State Of The Arizona Cardinals Roster: Offensive Tackles
by Andrew602 on Feb 10, 2010 2:06 PM MST
in NFL Offseason/Free Agency
Email
PrintPerhaps one of the biggest offseason needs this year will be at the ends of the offensive line. The Cardinals have been projected to select a tackle with the 26th overall pick of the NFL draft to solidify a need they've had for quite some time. How far the Cardinals willing to go to fix their offensive line issues is a question most fans have asked. A case can be made for the depth they already have. Hermon Johnson could make the switch to tackle if needed, but it's unlikely. Brandon Keith is young and has been rumored to start at right tackle next season with Levi moving to the left side. Let's take a look at the Cardinals offensive tackle situation.
As something new, I'll be adding player season grades in each State of the Roster segment.
Mike Gandy
Age and 2009 Stats: 31-years old (01/03/1979) - 8 sacks allowed(42.5 yds), 8 pen(70 yds)
Contract Status: 2010 Free Agent
2009 Analysis: Mike Gandy was originally signed as a stopgap but at the age of 31, he's become a liability on offense. This past year, Gandy faced his share of injuries, and ended his final year on the injured reserve. He has also struggled against the better pass rushers in the league, with the Super Bowl coming to mind. He allowed eight sacks in just twelve games, while also committing eight penalties with five being holding calls.
2010 Outlook: Gandy's end in Arizona seems inevitable. He's set to become a free agent and all reports point to the 31-year old veteran walking away from the team. At his age and current health risk, Gandy will likely be signed as a back up for another team.
Season Grade: D
Levi Brown
Age and 2009 Stats: 25-years old (03/16/1984) - 7 sacks allowed(58 yds), 10 pen(66 yds)
Contract Status: Signed through 2012
2009 Analysis: Brown - the former fifth overall pick - finished his third season with the Cardinals allowing seven sacks. Although the number may seem high, in the previous two seasons Brown allowed a combined 19 sacks. He struggled at times throughout the year with pass protection and most Cardinal fans aren't sure if he'll ever live up to the expectations. Where he was successful however, was run-support. To Cardinal fan's demise, Brown was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate at right tackle, largely because of the Cardinals success running the ball. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower both combined for 385 rushing yards and six touchdowns running behind the right side of the line.
2010 Outlook: At the moment, Brown's future at tackle may be up in the air. Ken Whisenhunt reportedly entertained the idea of Brown making the switch to offensive guard, or even left tackle, but moving Brown leaves a glaring hole at the right tackle position. If Brown were to play guard, It would also mean that Deuce Lutui or Reggie Wells would be out of the equation. Either way, Brown will be the starter on the Cardinals offensive line for some time.
Season Grade: C+
Jeremy Bridges
Age and 2009 Stats: 29-years old (04/19/1980) - 2 sacks allowed(9 yds), 2 pen(25 yds)
Contract Status: 2010 Free Agent
2009 Analysis: After being brought in for offensive line depth last offseason, Jeremy Bridges didn't see much playing time until Mike Gandy left early against the Tennessee Titans. Against the Vikings in Bridges first start, he performed admirably against one of the better defensive ends in the league in Jared Allen. After Gandy was added to the injured reserve, Bridges was the full time starter at left tackle. Being nothing more then a back up, Bridges production at the end of the season and the playoffs was successful, but he'll need to improve if he wants to compete for a starting role next season.
2010 Outlook: Right now Bridges is set to become a free agent, and if he's re-signed, he is the heir to replace Mike Gandy. The Cardinals are still expected to pursue other options via free agency or the draft however. Should they find another starter, Bridges could revert back to his lesser role as a back up, or find work elsewhere.
Season Grade: B-
Brandon Keith
Age and 2009 Stats: 25 (11/21/1984)
Contract Status: Signed through 2010
2009 Analysis: Keith didn't see any action during the regular season, so it's hard to evaluate his 2009 production, however, coaches were impressed by his play in training camp and preseason.
2010 Outlook: If the Cardinals don't sign any additional tackles in the offseason, Keith is expected to compete with Bridges for the starting left tackle position. Keith will be in his third season and has had plenty of time to develop and learn from the sidelines.
