State Of The Arizona Cardinals Roster: Wide Receivers
by Andrew602 on Feb 23, 2010 3:12 PM MST
in NFL Offseason/Free Agency
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PrintAs we continue to review/look ahead in our breakdowns of the roster, the next position group up is the Arizona Cardinals' wide receivers. For the past three seasons, when you thought Arizona Cardinals football, you thought of a high-flying passing attack with pro bowl receivers making amazing catches. And although Kurt Warner has retired, the Cardinals still have the best receiving group in the NFL and their prolific attack should remain strong in 2010, even with Leinart under center. Let's take a look at the group.
Larry Fitzgerald
Age and 2009 Stats: 26-years old (08/31/1983) - 97 catches, 1,092 yards, 13 TD
Contract Status: Signed through 2011
2009 Analysis: Fitzgerald began 2009 appearing on the cover of the Madden football game and was immediately subject to the infamous "Madden Curse". Reportedly, whichever player appeared on the cover would be "cursed", with the results often being injury or "less-productive" seasons. Luckily, Fitzgerald shared the cover with Steelers' safety Troy Polamalu - who seemed to be main casualty in 2009. Although Fitzgerald and the Cardinals offense weren't as explosive as before, Larry's commitment and reliability remained strong. He still made the same acrobatic catches and broke personal records in 2009. He tied a single game-high with 13 catches in Seattle, and also caught a career high 13 touchdown passes during the regular season. Larry was named to the pro bowl and was also the leading receiver on the team.
2010 Outlook: It seems as though Fitzgerald is the only player notdealing with contract issues this offseason. He's signed through 2011 and is ever improving each aspect of this game. With the probable departure of Anquan Boldin this offseason, Fitzgerald will be lining up against opposing team's best cornerbacks if he hasn't been already. Nonetheless, he's sure to be one of the most exciting receivers in the league and another pro bowl or all pro appearance isn't a stretch for him to reach.
Season Grade: A-
Anquan Boldin
Age and 2009 Stats: 29-years old (10/03/1980) - 84 catches, 1,024, 4 TD
Contract Status: Signed through 2010
2009 Analysis: 2009 wasn't the year that Anquan Boldin broke out or reverted back to his old punishing style. Instead, he took a step backwards and was injured from the very opening week of the season. Although he battled through his injuries, there's not doubt they took their toll on Boldin's 29-year old battered body. He did eclipse the 1,000-yard mark but only caught four touchdowns for the entire year. Either way, Boldin was the same emotional leader on the field and he still managed to single-handily lead the Cardinals in 3-4 of their wins.
2010 Outlook: We've beat the Anquan Boldin-trade-drum for the last three seasons and with the final year of his contract approaching, it's in the best interest of the Cardinals organization to finally trade him while there is still value. There are too many holes at other positions for the Cardinals to pass up any additional draft picks. It's certain however, that no matter where Boldin goes to, he'll be a leader on the team and a star on the field.
Season Grade: C+
Steve Breaston
Age and 2009 Stats: 26-years old (08/20/1983) - 55 catches, 712 yards, 3 TD
Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent
2009 Analysis: Breaston didn't bask in the same success he achieved in 2008, but that's not to say this past year wasn't productive. Despite being the third string receiver for the majority of the year and nursing an injured knee that he suffered in training camp, Breaston appeared in 14 games and both playoff games. Breaston's production went unnoticed throughout the year, but he still managed to catch over 700 yards and was a threat on punt returns once he was completely healthy.
2010 Outlook: With the potential loss of Boldin, Breaston seems primed for a dominant 2010. He'd be moved into the starting role along side Fitzgerald, and would certainly become the primary deep threat for Matt Leinart. As of now, the offense remains a question mark with a new starting quarterback and a possible offensive scheme. Will Breaston still flourish in the Cardinals system?
