. The most significant and encouraging positive of this game was the suddenly dynamic pass rush. The two negatives: no turnovers for a second week in a row and shoddy play from the second team defense. And...Bill Davis saw how Norv Turner tried to exploit the Cardinals' vulnerabilities under Clancy Pendergast...by throwng the play action deep post over the top of the FS and by running the WR reverse...both plays were immediately successful, but, the deep post was covered by the FS the second time around. Looks like Davis knows how to adjust and counter.
Special Teams: So far the Cardinals' off-season attention to improving the special teams is paying excellent dividends. LSH's electrifying kickoff returns set the tone, as all ST units played well throughout the game.
As for the 53 Man Roster...here's an updated prediction:
QB (3): Warner, Leinart, St. Pierre. Even though Whiz and his staff may be tempted---because of the difficult roster decisions---to keep only 2 QBs as Whiz did in his first year, he simply cannot risk such a move, especially when the starting QB is 38 years old and is coming off hip surgery. Memories of having to start a QB off the street two years ago are still fresh.
Warner was off his game last night, although he still made some good throws like the strike to Anquan Boldin down the middle. St. Pierre started his series with a bang on a pass that probably should have been a TD to Leonard Pope...but then forced the red zone interception and looked decidedly demoralized afterward. His last series was his best as he connected well with Lance Long and threw a good ball down the middle deep to Early Doucet...but he had no chance on 3rd and 4 when the Chargers were in his face upon receiving the snap. Leinart looked relaxed and drove the team down the field, but like Warner and St. Pierre rushed his throws in the red zone...at least for incompletions not turnovers. Leinart looks very much in control of the #2 spot at this point.
RB (4): Hightower, Stephens-Howling, Wright, Wells. Whiz would probably just want to keep three here, but Wells' ankle injury makes keeping three a risky decision. Hightower is dispelling the notion that he's not a starting RB, for he looks very good in that role. LSH secured his roster spot last night, and is the speed #3 RB option. Wright played a better game and was also good on STs. Wells will make the roster, obviously, but right now, he may be inactive for the first couple of weeks.
Note: I also sat up and took notice of Chris Vincent last night. he ran very hard...maybe too hard on a couple of occasions...and he did fumble (picked up by Dominique Byrd)...but he looks swift and strong.
FB (1): Kreider. Didn't help his cause as a receiver out of the backfield, but did block well, which is his ticket to the roster.
TE (3): Pope, Spach, Byrd. Pope made two good catches last night even though he should have been able to advance the ball for a TD on the first one. The team is looking for him and throwing to him which means the coaches have faith in him. Spach has earned Whiz's faith and trust, while he gets back in good football condition. And Byrd not only has displayed good receiving ability, he's contributing on ST, which is a real plus.
If Spach does not hold up, he could be put on the IR in favor of keeping Anthony Becht, who hasn't yet played to his potential as the designated run blocker.
There's a chance too that the Cardinals may only keep two TEs for the first four weeks until Ben Patrick returns.
WR (7): Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston, Urban, Long, Doucet, Morey. Fitzgerald and Boldin look to be in tip-top condition. The team missed Breaston last night. Urban has had a great camp, as have Long and Doucet (who returned to action to make two nice plays). Morey even had a nice catch and run on Leinart's drive, but did his best work lead blocking for LSH on the two long kickoff returns.
OL (8): Gandy, Wells, Sendlein, Lutui, L. Brown, Keith, H. Johnson, and TBD (either Vallejo, E. Brown, or Fowler). While keeping only eight OL is not preferable, the durability of the first unit, combined with the less than stellar play of the second unit, and very good play at other positions, may make the coaches go with eight and keep two or three o-linemen on the practice squad (Canfield, Pierce and Claxton?).
If the team elects to keep Vallejo, thinking that he will be able to return by week three or so, the plan may be to switch Levi Brown to LT and insert Herman Johnson at RT, if Mike Gandy gets dinged. But, Gandy has been a model of durability, so this strategy hopefully will be moot. The great news is that Johnson has played well at RT. He's been steady in all aspects of his game, and thus could be activated on game days. Brandon Keith has been solid and will be the backup guard to both Wells and Lutui...and could possibly kick out to tackle if needed.