2009 Grade: N/A
Possible Free Agents
- Jammal Brown - Brown missed most of the season for the New Orleans Saints, but before he faced injury, he was a Pro Bowler. He's only 29 and can bring both dominant run and pass blocking as long as he stays healthy.
- Jermon Bushrod - Bushrod was Brown's replacement for the year and filled in tremendously. He kept Drew Brees upright for most of the season and was a pivotal force in the running game. He's 26 and still has some learning to do however. I'm listed both because the Saints will likely have to make a decision on one of these tackles.
- Marcus McNeill - McNeill is restricted but he'll likely be looking for a bigger payday then what he's been used to(rookie contract). His past season wasn't as productive as previous years but he's till an above average tackle that has upside.
In all honesty, the Cardinals will likely sign a tackle in April's draft. The free agency pool doesn't look promising and the Cardinals won't be ready to dish out money if it's not to one of their own. What are your thoughts on the tackle position and how can the Cardinals fix the situation?
45 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Jammal or Jermon
sound like nice fits. What was the injury J Brown had to end his season? That may be a deciding factor. Also if you sign him you are signing him for 4 years max, then you have to go find a new LT.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Bushrod is a RFA
It’s time for Brandon Keith to assume a starting role. We’ve heard great things for two years and I want to see him finally get his chance.
Also, are you listing Herman Johnson as a guard?
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Jammal is also
Will the Saints bring back both? Yes, I’m listing him as a guard for now.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
If they're both restricted, why wouldn't they?
They’d both be relatively cheap and you can never have enough quality OT’s.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Levi at LT
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Levi at Left tackle. He played LT his entire career before coming to the Cardinals and is more comfortable in pass protection on the left side. He is a nasty run blocker. He demolishes DT’s when blocking down. He will not be protecting Matt’s blind side then. Put House at LG and you got a great run blocking combo on the left side. I don’t think House is going to have quick enough feet to play tackle. I remember him struggling at the senior bowl with some of the better pass rushers even though he looked pretty good in pre-season at right tackle.
That's what I've
been hearing as well. The thought supposedly has Levi moving to LT and Brandon Keith pushing for a starting job at RT, with House pushing either Wells or Lutui for a starting G position. However, I heard that rumor before Warner retired so I’ll be curious to see if Levi stays put at RT.
All in all, I don’t see OL being as big of a need as other positions. This will unintentionally stir the shit, but I think Levi is progressing pretty well, and will be one of the better tackles in the league next season.
Is Levi really a "nasty run blocker?"
I know that was the scouting report on him coming out of Penn State but I haven’t really seen any evidence that he’s an above average run blocker. He may show flashes at times but being inconsistent in every aspect of the game is really the only thing he does consistently.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I don't see Levi moving
I think it’s too late, he has been at RT his entire career in AZ and to move him now I think would be counter productive. Also looking at his numbers, he really struggled in the beginning of the season but shored things up at the end of the season (reasonably). The last sack he gave up was against St. Louis in Week 16. And against NO he only allowed a rusher to get to the QB once. And against GB he played well in pass protection. So, I think there is hope here. He is a better run blocker than pass blocker but he isn’t dominate. I think we will be okay with Levi.
I won’t even get into Gandy’s numbers. They are ugly. Very, very, ugly. Gandy’s only good games came against Seattle. Other than that he allowed a lot of pass rushers to get to Warner. His worst game was the Colts. But than again, our entire line got eaten up alive by the Colts.
Bridges did alright. He struggled against NO allowing 4 QB’s pressures and 1 QB hit. And he struggled against Jake Long in St. Louis, but other than that he was okay, mediocre. Without a full season to rate its difficult to say, but from the numbers he is a big upgrade over Gandy in pass protection. Definitely a down grade in the run game, so what to do there?
Wells needs to be replaced. He struggled in every aspect of the game. Not much more to say, other than I don’t expect to see him starting. And if he is, our line might be in a sad state.