Season Grade: B
Early Doucet
Age and 2009 Stats: 24-years old (10/28/1985) - 17 catches, 214 yards, 1 TD
Contract Status: Signed through 2010
2009 Analysis:We didn't see much of Early Doucet until the tail end of the season, but what we did see was impressive. In fact, it proved just why the Cardinals drafted him in the third round of 2008's draft. Although he was buried in the depth chart for most of the season, his breakout game came against the St. Louis Rams when he scored the first touchdown of his career. In the wild card round against the Packers, Doucet was one of Kurt Warner's primary targets throughout the game, proving that he didn't need more experience to step up in clutch situations.
2010 Outlook: Doucet will essentially be pushed into the role that Anquan Boldin has served in his time in Arizona as the slot receiver. He has the prototypical size and strength and he's already demonstrated the will to fight for an extra yard. As long as he can stay healthy and productive, he should have no problem developing into the next star receiver that the Cardinals have produced.
Season Grade: B
Jerheme Urban
Age and 2009 Stats: 29-years old (11/26/1980) - 18 catches, 186 yards
Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent
2009 Analysis: After impressing the coaches with a stellar training camp, it was perceived that Urban would serve as the Cardinals fourth string receiver in 2009. Unfortunately, his lack of ball control has hurt him his entire career in Arizona and it was felt when he lost a pivotal fumble against the Saints in the playoffs.
2010 Outlook: Urban is set to be a free agent, with the hopes idea that the Cardinals won't look to re-sign him. If they do, it would only be for insurance purposes. Urban's role would be diminished if he returned to the team next season.
Season Grade: D
Sean Morey
Age and 2009 Stats: 33-years old (02/26/1976)
Contract Status: Free Agent
2009 Analysis: If we were grading Morey on how he performed as a wide receiver, he'd be subject to an F. Fortunately for him, he made his money on special teams. He's the leader of the Cardinals special teams unit and despite suffering concussions throughout the year, he was still one of the primary coverage players. He didn't see the pro bowl for the second straight year but was selected as an alternate.
2010 Outlook: He's quickly approaching 34-years of age but the Cardinals shouldn't have a problem bringing him back for another 1-2 years. He won't ever be a star wide receiver, but it's the other intangibles that he brings to the team that matter.
Season Grade: C+
Onrea Jones
Age and 2009 Stats: 26-years old (12/22/1983)
Contract Status: Signed to future contract
2009 Analysis: Jones has been a training camp regular for the past two seasons and it was believed that he'd have a better chance at making the team this past year. Instead he was cut before the season started and didn't accumulate any stats.
2010 Outlook: During the 2009 preseason, Jones showed flashes of his potential and many ROTB regulars hope the Cardinals give him more of a chance next season. We can assume that Urban won't be with the team next year, and with Boldin possibly gone as well, Jones' opportunity to make the team is at its greatest chance.
Season Grade: N/A
Ed Gant
Age and 2009 Stats: 25-years old (01/24/1985)
Contract Status: Signed to future contract
2009 Analysis: Gant didn't play a snap for the starting offense but stayed on the coaches radar for this work ethic and special teams play.
2010 Outlook: He could be the odd man out once training camp comes to an end. He'll likely spend the majority of the year on the practice squad.
Season Grade: N/A
Overview:
The Cardinals don't need to target any wide receivers in free agency or the draft, but they do need to establish very soon on whether or not they'll trade Anquan Boldin. That is one situation that will develop in time, but for right now the Cardinals are at least set knowing they have the best wide receiver in the game and several young receivers that can develop into quality starters. What are your thoughts on the wide receivers?
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Morey did make the Pro Bowl last year didn't he?
Now seems like a good time for Jones and Gant both to move up, with both Urban’s and Morey’s status with the team presently up in the air. I’m not sold on that happening, though. As mentioned earlier in the year, I think it’s time they bring in a new punt returner. Breaston’s production hasn’t been great, and they’ll want to limit his exposure to injuries with him moving up to #2. We have openings both at WR and CB this year, so I’m not sure where that player will appear but it’ll be one or the other.