Elton Brown needs to pick his game up fast. He's been inconsistent and is playing too heavy at guard...and looks too slow and bulky to play tackle. If he could play center if needed, that would likely secure him a roster spot, but has Brown been tried to date at center in practice?
Still waiting for C Melvin Fowler to make his case...and probably has the best chances of making the roster if he delivers.
NT (3): Robinson, Watson, Branch. Robinson looks trimmed down and much quicker this year, which is great. Nice sack last night. Watson still looks a little out of shape, but made a couple of nice plays last night. And I thought Branch made a positive impact on last night's game, particularly on the goal-line stand. And the thing is, Branch and Robinson can also play DE if needed...which is why the Cardinals may only keep 3 DEs.
DE (3): Dockett, Campbell, Iwebema. Dockett and Campbell were outstanding last night. Iwebema is playing very aggressively and is showing good, speedy reactions to the ball. He also led LSH nicely up the field on the kickoff returns.
The wild card here remains Keilen Dykes...but he'd better get on the field quickly or he is headed for the IR. Another frustrating injury scenario, which has definite roster implications..
ILB (4): Hayes, Dansby, Togafau, Hobson. Hayes and Dansby played well again last night and seem to be relishing Bill Davis' system. Togafau was impressive...and this time he played very physically, which was great to see. In fact, he stood a couple of runners up last night, when he normally might have gone low on the tackles instead. Plus, Togafau remains a solid ST player. Hobson had a nice sack and a great stop at the goal-line. His versatility is appealing.
Ali Highsmith needs to play his way back on this week and very well can if he has a good game, but his injury situation may be factor working aganist him...that and other players who offer just as much as he does on STs. Reggie Walker stepped up nicely and has likely secured himself a spot on the PS. Chase Bullock made a nice tackle in the game and he too could be a PS signee.
OLB (5): Haggans, Okeafor, C. Brown, Davis, Berry. Haggans made a nice tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Okeafor looks like he's in much better shape and looks quicker this year. Brown has been defending the run pretty well and Davis has shown good pressure ability, as he made a great play to pressure Whitehurst last night, even after getting sucked in a little on a bootleg. Still waiting for Bertrand Berry to come out from his hibernation.
CB (4): Rodgers-Cromartie, McFadden, Adams, Toler. DRC and BMF were well rested last night. Adams, IMO, has emerged as the #3 CB...gotta love the physical way he forces the run and other than the one jump ball he got beat on last week, he's been stride for stride on his man consistently. Not quite the same with Ralph Brown. Adams and Toler may figure into the nickel and dime defenses the way Ralph Brown did last year...however, don't forget that the main nickel back will be Antrel Rolle.
Toler is raw, no doubt, but he plays physically and he is starting to get his feet under him. By mid-season this kid could be quite good.
S (5): Wilson, Rolle, Francisco, Lewis, Johnson. The great news is the Cardinals registered five sacks last night without having to send Wilson regularly. Rolle has been good at FS...but he needs to realize that the opponents are going to try to do exactly what Norv Turner did last night: play action and throw over the top of him for the deep post. Francisco made a nice stop on the 4th down during the goal-line stand and remains a ST ace. Lewis has been very good on STs, which, IMO, gives him the edge on Matt Ware. And Rashad Johson, despite dropping the interception, is showing good toughness and an ability to find himself around the ball. Plus, he's been making good tackles on STs.
ST (3) Rackers, Graham, Leach. Very good games from all three once again.
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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great stuff...... welcome to ROTB
I thought the exact same thing about BSP. He looked halfway decent until he threw that pick but it stayed with him for several drives as i think he realized he just blew his one shot. It’ll take a Leinart vs Oakland performance to give BSP any shot. At this point I think he has proven to be what most of us suspected.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 23, 2009 8:04 PM MDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Imagine...
What BSP must have felt going into this game. He’s been in the league as a #3 or PS QB for six years, never getting a whiff of action. Yet, he still has a belief that he can play, if given the chance. But, in Arizona he is playing behind a Super Bowl MVP and a Heisman Trophy Winner. Just the same he wants his chance…a chance that he was promised by his coach…which has not been a popular scenario with the fans.
He was lousy last week (and Whiz was right, he didn’t get a lot of help), but no one knows it more than he does. Last night was his big chance. Despite what had to be tremendous butterflies, he strikes gold on the very first play, a play that should have gone for a TD…but, alas, did not…and then two plays later he throws an interception on a pass he should have never thrown.