Lutui was actually our best run blocker (behind Gandy, suprised? I was too) but was pretty bad in pass protection. Though he largely improved in his past coverage in the second half of the season with his only bad game being against the Packers. Against NO he didn’t play well, but he didn’t play terribly. So I am very hopeful for Lutui.
Sendlein also did well in run blocking, granted he allowed a little too much pressure up the middle for a center, he is young and another year with Grimm will make him better. Next year will be his fourth and I think his most telling season. I don’t think we need an upgrade here.
Looking at it, many teams struggled last year in protection and only the teams with top flight QB’s who could make quick reads and decisions were the ones to flourish (expect Aaron Rodgers. Looking at his numbers, the guy was spectacular. MVP-esk). So I think we are going to struggle in pass protection next season pretty much no matter what and I think it will be compounded because Leinart will not get rid of the ball fast enough like Warner did. BUT our line is actually decent at run blocking, upgrade Wells and our other Wells could have a very productive season.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Feb 11, 2010 7:46 AM MST up reply actions
I think it’s too late, he has been at RT his entire career in AZ and to move him now I think would be counter productive.
I think Leonard Davis would beg to differ. Guys change positions midway through their career (Antrel Rolle anyone?) and I think keeping an open mind and trying to put players in the best possible situation to succeed should be priority number one.
Think of it this way, Brown has 43 games of starting experience at right tackle and I think most of would agree that he’s average at best, and I’m sure there’s a large section that would rate him as below average. At this point in his career can we really expect him to improve or is his current play what we should expect for the rest of his career?
I tend to think that after three full starting seasons, he pretty much is what he is. Expecting him to dramatically improve seems pretty far fetched. With that in mind, I wouldn’t mind seeing him take snaps at every position on the OL outside of center. If he can’t handle the other roles then he can always fall be on being a mediocre RT, but what’s the harm in seeing if he can become a much better guard or a better LT?
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Good point.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Feb 11, 2010 9:27 AM MST up reply actions
An average player?!?!
Brown and Deuce are considered one the BEST right tackle, right guard combos in the entire league! Sure he struggles against some speed rushers but, have you seriously watched his work in the running game? The guy is a road grater! And that’s the reason he was an pro bowl alternate. These guys are the only two on this line that can hold their own against decent defensive lines in this league and they two are clearly the strength of the line. If he’s average then what are the other guys? Well, never mind I already know the answer to that!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 11, 2010 4:47 PM MST up reply actions
+1
It seems as though most on here are still holding his slow start to the season against him. His play over the second half of the year earned his Pro Bowl alternate status.
I still remember a lot of the guys giving Gandy credit for Leinart’s lack of weakside pressure in the Tennessee game.
Are you replying to me?
Because A, I didn’t call them average. And B, they are.
Look at the numbers and compare them to guys around the league and they are average. I hate to rely on numbers but they don’t lie.
The only thing I can argue is that our run attempts weren’t as high as many other teams SO it is possible with more run attempts their numbers could be much improved. Basically all I am saying is that we have a below average pass protection line and a good run blocking line. And that we need to upgrade Wells, badly.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Feb 11, 2010 9:29 PM MST up reply actions
hhhmmm
If you didn’t say there were average, why are you replying? You also don’t know what your talking about if you think both are average! how did brown become a pro bowl alternate? by default? geeez!!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 12, 2010 5:52 PM MST up reply actions
where
have you seen that Brown and Deuce are “one the BEST right tackle, right guard combos in the entire league!”?
A statement like that needs some proof, not just your opinion.
I have first hand knowledge from NFL COACHES!
First and foremost, I’m a current d-line coach at the division 2 level in college. Secondly, at the many nfl coaches clinics I attended, I often inquire about the cardinals talent base particularly, the offensive line and defensive line. I also was an honorable mention all big 8 noseguard in the 80’s. Now those are my credentials, what are yours?
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 12, 2010 5:49 PM MST up reply actions
that's great
it’s all still hearsay.
Why don’t you ask your many, many sources to go on record and tell us that. Or point to an article that states that.
If it’s so well known, then why are you the only one that’s heard this?