I expect to see a few more dropped passes from the group this year. By their own admission, they have been spoiled by Warner’s accuracy and will need time to adjust.
by tw3kr on Feb 23, 2010 4:33 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Punt returner.
LSH could fill that role too. CB is the spot that needs addressing so I’d think that a DB is the more likely pick.
That was phrased badly on my part.
I meant he wasn’t fortunate enough to make the pro bowl two years in a row – just one year.
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
Had a feeling in the back of my mind
that Urban was gonna lose that ball somehow some way…
Me too all the way
As a matter of fact, I felt that way anytime he touched the ball.
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
Urban is the only blemish.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
boldin at least desaerves a b+ he still had 1000 yards and if would of been healthy he would of lead the team in rec yards
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Feb 23, 2010 9:29 PM MST via mobile reply actions
+1
I had to do a double take at a C+ for him as well. I don’t know that I agree that he single-handedly lead us to 3-4 victories, but if he did I don’t know how that accomplishment wouldn’t warrant an “A” grade.
I think we may find out the hard way just how good Boldin is if we decide we can do without him.
How do you figure?
I know it’s hard to say a WR can lead a team to victory – most of the time that phrase goes to the quarterback. But in this case, if I had to pick I’d say he led them in the wins at St. Louis, vs Minnesota, at Detroit, and possibly against the Seahawks when they came AZ.
Considering Boldin declared he was going back to his “old self” before the season started, I’d say a C+ is warranted. We didn’t see the old Boldin. We saw him fight through injuries most of the season and miss both playoff games. Plus the 4 TDs were a big dropoff from the year before.
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
I'm basically in agreement with
you, until the grade you gave him. I thought he played outstanding when healthy, and per usual, as you pointed out, was a great leader on the field. I may not be understanding your grade scale, but I don’t follow how he gets a C+ grade for having an outstanding season by just about any standard, and Doucet gets a “B” for barely making it on to the field (only when Boldin was injured). Breaston’s numbers were down from a year ago and he got a “B” grade as well.
Do you really believe they had better seasons than Boldin did?
Long Beach
I based the grades on what the expectations were and the difference to what the player did the year before. With Boldin, I’m sure we expected a little more out of him then 4 TDs and 1000 yards – which translates to a measly 62.5 yards a game. Did Boldin have a good year compared to the receivers below him and even others from around the league? Yes. But compared to last season and even his own expectations I’d have to say he had an average season.
Now Doucet received a B, soley because I’m sure most of us didn’t expect a whole lot out of him. He put up ok numbers for a 4th or 5th string guy, but what we saw from him in the playoffs is what warranted the grade. So to answer your questen, no Doucet didn’t have the better year then Boldin, but he improved his numbers and far exceeded the expectations.
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
Also wanted to throw in
that I’m grading them too by their depth on the team. Boldin starts, Breaston doesn’t. So while Breaston’s numbers did drop off, what other 3rd string receiver in the league put up those numbers and still returned punts?
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
those were legit injuries
I have to disagree with you there andrew. His injuries were during the course of playing and would have taken down anyone. I hate to say what if but, he leads the team in catches if he wasn’t hurt. we’re talking over 100 catches here. Another thing people don’t realize is that with his playing style, he doesn’t rely on speed to get open. Boldin is a modern day Chris Carter. A big physical receiver who uses really good positioning combined with good route running and continuity with his quarterback to get open. I’ll bet anyone a weeks paycheck that Carter couldn’t break a 4.7 40 yard dash during his last 4-5 years playing. when it’s said and done, Boldin will have hall of fame numbers: 1,000 catches and over 10,000 yards. In my opinion he has 4-5 good years left in him. Another thing people tend to underestimate is his presence on the field. I’ll assure you that he would be sorely missed and breaston wouldn’t be a consistent 90 catch a season guy. I seriously doubt if he could take half the punishment that Boldin takes. Even whiz says that the cardinals are clearly a better team with him on the field. why people want to get rid of a hall of fame caliber player is beyond me!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 24, 2010 9:48 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Andrew's not grading Boldin based on what he could of done...