You could see it in his face…it was like all the air left his balloon.
He knew too that the crowd wanted Leinart.
But, I want to give this guy credit where credit is due. He picked himself up and managed to direct one of the better drives of the night in his last series. And, if you go back and watch that series, he was under intense pressure the whole time and was taking one hard shot after another.
On the 3rd and 4, he had no chance whatsoever…two Chargers were in his face as soon as he caught the snap.
So, I appreciate your objectivity Bezekira…that’s fair of you.
I just wish that one day, when he’s needed most, BSP delivers and has his NFL day in the sun…yes, the Arizona sun…even if it’s just for one glorious series or quarter or whatever.
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 23, 2009 8:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I was there, nobody wanted to see him.
It was really easy to hear all of the booing he got from the crowd [including myself], and all of the people begging Whiz to put Leinart in [again, including myself].
I don’t think Whiz can defend him very much, he was in the same situation last night as Leinart was in last week, and he blew it, while Leinart proved why we picked him in the first round of the draft and that he is going to be the future of the Franchise once Warner retires.
by JoeCB1991 on Aug 23, 2009 10:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point on BSP
He finally settled down and did pretty well considering that he was under massive pressure. Still though this game was his chance and whether it’s right or not, guys like him normally get one chance. It’ll be interesting if Whiz lets him take the #2 snaps again, but either way I think he’s in for another season as the emergency QB.
On another note, I’m so tired of watching Pope catch the ball with his chest and then look for a soft place to land. If he’d have snagged that pass with his hands, away from his body, he’d have been able to secure it, make a move and get into the endzone easily.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 6:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Few Exceptions...
QB – Based purely on eyeballs (& not politics) I’d rather have Palko as my #3 instead of BSP.
RB – Wright hasn’t shown us very much yet. Beanie’s health still an issue. I’m wondering out loud whether it’s more important to keep a second 3rd down back (Wright) on the roster or a backup thumper (in the form of a 2nd FB like Castillo)?
TE – What do we do when Patrick comes off suspension?
WR – You’ve listed 7 receivers. Some teams only carry 5. Barring injury, I think we can count on Fitz, Q, Breaston and Urban as locks. Which means a food fight for 2 remaining spots, among Doucet, Long, Morey with O Jones a long shot. The gut-wrenching decision will be whether Wiz is willing to sacrifice a reliable veteran who can also play special teams and will win at least one game for you (Morey) in order to keep 2 very promising #5 and #6 wideouts (probably Doucet and Long). And – if we keep More – who goes? Early? Or Lance? (Note – Look for Rod Graves to try to sneak Garvin onto the PS).
OL – Carrying a second center (Claxton or Fowler) is a no-brainer, so there goes your TBD. And I’m pretty sure E Brown is a lock to make the final roster.
DE – 3 is too thin. We’re going to need a 4th guy – I’m guessing Leisle or Dykes.
LB – We may have to sacrifice one spot in order to create a 4th opening for another DE. SInce Haggans can play either inside or outside, I’m guessing the battle for survival will be between Togafau and Hobson (both of whom are playing well). We may want to sacrifice one of our safeties in order to keep both backup ILB’s.
DB – Ware is outplaying Lewis. (Plus – Ware can play corner as well as safety). If we have to give up a S spot in order to keep Hobson and Togafau, Francisco (who always seems to make one play that saves his job, only to disappoint later on) may be on the bubble.
GBR
by jeffgollin@aol.com on Aug 24, 2009 8:42 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
RB — Wright had a great catch & run, hasn’t had too many other opportunities.
My vote still goes to Castille > Kreider. Had a tough catch across the middle, and his blocking looks much better than he is getting credit for.
TE — Pope didn’t look that good. Couple catches that could have gone farther and a key drop… not that Patrick or anyone else did better. Byrd’s fumble recovery was nice.
WR — Long is looking better and better to me, as well. That forced fumble was almost an MVP play, getting some blocks, much better production than last year…
DE — Why is 3 too thin? We only have 1 DE position ;)
LB — Togafau is getting around the play better but he also blew a couple tackles… I kinda like the idea of Walker or Bullock taking a spot from someone here.