I
don’t think Levi is well suited to play LT. Sorry to say but he is the worst RT in the NFL and allowed 11 sacks on his side this season. That doesn’t translate good enough to play at LT. That was just Levi himself because the Cardinals had no problems at OG and OC so I don’t see much or any changes allowed there besides maybe depth. I would like to see what Brandon Keith is capable of at LT. Then I can see a mid round pick taken for another OT to groom along.
What?!?!?
The worst RT in the game?! First of all, did you watch the games? brown didn’t yield11 sacks this season and I’m curious to where you got those numbers. To suggest that this team has no issues with the left guard or center is laugh out loud hilarious! it appears that you don’t watch the line play during the course of a game! Hopefully the front office doesn’t share your sentiment!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 11, 2010 4:56 PM MST up reply actions
If Leinart is the presumed starter...
..then what does his left-handedness do to the LT/RT positions?
places more importance on the RT because that becomes the blind side
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
if
you can’t block speed rushers anyway, doesn’t matter what side you’re on.
by KDean75 on Feb 11, 2010 7:51 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
You'll have
to refresh my memory as to which speed rushers he’s faced. He’s lined up on the strong side of the formation his entire career to this point, and speed rushers line up on the weak side.
The entire game?
I think not. Pass rushers move around a lot on the film. Check the film.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Feb 11, 2010 9:30 PM MST up reply actions
Which ones?
Clarify that, if you will. With the way Gandy played this past season (granted, he played injured) there would have been no reason at all to move a speed rusher to the strong side against us. The only time they typically move is if they’re going against a wall (for example, Tony Boselli), and it’s necessary to get them away from him. But moving the smaller, quicker DE to the strong side now puts them against both the RT and the TE.
Too much of the criticism leveled against Brown is unfounded.
i don't know
a good resource to search for this, but looking really quick at the left defensive ends and their sack totals for the games against the Cards (I didn’t do every game, maybe about half of the games), here are 3 names.
Robert Mathis, P. Kearny, and something called J. Hunter from Detroit.
Again, I don’t have access nor do I know where to find sacks against, but that’s what I found looking quickly at box scores. Obviously that’s not going to count stunts, blitzes, etc.
But I’d say both Mathis and Kearny are pretty quick, in particular Mathis and Hunter’s listed as 6’4" or something and 271 lbs. which would lead me to believe he MIGHT be quick given his size.
those aren't speed rushers!
Look, I do recall him giving up a few sacks, but I need to review film to get a better understanding what the situation was. On the one i do remember, warner held on to the ball too long and thats a coverage sack! kearney is one of the very best pass rushers in the game and the same goes for mathis! But to say that brown is average goes beyond absurd! earlier, I explained where I got my information from and if you don’t respect actual NFL coaches opinions of the guy then, I’m done debating this with you.
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 12, 2010 7:55 PM MST up reply actions
one of the best
pass rushers in the game doesn’t get 5 sacks in a year.
You hit it
on the head when you mentioned stunts, blitzes, etc. Oftentimes, as fans, we think we may know who was responsible for picking up certain schemes but more often than not we’re wrong when things start getting that technical. It can look like a certain lineman is to blame when in reality he made a last second attempt to cover someone else’s mistake. Like lifelongcardfan points out, you have to account for coverage sacks as well.
There’s no debating that our run game improved significantly last season, and I don’t think there is a logical debate as to who our best run blockers are. I think it’s time to acknowledge that Brown earned his selection as a Pro Bowl alternate, and with three experience under his belt the improvement he has shown should continue as he moves into the prime of his career.
Hermann johnson is not a tackle
I really hope we don’t make the same mistake we made with leonard davis. He played so badly with us at tackle, moved to guard in Dallas and has made multiple pro bowls (although it’s great seeing him make stupid penalties down the stretch and lose them games). I hope we never play a guy at tackle when it’s so obvious he should be a guard
by najmsh on Feb 11, 2010 8:52 AM MST via mobile reply actions
I don't think we know exactly what Herman Johnson is yet
but if Whiz and Grimm think he has the potential to play tackle, I’ll believe them for now.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Without really contributing to this post about our current line...