He is grading him on what he actually did.
Considering Boldin declared he was going back to his "old self" before the season started, I’d say a C+ is warranted. We didn’t see the old Boldin. We saw him fight through injuries most of the season and miss both playoff games. Plus the 4 TDs were a big dropoff from the year before.
I would have to agree with all of this.
+1
His “old self” would have had more than 4 TDs. His competitive nature would not have allowed him to miss the playoffs. C+ seems about right after further review.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Feb 25, 2010 6:56 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I don't know that
too many players, much less a WR, could play through both a sprained ankle and sprained medial collateral ligament in the same leg. There is a limit to how tough even “Q” is.
lifelong
Unfortunately injuries are part of the game, but Boldin’s style(a style I don’t mind at all) is going to cause more injuries then say, Larry Fitzgerald might receive. A lot of fans want him out entirely because he does always seem to be fighting off an injury. A fierce competitor he is, but you have to think the injuries are going to impact his numbers which then trickle down and effects the entire time. I love Boldin but the injuries that he essentially forced upon himself effected his year, thus effecting the grade from me.
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
Appreciate the clarification
the only thing I’d add is it had to be somewhat expected that his TD numbers would be down due to a greater emphasis on the run game, but regardless of all that we seem to have more agreements about Boldin than disagreements.
I'd agree as well
He’s never been a touchdown freak either.
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
No, his biggest
value will always be his ability to keep the chains moving, plus he’s still explosive enough to make double-teaming Fitzgerald a risky move by the opposition.
While I don’t agree with them, I get the arguments for moving him in the off-season, but I think it would be a very weird feeling for all of us to actually see him wearing another uniform.
it will for sure be weird to see him in another uniform
but i think it is best for the Cards. We have a lot of holes to fill with plenty of depth at WR.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
I agree smewhat!
but 87 catches and over a thousand yards is better than a c grade! he still had a better year than breaston!
by lifelongcardfan on Feb 25, 2010 6:05 PM MST up reply actions
Ill throw some stats your way to help
Boldin was the starter for the year, Breaston was not – except for a handful of games.
- Boldin was targeted 126 times and Breaston was targeted 82 times, which is a 44 difference.
- For the year, Breaston caught 67% of his passes, which means he could have caught 29 of those 44 targets.
- At 12.9 ypc * 29 = 380. Then add 380 to his season total of 712 and Breaston could have had 1092 yards had he been targeted as much as Boldin.
And keep in mind that’s not even in a starting role. Therefore, I’d say that Breaston could’ve easily put up Boldin’s numbers and maybe more had he started all year.
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
Interesting stat
and well-stated, but it’s comparing apples to oranges. In the games he didn’t start he had the unique opportunity of being the third option behind two of the best WR’s in the league, so a lot of his receptions in those situations occur when he’s wide open. He’s also not the one being thrown to in 3rd and 4/3rd and 5 type situations in heavy traffic over the middle, or right at the line of scrimmage and then runs the DB over to keep the chains moving, etc.
However, none of that is to say he isn’t a great #3 receiver or that his unexpected development hasn’t been a huge boost to the offense. I think we all saw the stat about how sure-handed our WR’s are. The only concern I have is how Breaston and Doucet will do as long-term replacements for Boldin, should his rumored trade finally be something more than an obligatory off-season discussion.
no way really?
does that mean Jack isnt Jill either? Of course he isnt and of course we are NOT going after an aging injury proned QB that will demand more money than he is worth. LeiNart is going to get his chance.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
haha
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
Sup HardHat
And the guys name is LEINART.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Our QB situation
should look somewhat familiar to you as a Green Bay fan, with the obvious difference being that our legend handled his retirement with class.
Nice one Long Beach
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
Gracias
Where the hell does some smart-ass Green Bay fan come off with the shit he posted? Leinart can’t replace Warner? Sure, just like Rodgers couldn’t possibly replace Favre.
Such a shame the cheeseheads will be forever burning their #4 jerseys while we’ll be electing our #13 Governor.
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