DB — Have to agree. Never been much of a Ware fan, but he’s been good at getting to the ballcarrier so far. Looks like he has the edge over Lewis. If it’s between them and Adams, though, I am stickin’ with Adams.
by tw3kr on Aug 24, 2009 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll tenatively agree on the DE spot
Sure carrying only three sounds risky but if you at the NT and DE spot as a whole you’re talking about six bodies. Robinson and Branch are capable of playing DE but I do hope they find a way to keep Dykes.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Updated thoughts
Jeff: I think that a combination of 6 NT/DEs is good, seeing as Branch and Robinson can play DE if necessary. If Keilen Dykes returns and is as good as the coaches have said, that could change the dynamic there.
I am having a hard time accepting the love for Palko after one quarter of play. Yes, he was exciting…but he also nearly avoided a couple of other interceptions on batted balls and a couple of forced throws. BSP knows the system like the back of his hand. Yes, he’s struggled in his two appearances thus far, but he’d be a far wiser choice to start if what happened two years ago happens again. The other thing is: BSP is a lot better than what we have seen thus far. He’s clearly pressing right now.
Plus, Palko can spend a year on the PS and be ready to take over the #3 next year if BSP moves on.
You made an interesting point about Matt Ware…he was the one who recovered Antrel Rolle’s fumble on the punt at Pittsburgh, and he’s stil in the nickel package…but Lewis has stood out more on the defense the first two games, IMO. It’s going to be a close decision, that’s for sure.
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 24, 2009 12:31 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Ware vs. Lewis
The battle at the backup safeties spot should be very interesting. I can say that I’ve never seen Matt Ware around the ball as much as he’s been over the past two games. I remember at one point early during the Steelers game I saw #22 lined up close to the line of scrimmage and then blitz on the snap and I had to rewind it to even make sure what I was seeing. Ware seems like he’s taking a much more active role so far. Lewis has flashed a couple of times too, especially on some blitzes so it’ll be interesting to see who emerges. Francisco, Ware and Lewis seem like they’re all right there in a scrum for two spots.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 12:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot
do you think Palko would make it to the PS? The Saints kept him as their #3 when he was an undrafted rookie so I gotta think that some team might take a run at him.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, Palko is PS eligible
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 26, 2009 7:08 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 on BSP
I’m sure he could run plays in his sleep, I’m not sure how accurately though. In the end though, I’d feel more comfortbale with BSP as the 3rd string QB instead of Palko, although I’d like to see what he’s got.
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Aug 24, 2009 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bezekira
The knock on Palko is his lack of height, which is why he wasn’t drafted. I think it would be highly unlikely that he would be picked up off waivers.
He’s the type of QB that a good innovative coach like Whiz would cater the offense to…as in running many more bootlegs, sprint outs and waggles, in order to create clearer passing lanes for him.
I could even see Whiz at some point using Palko in a Wildcat type variation, because the kid has pretty decent wheels and shiftiness and can throw the ball well off play action.
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 24, 2009 12:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
huh kind of a two way street
I didn’t realize that Palko was kind of short (6-1) but Leinart (6-5) and BSP (6-3) certainly have him outmanned but KW is just 6-2. Of course maybe Micheal Adams dreams of another inch or two (in height, not length you sick muthers).
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 1:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't see Palko on PS
I don’t think the Cards will keep a 4th QB on the practice squad. They will either keep 2 on active and 1 on PS or all 3 on 53.
MBN
by mbn on Aug 24, 2009 9:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Trade?
Now that it appears that WOLB Cody Brown is out for the season, an iffy set of edge rushers just got weaker.
The problem the Cardinals are facing is that this year they cannot rely on waivers to pick good players up. Why? 30 other teams would have to pass on the player for the Cardinals to be awarded a waiver claim. That’s what happens when you play in the Super Bowl.
Thus, the only way it would appear that the Cardinals could add another legitimate edge rusher is via a trade.
The questions then become:
(1) what Cardinals’ players might other teams be interested in?
(2) which players might the Cardinals be willing to trade?
(2) what teams might be interested in a trade?
(3) would the Cardinals be willing to offer 2010 draft picks?
The first thought is Kansas City…seeing as Todd Haley is not happy at all with his current group of WRs.
Obviously, the Cardinals are not going to trade #11, #81 or #15.
But what about Jerheme Urban? Or Lance Long? Or Early Doucet?