I just want to say I hope I’m still alive the day the Cardinals FINALLY have the leagues most dominant offensive line. I’ve spent time scouring my memories and all of the players we’ve gone through. I can not remember a time when we’ve been just absolutely dominant across the offensive line. What was it, 1996, when the Chiefs were simply punishing across the line? Around that time, Priest Holmes was destorying teams and we watched a Colts/Chiefs playoff game without a single punt that was decided by an end of game fumble. The Chiefs had, I believe, 3 of their 5 offensive lineman in the Pro Bowl. The other 2 were either alternates or close to being named alternates. Thanks to the late fumble, they were eliminated and didn’t win the SB. But still, the line dominated.
I want to see the Cardinals have a line like that. I mean, honestly, lineman on average generally play longer than most other positions. At least, offensive lineman. We could spend 3-4 years drafting stud lineman and put together a young line that plays together as veterans for a good 5-6 years and dominates. Doing that joyous time, we could worry about every other key position knowing that we had the dominant blocking in place to protect and promote every offensive player. What a dream!
P.S. — do I get the record for most uses of the word “dominant” in one post? haha
Yes, you win.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
where does Herman Johnson fit?
I know hes not a true OT but coaches like him because he can play both sides and the middel? I think he’s our next gap filler.
Right now he's listed as a guard so that's where I'll insert him.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Russ Grimm
seems to think otherwise, but I agree for now that he takes a Guard position. With his size, if he has the feet he’d make an ideal Tackle – combined with John Lott’s conditioning program.
Duece and Brown...
Can line up and whip the guy in front of them in a physical battle, one on one. these two are the only ones who can make this claim. Sendlein is a scrub! Easily the worst starting center in the NFL! I’ve yet to see him get the best of even an average noseguard without the benefit of a double team block. He needs to be replaced! Wells, is decent guard but is better suited for a zone blocking scheme because he cannot handle the big physical defensive tackles in the nfl either! He’s a real good athlete but the Cardinal are using a more power based blocking scheme now and that isn’t his game. And Gandy is a lot like Sendlein, just there! It’s beyond me how some guys don’t understand how and why there will be at least 2 new starters on the offensive line next year. If it were up to me I’d replace the latter 3! I wouldn’t mind taking a look at Jamal Brown from the Saints but they won’t let him go. Keith and Johnson will start next season at left tackle and left guard next season
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 11, 2010 5:15 PM MST reply actions
Wow
You assessments in my mind are completely off. Sendlein isn’t the worst center in the league, hes actually ranked 22 of 34. So not worst, but not best. Wells is terrible and if you can’t see that than I hate to be rude/mean but I would have to say your judgment of line play is incredibly off.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Feb 11, 2010 9:32 PM MST up reply actions
Like I said earlier...
Name one noseguard he has blocked and won a physical battle with so far in his career? You can’t because he hasn’t done it, because he isn’t capable of beating even average dt’s or noseguards in the nfl! He doesn’t have the strength to take on these guys why is that hard to understand? How many times have you seen the good dt’s whip both his and wells’s ass even when they are double teaming? Sendlein suck in pass protection and he’s even worse trying to run block! How often do you see the cardinals run behind him with success? Unless he trains this off season in china or germany and get those undetectable steroids they have over there, any center they decide to bring in here will take his job! One last thing: just because a guy works hard doesn’t mean he’s a good player! don’t fall into that trap!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 12, 2010 5:43 PM MST reply actions
I have to agree...
with lifelongcardfan. You must remember, when building a team, you build it to win your division first and in the 2 games vs SF, Sendlein was absolutely exposed as nothing more than a fair center. If we do not shore up this position, they will dominate us again as they did last year.
As far as the draft goes, I will be shocked if we don’t address C and LT in rounds 1-3 and also see at least 2 new starters this year from draft/roster.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Mark Sanchez’s rumored squeeze, Kate Upton, is on cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue
- ‘Twould be a shame if Hines Ward didn’t retire a Steeler
- Video: Tim Tebow asked to Military Ball by Louisiana Airwoman
- We’ll see how Brandon Jacobs’ football skills translate to the squared circle
- Bill Belichick wore a hoodie to a golf tournament
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