Would it be possible for the Cardinals to package one of the WRs and perhaps a player that Clancy Pendergast likes, say Ralph Brown (who thrived in CP’s nickel last year), for example, for DE/OLB Tamba Hali?
Hali only had three sacks last year (after 15.5 in his first two years)…but…teams were able to double team him more often because Jared Allen was gone.
Can any of you think of other scenarios? Other players? Other teams?
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 24, 2009 1:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
We certainly have the room at WR
and need bodies at olb.
by badmatty53 on Aug 24, 2009 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe the Steelers would cut an OLB worthy of a roster spot?
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 24, 2009 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The wire should be hot
I wouldn;t be surprised to see them bring in a handful of players off of the wire, especially for the PS.
MBN
by mbn on Aug 24, 2009 9:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bezekira, Regarding Steelers' LBs
The one problem may be that the Cardinals will have a tough time acquiring players via waivers, seeing as the 30 teams above them would have to pass on them for the Cardinals to be awarded the claim.
That said, here are the backup LBs on the Steelers (perhaps one or two of them wil be waived):
55 Patrick Bailey (6-4, 235, 2, Duke): Played in 12 games last year as a rookie. Was very good on STs.
53 Bruce Davis (6-3, 252, 2, UCLA). 3rd Rd. pick in ’08, struggled converting from college DE to NFL OLB. Has pass rush ability from the edge.
57 Keyaron Fox (6-3, 235, 6, Georgia Tech). Backup inside LB who was perhaps their best ST player.
54 Andre Frazier (6-5, 245, 5, Cincinnati). Was a UCFA in ’05 and has been around for a few years as a backup. Was active for 15 games last year.
97 Arnold Harrison (6-3, 241, 4, Georgia). A player the Steelers signed as a UCFA in ’05…is coming off ACL injury last year.
95 Donovan Woods (6-2, 230, 2, Oklahoma St.). Backup inside LB the Steelers signed last year as a UCFA.
Two other UCFAs this year: Tom Korte (Hillside) and Andy Schantz (6-1, 235, ILB, Portland St.).
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 26, 2009 6:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm, so interesting names
I forgot about being so low on the waiver wire. With so many other teams moving to the 3-4 this year, I’d bet we’ll have a hard time getting anyone of value.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 26, 2009 7:10 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Aug 26, 2009 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great research!
Section 102, Row 18
by CardsFan08 on Aug 26, 2009 5:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would it matter which team it is?
The players still have to pass all the way through waivers.
by Brendan Scolari on Aug 29, 2009 11:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
my 53
QB (3) – Warner, Leinart & BSP – Palko is the popular choice here, but I think BSP isn’t in danger of losing his spot and does have experience on his side.
RB (4) – Hightower, Wells, LSH & Wright – Wright’s ability in pass protection gets him on the squad.
FB (1) – Kreider – He is a Whisenhunt guy and right or wrong he beats out Castille.
TE (3) – Spach, Becht & Pope – Patrick takes Pope’s spot when he comes back from suspension. I would like to see Byrd make the roster, but I don’t think he has shown enough to unseat the others in front of him. Becht makes the roster based solely on his experience and his reported run blocking skill.
WR (6) – Fitz, Boldin, Breaston, Urban, Doucet, Long – Morey is supplanted by Lance Long in an unpopular and difficult choice by the coaching staff. Both Morey and Onrea Jones get picked up by the Chiefs.
OL (9) – Gandy, L. Brown, Wells, Lutui, Sendlein, Keith, H. Johnson, E. Brown & Vallejo – I don’t see the staff trying to get by with only 8 O-line bodies. I could see Fowler taking Elton Brown’s roster spot here. If Vallejo can’t start the season maybe both Fowler and E. Brown are there until Vallejo returns.
NT (3) – Robinson, Watson & Branch – Branch has done just enough to get our hopes up for another year, anyone taking odds he disappoints yet again??
DE/DT (4) – Dockett, Campbell, Iwebema & Dykes – I still believe the coaching staff when they say Dykes will be back. If he isn’t ready for the beginning of the season I think Leslie makes the squad for the last body on the D-line, at least until Dykes returns.
ILB (4) – Dansby, Hayes, Togafau & Highsmith – There isn’t a another spot on either side of the ball with such a disparity between our starters and our reserves. Either Highsmith and Togafau step up their game or they will be looking for a new job, in fact Hobson could very well be the top reserve for ILB although I have him listed at OLB. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cards look for another answer on the waiver wire after the final round of cuts.
OLB (5) – Haggans, Okeafor, Davis, Hobson & Berry – Berry only makes the cut because of Cody Brown’s apparent injury.
CB (4) – DRC, McFadden, Adams & Toler – Adams takes Ralph Brown’s roster spot in one of the biggest preseason surprises on the team. Again the top reserve is listed at another position with Rolle being our nickel corner. Toler has the ability to pass Adams on the depth chart toward the end of the season, similiar to DRC’s rise up the depth chart last year.
S (4) – Wilson, Rolle, Francisco & R. Johnson – Lewis and Ware both get cut on my roster making room for an extra body on the D-line. Both players should find their way onto another team’s roster within the first couple of weeks.
ST (3) – Rackers, Graham & Leach – We are lucky to have finally found our punter in Graham.
"There are preachermen on TV in a suit and a tie, they tell you to send your money to the Lord, but they give you their address" Hank Williams Jr.
by StuckinColorado on Aug 24, 2009 1:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Another Francisco guy, all right
The thing with LSH now is that, after seeing him return those kicks, how many teams are gonna let him get through to the PS, if Whiz even considers that as an option at this point? It’s getting harder and harder to rule him out (a good thing).
Kreider is a beast of a man, I will give him that. His stiff-arm-to-the-face on the one catch he didn’t drop was fun to watch.
Hadn’t considered Adams actually taking Brown’s spot. As much as Brown seemed to find favor last year, I could also see this… Adams seems to play better out in the open and on the long stretches, whereas Brown really only stands a chance on short yardage situations where his lack of speed isn’t as much of a hindrance. Plus, Adams’ special teams play means Brown is looking more and more expendable… Hmm. Not convinced yet, but gimme another game or two.
by tw3kr on Aug 24, 2009 11:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good call
Your picks are almost exactly like mine. A couple of possible variations.
TE: I think Pope is gone so the Cards will carry Spach and Becht and Byrd and give them 4 more games to see which one will not be cut when Patrick comes back.
Center: If they keep a 2nd center I think E. Brown is the odd one out.
ILB: I think there is a chance that they will only keep Togafau (cut Highsmith) and Use Hobson as depth at both ILB and OLB. That will free them up to keep another DB, maybe Ware or Adams (although my money would be on Ware. He can play both ST and in dime.)
MBN
by mbn on Aug 25, 2009 8:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't we resign Elton Brown in the off season?
Can’t imagine they’d already cut him.
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Aug 26, 2009 9:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeh, but...
They signed a lot of people in the spring that won’t be on the team in the fall. I don’t think E. Brown had any significant guaranteed money.
MBN
by mbn on Aug 27, 2009 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Like Your Roster
I agree with your choices…I really like all of them.
If we are being realistic about Whiz’s choices, there are three things to consider:
(1) Who’s the backup center?
(2) There’s no way he will cut Morey.
(3) Whiz/Davis will keep at least 9 DBs.
How would you tailor your roster to adrress these three things?
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 24, 2009 2:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Here you go
Obviously we don’t know for sure what the coaching staff is going to do, but I believe they will keep 9 O-Line and 7 D-line players to accomodate injuries and rotations. I also was looking to keep 9 LB’s, again for more player rotation and, typically, the combination of size and speed of LB’s can be very useful on special teams play.
But to respond
1 – The center position is backed up by, in order, Fowler, Wells & E. Brown.
2 – In my scenario, if Whiz does keep Morey, Long won’t make the roster. Either way whoever gets cut will be a hot commodity on the waiver wire. It will be a difficult decision but I can’t see them using 7 roster spots for WR.
3 – If they opt to keep one more DB I think Highsmith is the odd man out with Lewis making the roster in a tough fought battle between him, Ware and R. Brown. I really don’t see them keeping another CB with Rolle moving to play nickel corner in many formations and I think Lewis’s versatility will keep Ware from making the team.
"There are preachermen on TV in a suit and a tie, they tell you to send your money to the Lord, but they give you their address" Hank Williams Jr.
by StuckinColorado on Aug 24, 2009 2:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Madden??
I was just looking at old posts and it occurred to me that the new Madden 2010 is already out, can someone post who they have for the final 53 man roster?? I think it would be interested to see how our rosters hold up to theirs.
"There are preachermen on TV in a suit and a tie, they tell you to send your money to the Lord, but they give you their address" Hank Williams Jr.
by StuckinColorado on Aug 26, 2009 9:49 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll try to find it.
Their roster is terrible though. They don’t have Morey or Leach on the team. They also left out Toler, LSH, and Will Davis. In fact, I don’t even know how they came up with their roster.
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Aug 26, 2009 10:12 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they didn't spend much time on it...
They’ll just put out an update with the actual rosters once the season starts won’t they? Why bother spending too much time (or any time really) trying to guess the last few guys
by manphibian on Aug 26, 2009 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think thats how they are going to do it. But I am annoyed that they are still missing Hightower’s picture, there are also some stats missing for a lot of players [doesn’t mention Pierres last year here in his team history, Favre and Vick are missing all of their previous team data either]
by JoeCB1991 on Aug 26, 2009 12:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both Long and Doucet Make This Roster
Anquan Boldin is now a scratch for Friday night’s game due to a hammy tweak in yesterday’s practice. Stevie Breaston is out as well. Larry Fitzgerald and Jerheme Urban will start, and Lance Long and Early Doucet will follow. IMO, both Long and Doucet were alreasy worthy of roster spots and now that Boldin and Breaston are not at 100%, the team needs added depth at the WR position.
I think we are going to see Kurt Warner play one or two series into the second quarter…then Matt Leinart for the rest of the second quatter and all of the third…and then Tyler Palko for the fourth. BSP’s back has been bothering him…it would seem best to sit him out of this one and have him play a quarter or more at Denver.
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 26, 2009 3:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Glad to read your posts again Mitch
Mitch – I have been a long time fan of yours posts (even though I have never posted before…this is my first time!). I am so happy to see your insites on this board….I will no longer use my link to that other board. Its an exciting time to be a Cardinal Fan although I am surrounded by Bears fans! Keep up the great work!
by plainfieldBobCard on Aug 26, 2009 8:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to ROTB plainfield
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Aug 27, 2009 10:32 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Bob!
This board is great. The posters are knowledgeable and respectful. The lead articles are well written, well researched and timely. And everyone here has a voice. Glad yours is one of them now. Don’t hold back. Your thoughts are important.
Take care,
Mitch
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 26, 2009 9:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
This Week's Additions and Subtractions
At this point I think the Cardinals really need to do some personnel homework and find ways to add the following:
1. OLB Edge Rusher.
2. Cover 2 FS…to pair with Rashad Johnson, who, IMO, should start right now at FS. Move #21 up to SS and #24 over to a hybrid rover/moster spot. Playing the deep ball has to be #1 priority, that and getting much better pressure on the QB. Still 0 turnovers in 3 games. Says it all.
3. CB to replace Ralph Brown, who is not cutting it…really dogged it last night.
4. ILB…to take Pago Togafau’s place…too bad he broke his foot last night. But. Reggie Walker made the team the last two weeks. What a great tackle he made at the goal-line!
5. DE…situational pass rusher to take Bertrand Berry’ place. Berry was the Ralph Brown of the DL last night…and all pre-season.
Updated Roster:
QB (3): 13, 7, 2.
RB (4): 34, 26, 31, 36
FB (1): 35
WR (6): 11, 81, 15, 85, 80, 87. Lance Long needs a big bounce back game next week to get back on.
TE (3): 82, 84, 39. Spach too.
OL (8): 69, 74, 63, 76, 75, 72, 67, 50. Ross played better this week, still has a chance. E Brown, less so.
NT (3): 97, 78, 98. Watson was awful last night. Something seems out of whack with him the way he was getting blown off the ball, esp. in the goal-line D.
DE (3): 90, 93, 91 (78-Branch plays here too—-he was in the 4 man pass rush at DT last night as well).
ILB (4): 54, 58, 55, TBD.
OLB (5): 53, 56, 59, 57, TBD. (Maybe adding 2 edge rushers here)
CB (5): 29, 25, 27, 32, TBD.
S (5): 24, 21, 47, 41, TBD.
ST (3): 1, 5, 48.
NFC Champs
by Mitch09 on Aug 29, 2009 2:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
after preliminary cuts... (in depth chart order)
QBs warner, leinart, st. pierre
RBs hightower, wells, wright, LSH
FBs castille
WRs fitz, boldin, breaston, urban, doucet, morey
TEs spach, byrd, becht
OTs gandy, brown, johnson
OGs wells, lutui, keith
Cs sendlein
NTs robinson, watson, branch
DEs dockett, campbell, iwebema
ILBs dansby, hayes, hobson
OLBs okeafor, haggans, berry, davis
CBs DRC, mcfadden, toler
Ss wilson, rolle, johnson
K rackers
P graham
LS leach
seven spots left. the contenders:
E. Brown
Fowler
Pope
Adams
Long
Francisco
R. Brown
Dykes
Highsmith
Walker
I think cut Pope, Dykes and Highsmith if he doesn’t recover.
by beanbaglovers on Aug 31, 2009 2:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Castille out and put Kreider in but here are the other seven
Fowler, Brown, Francisco, Dykes, Walker, Adams, Highsmith
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Aug 31, 2009 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
did you see castille's cut block on beanie's touchdown?
i think he’s ready – i just don’t think we should put such an injury prone guy as the lone fullback. we’ve carried two very healthy ones for the last two years. if we cut down to one i find it hard to think we’re going to pick the oldest and most infirm…
do you think we should cut long? also which brown are you referring to?
by beanbaglovers on Aug 31, 2009 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
decent point on Castille....
- Yea, as much as i like Long, I don’t think carrying him as a 7th WR does him or us any good.
- Ralph Brown
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Sep 1, 2009 6:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
the way i look at the fight for 53
L is a Lock.
QB 3: Warner (L), Matt (L), SB (L)
HB 4: beanie (L), hightower (L), LSH (L), former cle guy whos name i can’t remember maybe its wright (L)
FB 1: don’t know but i know it will be 1 for sure
WR 6: Fitz (L), Q (L), Breston (L), Urban (L), Morey (L), Doucet. we don’t need 7 WR’s with our top 3.
TE 3: not counting patrick. Spach (L), Becht, Byrd
OL 9: Gandy (L), Wells (L), sendlein (L), Lutui (L), Levi (L), Keith (L), Johnson (L), Fowler, and Brown (Ross reminds me of Davis) could add him though to make 10
DL 6: Dockett (L), Calais (L), Bryan (L), Iweberna (L), Watson (L), Branch (dyrkes is in the bullpen ready to come in for Branch)
LB 9: Dansby (L), Hayes (L), Haggans (L), Okeafor (L), Berry (L), Davis (L), Hobson, Walker need a lot of LB’s in a 3-4
DB 9: DRC (L), McFadden (L), Wilson (L), Rolle (L), Johnson (L), Brown (L), Francisco, Toler, Adams (in this spot you could maybe take only 8 being that rolle can play nickle corner allowing an extra lineman or TE but i want 6CB’s being that we don’t use TE’s much and are lineman are good)
ST 3: Rackers (L), Punter Gram (L), long snapper (L) (sorry forgot name)
so thats 53 with 39 "player" locks
on my excel sheet i got at least 46 "positions" locked meaning that there has to be at least this amount at each position. i also list the bouble or remaining that could get into that position.
My 53-man ——— Locks -—— Bouble 0
QB 3———————-3—————
RB 4———————-4—————- 0
FB 1———————-1—————- 1
TE 3———————-3—————- 1 not counting ben patrick who is suspendend
WR 6———————-6—————- 1
OL 9———————-8—————- 2
DL 6———————-6—————- 1
LB 9———————-7—————- 4
DB 9———————-6—————- 6
ST 3———————-3 -————— 0
Total 53—————46—————— 22
so the way i see it you have 7 extra position spots to make 53. so u must ask should we keep 4 TE’s or 7WR’s or 10OL’s or whatever?
just thought i could give people a perspective on how the roster could break down.
by cinsana88 on Sep 2, 2009 12:59 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
two more DB's
forgot to fix that i figure 8 DB’s (4 safeties and 4CB’s) for locks. so that makes 5 extra position spots.
by cinsana88 on Sep 2, 2009 1:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS
i copied my last post from a previous post i did.
by cinsana88 on Sep 2, 2009 1:04 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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